baldness is not a disease

The media has gone into a frenzy describing a research breakthrough as a 'cure for baldness'.

Since when has baldness been a disease that required a cure?

For the original press release from University of Pennsylvania;

(PHILADELPHIA) – Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have found that hair follicles in adult mice regenerate by re-awakening genes once active only in developing embryos. These findings provide unequivocal evidence for the first time that, like other animals such as newts and salamanders, mammals have the power to regenerate. These findings are published in the May 17 issue of Nature.

Growth of regenerated hair follicles over 45 days. Arrow indicates hair shaft. Click on thumbnail to view full-size image

A better understanding of this process could lead to novel treatments for hair loss, other skin and hair disorders, and wounds.

“We showed that wound healing triggered an embryonic state in the skin which made it receptive to receiving instructions from wnt proteins,” says senior author George Cotsarelis, MD, Associate Professor of Dermatology. “The wnts are a network of proteins implicated in hair-follicle development.”

Researchers previously believed that adult mammal skin could not regenerate hair follicles. In fact, investigators generally believe that mammals had essentially no true regenerative qualities. (The liver can regenerate large portions, but it is not de novo regeneration; some of the original liver has to remain so that it can regenerate.)

In this study, researchers found that wound healing in a mouse model created an “embryonic window” of opportunity. Dormant embryonic molecular pathways were awakened, sending stem cells to the area of injury. Unexpectedly, the regenerated hair follicles originated from non-hair-follicle stem cells.

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Thank goodness for Thursday. I had a shorter day today at work due to an appointment with the accountant. Last year's tax return now lodged. Can't wait for the small refund. Better than having to pay more tax.

Emily is over tonight. We had duck confit with roast whole baby unpeeled King Edward potatoes with broccolini for dinner.