Scientists use 3D-printed molds to grow human hair

Researchers have developed a method using 3D printing to create a mold that mimics the natural environment of human hair cells. This involves engineering human skin to grow around the mold and seeding it with hair follicle cells. The process is enhanced by a cocktail of growth factors, including JAK inhibitors, which stimulate hair growth by reactivating dormant hair follicles. This technique shows promise for hair restoration surgery, allowing for the creation of a grid of engineered hairs that can be transplanted back into the patient's scalp.

What is the purpose of the plastic mold created using 3D printing?

• To produce synthetic hair

• To develop a new skin treatment

• To create a new type of plastic

• To mimic the natural environment of human hair cells

What role do JAK inhibitors play in hair growth?

• They increase hair thickness

• They prevent hair loss

• They stimulate dormant hair follicles

• They change hair color

How do JAK inhibitors affect the JAK-STAT pathway?

• They deactivate the pathway to trigger follicle growth

• They have no effect on the pathway

• They reverse the pathway's effects

• They activate the pathway to keep hair follicles dormant

What is a potential benefit of the new hair growth technique for hair restoration surgery?

• It reduces the cost of hair restoration

• It enables the creation of a grid of engineered hair follicles

• It eliminates the need for surgery

• It allows for the creation of synthetic hair

How does the new method differ from current hair restoration techniques?

• It uses synthetic hair instead of natural hair

• It relies on redistributing existing follicles

• It creates new hair follicles for transplantation

• It uses chemical treatments to stimulate growth