Researchers in the US have discovered the first human gene associated with hair loss, writes Dick Ahlstrom, Science Editor. The new gene, appropriately named "hairless", is linked to a severe form of inherited baldness and might be the trigger that turns on the entire human hair cycle. The Columbia University group, publishing in the journal, Science, hopes the discovery could lead to advanced treatments for hair loss.
"It is now within our reach to design ways to grow hair, remove hair, even dye hair genetically," according to Dr Herbert Irving of the research group.