Hair Growth Signal Dictated By Fat Cells 146
RogerRoast writes "According to an article published in the journal Cell, molecular signals from fat cell (adipocyte) precursors under the skin are necessary to spur hair growth in mice. Yale researchers report in the paper that these cells produce molecules called PDGF (platelet derived growth factors), which are necessary to produce hair growth. The discovery of the source of signals that trigger hair growth may lead to new treatments for baldness. The trick is in getting adipocyte precursors under the skin to talk to stem cells at the base of the hair follicles."
I started to lose my hair when I was 17... (Score:0, Funny)
... and 16 years later, I'm comfortable with being bald. I was all the way through my 20s. I really don't understand the level of vanity that causes some men to be prepared to throw so much money at trying to fix a process that doesn't cause any harm other than in their own heads.
Just think what those researchers could have done if they'd spent their time researching cures for illnesses and real problems that society faces, rather than developing a highly profitable but purely cosmetic technique like this. I can only hope there are side-benefits to this research that will help with a genuine problem.
Re:I started to lose my hair when I was 17... (Score:2, Funny)
You really haven't seen the shape of my head. The hair is doing everybody a favour... trust me
Mice skin toupees (Score:3, Funny)
The trick is in getting adipocyte precursors under the skin to talk to stem cells at the base of the hair follicles.
So why not skip all the steps in between, and just sew together toupees of peeled mice?
. . . um . . . warning sticker . . . "Stay away from cats, when in use."