Stem Cells Blamed for Baldness

Posted on Jan 5, 2011

Flickr / Chimpanz APe (CC-BY)

A team of researchers at the University of Pennsylvania believes defective stem cells cause male pattern baldness. Apparently the haywire cells cause shrinking follicles that produce microscopic hairs. A cure may be possible.

BBC:

A manufacturing defect means the hair produced is so small it appears invisible to the naked eye, giving the classic bald spot or receding hairline.

The US team told the Journal of Clinical Investigation the fault lies with the stem cells that make new hair.

It may be possible to ‘cure’ male baldness by restoring the normal function of these cells, the experts hope.

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