Scientists Grow Human Hair on Mouse

But tests on humans are probably a decade away
By Dustin Lushing,  Newser Staff
Posted Apr 18, 2012 5:05 PM CDT
Scientists Grow Human Hair on Mouse
A stock image of a mouse.   (Shutterstock)

Bald people may have new hope for getting back those flowing locks. Japanese scientists have regenerated hair growth on bald mice, reports the Wall Street Journal. The researchers injected the follicle cells of a hairy mouse into the follicles of a bald mouse, and within three weeks, 74% of the transferred follicles sprouted hair. They also implanted a human hair follicle, which successfully grew human hair.

The scientists were able to adjust the density and color of the hair by using different types of cells. The technique will take roughly a decade before it can be tested on human subjects, and it will likely be used solely to help with hair loss from injury or disease rather than general baldness, as only small amounts of hair can be cultivated. It's another example of how mice might turn out to be bald men's best friends. (More baldness stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X