However, it is likely that one of Intercytex's methods involves supplying this factor to cultured dermal papilla cells.

ECONOMIST: A cure for baldness

Their dermal papilla cells have been extracted, multiplied and re-injected into their scalps.

ECONOMIST: A cure for baldness

For, in normal culture, dermal papilla cells quickly lose this sought-after ability.

ECONOMIST: A cure for baldness

Intercytex's second approach seems to involve culturing the dermal papilla cells with proteins that take part in signalling during the process that creates hair.

ECONOMIST: A cure for baldness

Subsequently, another group of investigators reported increased efficiency of KSHV infection of human dermal microvascular epithelial cells in the presence of low doses of delta-9-THC.

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According to the Independent Healthcare Advisory Service (IHAS), about 200, 000 anti-wrinkle injections, which includes Botox and dermal fillers, are carried out in the UK each year.

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Karen Rowing said she had had Botox in her lunch-break and after the dermal filler treatment would be going home to pick up her children from school.

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That observation is only useful, though, if you can multiply dermal papilla cells and do so in a way that allows them to keep their ability to induce hair growth.

ECONOMIST: A cure for baldness

Mongolian spots (technically named congenital dermal melanocytosis) are flat bluish-green, gray or light brown areas where cells called melanocytes have been trapped in a layer of the skin called the dermis.

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Although it is understandably tight-lipped about the exact mechanism behind its success, one probably enlists the help of cells called keratinocytes, which interact naturally with the dermal papilla cells of the hair follicle and secrete a chemical factor that supports their growth.

ECONOMIST: A cure for baldness