German scientist predict hair loss cure in five years
http://www.hair123.co.uk/articles/articles/100/1/German-scientist-predict-hair-loss-cure-in-five-years/Page1.html
Susan Whitford
Susan Whitford has twelve years experience as a health and beauty journalist in the United Kingdom. Susan has worked as a staff writer and features editor on a number of consumer magazines. By Susan Whitford
Published on 21st December, 2010
German scientists have predicted that they will be able to find a cure for male baldness within the next five years.
German scientists have predicted that they will be able to find a cure for male baldness within the next five years.
The scientists at Berlin Technical University have been using stem cells to cultivate the world's first artificial hair follicles, which have the potential to be used in new hair transplant treatment.
The leading scientist on the project, Dr Roland Lauster, said that the follicles they had been developing were actually from animal cells, but that the technique could easily be transferred across to human cells within 12 months.
In fact, he told the German newspaper, Die Welt, that clinical trials of the therapy were "already in motion" - a prospect sure to raise the spirits of men suffering from baldness the world over.
The development of the artificial follicles could provide a clear alternative to current hair loss treatments that men currently struggle with, in an international industry worth billions across the globe. Treatments include direct transplants, and drug therapies - some of which have dubious success rates.
Stem cells are the body's master cells, which can be manipulated in labs to grow into any other tissue in the human body, including blood, bones and even whole organs.
The scientists at Berlin Technical University have been using stem cells to cultivate the world's first artificial hair follicles, which have the potential to be used in new hair transplant treatment.
The leading scientist on the project, Dr Roland Lauster, said that the follicles they had been developing were actually from animal cells, but that the technique could easily be transferred across to human cells within 12 months.
In fact, he told the German newspaper, Die Welt, that clinical trials of the therapy were "already in motion" - a prospect sure to raise the spirits of men suffering from baldness the world over.
The development of the artificial follicles could provide a clear alternative to current hair loss treatments that men currently struggle with, in an international industry worth billions across the globe. Treatments include direct transplants, and drug therapies - some of which have dubious success rates.
Stem cells are the body's master cells, which can be manipulated in labs to grow into any other tissue in the human body, including blood, bones and even whole organs.