Scientists have identified a gene that could influence male pattern baldness. Until recently, scientists though that only the androgen receptor gene, inherited from the mother on the X chromosome, impacted baldness, but recent research has pinpointed the impact of Chromosome 20, which is inherited from both parents. This could provide an explanation for hair loss similarities between father and son.

A preliminary study looked at 500 men with early onset hair loss and 500 men without it, in order to identify two relevant genetic areas. International researchers then analysed the DNA data of 5000 men with and without male pattern baldness to locate the two specific genes - one man in seven had both genetic variants. The results of the research have been published in the journal Nature Genetics.

The study makes the case for early hair loss prediction as a way to encourage the development of preventative hair loss treatments. The study's findings should certainly enable individuals to predict whether they are likely to lose their hair before the age of 50, but there aren't any preventative treatments as yet.

Androgenic alopecia (male pattern baldness) is known to be hereditary and partly caused by testosterone, but researchers say they need to undertake further studies to analyze the likely impact of testosterone on baldness.