Hair-raising experience

Losing your hair? Or, do you face a different problem: do you have too much of it? Either way, you may be interested to learn that there is a new treatment for each issue on the horizon.

Two new gene studies revealed that mutations of a gene known as P2RY5 could be responsible for a hereditary hair loss condition called hypotrichosis, as well as the development of what researchers described as "wooly, coarse, lusterless, dry, and tightly curled" hair.

By researching this gene further, scientists are hopeful that new treatment methods can soon be made available.

Both studies appear in the February 24, 2008 issue of Nature Genetics.