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With a technique similar to that used in treating acne scars in humans, the researchers created wounds in skin samples removed from mice and then incorporated wnt proteins (which are thought to be involved in hair follicle development). What they found was entirely new hair follicles were formed by epithelial (or surface layer) skin cells.

According to Dr. Cotsarelis, scarring apparently made the skin susceptible to directions provided by the wnt proteins. In other words, the proteins told the skin to form new hair follicles, and the skin obeyed. Even more promising is the fact that these new hair follicles formed in skin cells where they had never formerly existed.

On its face, these findings seem to contradict the long-held belief that, with few exceptions, mammals are not able to regenerate tissue. Although Dr. Cotsarelis? tests with mice suggest that this belief may have some loopholes, further testing is needed to determine whether similar results are possible in other species. If this technique can be applied to humans, it would likely allow for the creation of new hair follicles in areas typically associated with male pattern baldness.