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.
Lawmakers move to place rules on app use by children
For many of us, smartphones are our connection to the world, whether it's messaging friends, watching videos or catching up on the news. That connection gets a little more fraught, though, when the person using the phone is a minor. An Alabama Senate committee this week passed a bill that would put in place new rules around apps and children.
Skier Lindsey Vonn’s Winter Olympic comeback dream is in jeopardy after a crash
Vonn was seen clutching her left knee after crashing in a race in Switzerland on Friday, the last before the Winter Olympics. Her comeback after retiring in 2019 was one of Team USA's biggest stories.
Feds arrest 4, including Don Lemon and Minnesota journalist over church protest
Lemon was taken into custody by federal agents in Los Angeles, where he was covering the Grammy awards, his attorney, Abbe Lowell, said in a statement posted on social media.
‘ChatGPT saved my life.’ How patients, and doctors, are using AI to make a diagnosis
Hundreds of millions of people are turning to chatbots to help figure out what's wrong with them. Doctors say that's not always a bad thing. In fact, many are using it themselves.
Birmingham Museum of Art brings a century of French Modernist works to town
Claude Monet and Henri Matisse may already be household names for fans of Impressionism, French painting or water lilies, but the Birmingham Museum of Art is offering a fresh look into 100 years of French modern art beyond the famed Frenchmen. It’s all in their newest exhibit Monet to Matisse: French Moderns, 1850–1950, opening Friday.
Trump taps Kevin Warsh to lead the Federal Reserve
Trump plans to nominate Kevin Warsh to be the next chair of the Federal Reserve, when Jerome Powell's term expires in May. The president has been pushing the central bank to slash interest rates.
