Stem Cell Cures Baldness in Japan

Yes, that' is a "bald" mouse with a puff of new hair
sticking out of it's neck! :)

Now here's some real good news for all us balding dudes: a new type of stem cell therapy may lead to a real cure for baldness, according to fresh Japanese research. Scientists from Tokyo University of Science created new hair follicles from stem cells and then implanted them into the skin of hairless mice... and new hair grew out of them!

The good news is that the follicles continued to function normally, regenerating hair in normal growth cycles even after old hair fell out. Maybe even better news is that the Japanese researchers used easy-to-get adult stem cells, not embryo-extracted cells. Experts hope the new research will lead not only to a true baldness cure, but also to new ways to bio-engineer human organs.

 So, at least in theory, people will soon be able to use their own stem cells to grow fresh, fully-functioning hair follicles (say that 5 times quickly) and then possibly grow a new kidney or ear to go along with the full head of hair. Unfortunately, even if everything goes perfectly during the research and human tests, stem cell-based baldness treatments probably won't be available for 7-10 years!

 Learn some mo': Japanese study raises hopes of cure for baldness

New Baldness Treatment Might Be On the Way (Again!)

Worried about losing your beautiful hair? Well there's some good news: a new baldness treatment -- possibly even a "cure" -- might be on the way in the near future, according to research from the University of Pennsylvania. A recent study there identified the protein chemical -- called "PDG2" -- responsible for stopping hair growth on top of the scalp. Experts say the discovery could (finally) lead to a true cure for male pattern baldness.

The good news is that drugs that block the PDG2 protein are already in development because, apparently and coincidentally, they are a new treatment option for asthma sufferers. If the findings are correct these drugs may help to slow or even reverse hair loss. So an actual pill or topical scalp treatment could potentially be available on the market within just a couple of years.

We say: It seems like every couple of years there's a new "miracle" hair loss discovery that will lead to a real cure. Then we forget about it and nothing ever happens for some strange reason (do the pharma companies make too much money off of Rogaine??). It would be nice if this is the miraculous balding-cure discovery that actually turns into something real!

Learn some mo': Study Finds Pattern in Male Baldness: Could There Be a Cure?