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.
Florida’s 6-week abortion ban will have a ‘snowball effect’ on residents across the South
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Birmingham is 3rd worst in the Southeast for ozone pollution, new report says
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Why haven’t Kansas and Alabama — among other holdouts — expanded access to Medicaid?
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Once praised, settlement to help sickened BP oil spill workers leaves most with nearly nothing
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Q&A: How harm reduction can help mitigate the opioid crisis
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