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Cure for Mouse Pattern Baldness?

Posted by michael on from the saving-bruce-willis dept.

superfearo writes "Wired News reports that scientists have found a way to grow new hair follicles on hairless mice using stem cells. Of course, these Howard Hughes Medical Institute researchers hope to use this procedure to grow hair, skin, and even sebaceous glands in humans. The stem cells used in this research were not extracted from embryos, but rather from the skin of the mice. So if the same can be done with humans, this procedure can perhaps avoid any controversy."

4 of 24 comments (clear)

  1. controversy by nuggetman · · Score: 4, Insightful

    no, there will still be controversy, simply because the words "stem cells" are included. it's just how it is... people will forever associate it with abortion now, and until they can shake that stigma theres no other option.

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    ...and that's all there is to it.
    1. Re:controversy by OwlofCreamCheese · · Score: 3, Insightful

      bah... just do like they do with NMRIs... arbitarily change the name... just make up a new name for stem cells from adults, even a non scientific one for press releases and problem solved.

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      -You're wasting your time. Alfador only likes me.
    2. Re:controversy by Brandybuck · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Perhaps if the pro-stem-cell advocates didn't spend so much time arguing that abortions are the only way to get stem cells, there wouldn't be this controversy. Anytime someone would mention other sources of stem cells, a crowd would descend on him with mockery and derision.

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      Don't blame me, I didn't vote for either of them!
  2. Real potential by mcpres · · Score: 3, Insightful

    The real potential with this procedure is in what else may come from his techniques. While finding a treatment/cure for baldness would be great, if the hair follicle stem cells can be induce into differentiating into other cell types it could provide treatments to countless other diseases and medical problems with much less controversy.