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A chemical found in McDonald’s fries can possibly regrow hair, according to Japanese scientists.
Based on the results of an experiment conducted by Yokohama National University researchers, a chemical found in silicone–an ingredient added to the oil used in cooking McDonald’s fries–can generate hair follicles that can trigger hair growth in mice.
Using a technique that combined the chemical with mouse skin cells and mouse and human stem cells, the researchers were able to produce around 5,000 hair follicle germs (HFGs).
For the next round of the experiment, the researchers transferred the generated HFGs onto the mice’s backs and scalps. Results showed growth of black hair on the mice. The growth process of HFG-induced hair was also similar to the process of natural hair growth in rodents.
The technique is perceived as a notable upgrade from previous technologies that produced only around 50 HFGs. Because of this, lead researcher Junji Fukuda is optimistic about the technique’s potential in the future of hair treatments. According to Fukuda, the technology can benefit patients suffering from cancer or other ailments that lead to hair loss.
However, some critics are skeptical about the discovery of Fukuda’s team. Some have suggested to take the study’s results with a grain of salt, as the technique’s effectiveness on mice may not have the same results on humans.
On another note, some have misunderstood the study’s results as proving that fries can be a hair loss cure. Fukuda said that although the chemical is present in the fries’ ingredients, consumption of the substance alone does not lead to hair growth.