According to Matthew Stock’s report, scientists have discovered the key to keep your hair ever black, whereby the genes that are responsible for greying our hair could be treated to delay or prevent the phenomenon.
Irrespective of age and cast, greying hair is almost synonymous to aging years in human beings. However, this need no longer be the norm as the genes responsible for causing greying of hair could be ‘switched off’. It is for the first time ever that the scientists have “identified a gene called IRF4” which they think cause grey hair.
The research work to arrive at the above mentioned finding included examination of over six thousand volunteers’ DNA sample, which were collected from Latin America. The volunteers were chosen from “diverse ancestry” of the country. Consequently, it was found that people having their roots in the Europe have more tendency of grey hair. In the words of Dr. Kaustubh Adhikari from the Cell and development Biology section of the University College London:
"This genetic variant of IRF4 has two forms; one form is present world-wide and the other form is present only in Europeans. And we saw that this particular European specific form gives you almost double the chance of hair greying."
The IRF4 genes regulate the melanin level in human body which, “among other things”, it determines the hair colour of an individual. However, environment and age will also play a role in influencing the trigger of greying hair. Nevertheless, the researchers claim that they have discovered a treatment process which can stop the said process. The biosciences’ professor Andrés Ruiz-Linares at the University College London said:
"Switching off a gene is of course feasible, the issue is whether it will have the desired effect and whether it's the right thing to do... But in terms of trying to develop a therapy to delay or prevent hair greying, that is something that is potentially feasible; yes."
Interestingly, the said news may be a good one for some, although in London’s market some people seem to be “decidedly pro-grey”. One of the male shoppers stated:
"I don't mind going grey, I don't mind not going grey - I really couldn't care less."
While another female shopper also said:
"Go grey. Definitely go grey, go natural."
Some think grey while is “trendy” and others consider it to be a sign of wisdom. According to Reuter’s report:
“Scientists say a simple cosmetic treatment for switching off the grey gene would take many more years of research. But for those keen to banish the grey forever, your prayers might one day be answered”.
References:
http://www.reuters.com/
Irrespective of age and cast, greying hair is almost synonymous to aging years in human beings. However, this need no longer be the norm as the genes responsible for causing greying of hair could be ‘switched off’. It is for the first time ever that the scientists have “identified a gene called IRF4” which they think cause grey hair.
The research work to arrive at the above mentioned finding included examination of over six thousand volunteers’ DNA sample, which were collected from Latin America. The volunteers were chosen from “diverse ancestry” of the country. Consequently, it was found that people having their roots in the Europe have more tendency of grey hair. In the words of Dr. Kaustubh Adhikari from the Cell and development Biology section of the University College London:
"This genetic variant of IRF4 has two forms; one form is present world-wide and the other form is present only in Europeans. And we saw that this particular European specific form gives you almost double the chance of hair greying."
The IRF4 genes regulate the melanin level in human body which, “among other things”, it determines the hair colour of an individual. However, environment and age will also play a role in influencing the trigger of greying hair. Nevertheless, the researchers claim that they have discovered a treatment process which can stop the said process. The biosciences’ professor Andrés Ruiz-Linares at the University College London said:
"Switching off a gene is of course feasible, the issue is whether it will have the desired effect and whether it's the right thing to do... But in terms of trying to develop a therapy to delay or prevent hair greying, that is something that is potentially feasible; yes."
Interestingly, the said news may be a good one for some, although in London’s market some people seem to be “decidedly pro-grey”. One of the male shoppers stated:
"I don't mind going grey, I don't mind not going grey - I really couldn't care less."
While another female shopper also said:
"Go grey. Definitely go grey, go natural."
Some think grey while is “trendy” and others consider it to be a sign of wisdom. According to Reuter’s report:
“Scientists say a simple cosmetic treatment for switching off the grey gene would take many more years of research. But for those keen to banish the grey forever, your prayers might one day be answered”.
References:
http://www.reuters.com/
