Summary
Researchers at National Taiwan University have created a serum that regrew hair on mice in 20 days, leading to questions about its potential for treating human baldness. The study highlights how skin irritation can trigger hair regrowth through a process involving fatty acids and white blood cells. However, experts caution that the findings may not directly apply to humans.
Key Facts
- The serum developed at National Taiwan University made hair regrow on mice in 20 days.
- The research suggests the serum might stimulate human hair growth by activating hair follicle stem cells.
- Baldness, especially male baldness, is common in the U.S., with over 42% of men experiencing it.
- Common baldness treatments include creams, medications, and hair transplants.
- Sodium lauryl sulfate, found in many shampoos, can cause skin irritation that promotes hair regrowth.
- Inflammation and macrophages (a type of white blood cell) play roles in the hair growth process after skin injury.
- Experts say the study’s results might not have the same effect on human hair due to differences in hair growth phases between humans and mice.
