I think that there are some aspects of this issue that forum members could have a greater influence on, and might be overlooking.
For one, the only truly revolutionary research being done is stem cell based and coming from Tsuji labs and Jahoda. What they are accomplishing will, I think, definitely constitute a cure in the coming century. However, I also think that turning follicle creation into a cure is going to become more of a mechanical problem than a medical one. New hair is growing- they have proven it. They will certainly get good hair to grow once the genetics and stem cell issues are figured out bit by bit. However, what may take a very long time is figuring out how to get these new hairs onto the head in a way that makes sense cosmetically. HT surgeons are barely able to point hair in the right direction and patterns, and these new follicles will need to be inserted or induced to grow in a subcutaneous way. This is going to require some sort of system/scaffold/automated device/technique that is as of yet not invented.
You don't have to be a biologist to make inroads into solving this problem, in fact it will probably be solved by someone in an engineering or technical field. How do we get people to work on this NOW, so that when the scientists are ready with their new follicles, there is a way to put them to work? I'm wondering if the new follicles can't be inserted as some kind of mesh or system. Either way, whoever figures out the mechanics of hair replacement stands to make a lot of money. Maybe Dr. Wesley would be able to start brainstorming and tackling this issue. I'm sure the japanese are already thinking about how to do this too, but the more we can push competition and create ideas, the better.
On a final note to Dr. Wesley- How come you guys are trying to make the removal process better, but essentially hand cutting holes for insertion? I understand the scars are smaller, but the insertion methods are still hardly able to mimic natural growth or density. I find it hard to believe that a special machine could not be used to digitally plot out the new location of the follicles (a 3D map of the scalp with insertion dots could also, with 3D graphics technology, be used to paint a picture of how the new transplant is going to look), and another robotic device used to make the new tiny holes and implant the follicles at the proper angle automatically. This would also save huge amounts of time as far as doctors and assistants hovering over patients to insert the grafts. Sadly, I doubt most HT surgeons want to make surgery cheaper or less skill based- but if I was an HT doctor like Wesley I would be looking to build something like artas, but which automates the entire procedure. Just some thoughts from a novice.
For one, the only truly revolutionary research being done is stem cell based and coming from Tsuji labs and Jahoda. What they are accomplishing will, I think, definitely constitute a cure in the coming century. However, I also think that turning follicle creation into a cure is going to become more of a mechanical problem than a medical one. New hair is growing- they have proven it. They will certainly get good hair to grow once the genetics and stem cell issues are figured out bit by bit. However, what may take a very long time is figuring out how to get these new hairs onto the head in a way that makes sense cosmetically. HT surgeons are barely able to point hair in the right direction and patterns, and these new follicles will need to be inserted or induced to grow in a subcutaneous way. This is going to require some sort of system/scaffold/automated device/technique that is as of yet not invented.
You don't have to be a biologist to make inroads into solving this problem, in fact it will probably be solved by someone in an engineering or technical field. How do we get people to work on this NOW, so that when the scientists are ready with their new follicles, there is a way to put them to work? I'm wondering if the new follicles can't be inserted as some kind of mesh or system. Either way, whoever figures out the mechanics of hair replacement stands to make a lot of money. Maybe Dr. Wesley would be able to start brainstorming and tackling this issue. I'm sure the japanese are already thinking about how to do this too, but the more we can push competition and create ideas, the better.
On a final note to Dr. Wesley- How come you guys are trying to make the removal process better, but essentially hand cutting holes for insertion? I understand the scars are smaller, but the insertion methods are still hardly able to mimic natural growth or density. I find it hard to believe that a special machine could not be used to digitally plot out the new location of the follicles (a 3D map of the scalp with insertion dots could also, with 3D graphics technology, be used to paint a picture of how the new transplant is going to look), and another robotic device used to make the new tiny holes and implant the follicles at the proper angle automatically. This would also save huge amounts of time as far as doctors and assistants hovering over patients to insert the grafts. Sadly, I doubt most HT surgeons want to make surgery cheaper or less skill based- but if I was an HT doctor like Wesley I would be looking to build something like artas, but which automates the entire procedure. Just some thoughts from a novice.
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