Stem Cell research all over the media for growing hair on mice this week

[bullitnut]

Stem cell researchers have managed to grow new human hair in mice in research that could pave the way to a cure for baldness.

The new technique, developed at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute in California, saw human stem cells being developed into the cells responsible for growing flowing locks.

These cells were transplanted into laboratory mice, and the mice started to grow new human hair.

Conventional hair transplant techniques - favoured by the likes of Calum Best and Wayne Rooney - rely on taking strips of existing hair from the scalp or elsewhere and then meticulously removing the follicles before implanting them into the bald parts of the head.

This new approach could eventually mean that baldies would keep on to their existing hair, but grow new hair using stem cells which could be cultured in a laboratory before being transplanted into the scalp.

The team used embryonic stem cells - taken from a fertilised egg that has grown into a ball of around 100 cells - which can be coaxed to become pretty much any type of cells, whether that's nerve cells, heart cells or, in this case, "dermal papilla" cells.

Dermal papilla cells are a group of cells that work together to create hair. The scientists' technique ensured that the stem cells developed into these dermal papilla cells which in turn induced €œrobust € hair growth when they were transplanted into mice.

 

[Bigmac]

That's a lot of mice to cover a human head, lol.
Hopefully they are making breakthroughs and not just the usual media hype.

 

[topccat29]

They throw the public a bone every once in a while regarding stem cells. A few companies have tried like Geron but eventually they just run out of time and money not everyone has 10 years and $500 M which is still not enough including tomes of data. They would rather see guys like Christopher Reeves die then risk it being used and maybe working.

The Pharmaceutical industry brings in about $1.2 T €¦ €¦ €¦ €¦..yes trillion in global sales. Do you think they are going to let some researcher upset that apple cart? Not unless they play a direct part in it and can monetize it to their advantage without destroying their own golden goose.

If you would have asked me 30 years ago I would have said that statement was crazy the world doesn €™t work that way but it does. Much more money to be made in getting people to take pills in fact that have gotten them to love taking pills and although curing baldness is rather small in the grand scheme of things the problem would be the implications for all the other diseases that bring in revenue. It €™s probably too risky.

Kind of like FUE €¦ €¦ €¦..it €™s the same procedure it was 20 years ago so why did it take so long to be accepted and in fact garner a larger market share? Simply because people like to keep making money even if that means sometimes offering something which may be inferior to the public or maybe not the best choice. Money often trumps progress and people will lie to keep that gravy train rolling.

It €™s also why one must do whatever possible to stay healthy. If you get the cancer they are going to give you the 4mm giant punch to the back of your head (chemotherapy) because that is what brings in the money $50B. I know a lady at the farmer €™s coop that does mobile chemo as an R.N. She does very well for herself. It €™s just a job and she is not going to change the system €¦ €¦ €¦..too many people making too much money. Just put on your pink ribbon and yellow wrist band and go with the flow.

 

[topccat29]

All I can say is in a way thank God the hair transplant industry is not regulated. If it were FUE would probably not have seen the light of day and many would not have been able to pursue repair. Too much money was being made offering what the majority were able to do. Even so the industry tried their best to talk it down for close to 20 years and it €™s only in recent years that young guys had enough patients online to help guide them along and the industry stooges had a harder time promoting.

Doesn €™t mean that many guys weren €™t wrecked by some of the promoters trying to control the information but many were saved too, so I guess you have to look at the positive. Now with robotics some of the same industry stooges are trying to talk it up as more can play €¦ €¦ €¦ €¦.it €™s interesting to watch.

It has to be a hard decision not to do what it right, to play stooge for and industry. Almost like the guy on the corner twirling the sign €¦ €¦ €¦ €¦.I guess if the money is good enough why not.


I €™m sure they can probably get the Pancreas to produce insulin with some type of stem cell therapy but then what does the synthetic insulin market do along with the periphery that also profits. I just don €™t see it happening any time soon. Been watching how the game is played for too long.


I am thankful the hair transplant industry has taught me to learn about the medical industry and stay away from doctors unless one €™s life is in absolute jeopardy. Have not been to one in about 30 years now.

 

[pidda]

I'm excited. I never thought I would say this, but I could use more hair in the back of my head!

 

[somit]

They publish such stories when they have vacant space to fill. Stem cells will not work... period as Dr. Woods said. And I believe him more then any lay journolist

 

[bullitnut]

Well on a positive note at least they have created a new bread of hippy mice::}{:
Seriously though it would be awesome if something like this did eventually come about but i as many remain sceptical.

 

[Westcoaster]

They are looking for sponsors to fund a continuation with the research, most probably why the press releases. I recall seeing similar press releases several years ago.