Viruses Could Trigger Early Gray Hair
A new UAB study looking at stem cells in mice might have nudged scientists toward a better understanding of one of the often-dreaded realities of aging: gray hair.
The study published last week suggests certain types of infections can start or speed up the hair-graying process in mice. UAB biologists found that triggering some of the animals’ immune systems resulted in a loss or malfunctioning of special stem cells that make melanocytes, which make hair pigment. That loss led to more and earlier graying.
Learning more about how the immune system interacts with melanocyte stem cells could also mean more insight into diseases like melanoma and vitiligo.
It’s unknown whether the findings extend to humans, but the authors think the study could explain why some people go gray early. They also say it might help explain anecdotal stories of hair turning gray after viral infections.
Scientists worry about lasting damage from Potomac sewage spill
Drinking water around the District of Columbia hasn't been contaminated. But scientists say the environmental damage could be severe.
Using saliva to detect disease holds promise, but it’s not perfected yet
Easier than a blood test, saliva tests have the potential to detect cavities, infections and even cancer. But a lack of insurance coverage and other obstacles stand in the way of wider use.
What worked and what didn’t with a cellphone ban at a Kentucky school
Keeping students off their devices is the new norm in many schools. We talked to students and educators at one Kentucky school to see how it's working.
Israeli settlers kill 19-year-old Palestinian American, officials and witnesses say
Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank shot and killed a Palestinian American man during an attack on a village, the Palestinian Health Ministry said.
Trump says he doesn’t know if aliens are real but directs government to release files on UFOs
President Donald Trump said Thursday that he's directing the Pentagon and other government agencies to release files related to extraterrestrials and UFOs because of "tremendous interest."
Trump warns of ‘bad things’ if Iran doesn’t make a deal, as second U.S. carrier nears Mideast
Iran held annual military drills with Russia on Thursday as a second American aircraft carrier drew closer to the Middle East.
