Hair does not regenerate naturally and when a person loses hair follicles, they go bald. However, a group of researchers from the University of Tokyo (Japan) has managed to regrow hair in hairless mice thanks to a new bioengineering technique and in the future they hope to develop a remedy to treat alopecia.
The experiment, published in the journal Nature Communications , consisted of implanting hair and vibrissae (specialized mustache hairs) artificially made from stem cells. The researchers followed the evolution of the implanted hair and observed that the correct connections were made with the host tissues and the normal cycle of hair growth was regenerated.
In addition to being used to treat alopecia or to promote hair regrowth in patients who have suffered an injury, this technique could be used to combat other diseases by regenerating organs, the study authors indicate.
