The major histological components of the hair follicle are the hair cortex and cuticle. The hair cuticle cells encase and protect the cortex and undergo a different developmental program to that of the cortex. We report the molecular characterization of a set of evolutionarily conserved hair genes which are transcribed in the hair cuticle late in follicle development. Two genes were isolated an...

Follistatin (FST) is involved in hair follicle morphogenesis. However, its effects on hair traits are not clear. This study was designed to investigate the effects of FST gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) on wool quality traits in Chinese Merino sheep (Junken Type). We performed gene expression analysis, SNP detection, and association analysis of FST gene with sheep wool quality traits...

Hair can be engineered at different levels--its structure and surface--through modification of its constituent molecules, in particular proteins, but also the hair follicle (HF) can be genetically altered, in particular with the advent of siRNA-based applications. General aspects of hair biology are reviewed, as well as the most recent contributions to understanding hair pigmentation and the re...

A novel brush optode was designed and demonstrated to overcome poor optical contact with the scalp that can occur during functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and imaging due to light obstruction by hair. The brush optodes were implemented as an attachment to existing commercial flat-faced (conventional) fiber bundle optodes. The goal was that the brush optodes would thread through hair...

Hair is a very important for our self-confidence as well as a very important part of appearance and self-concept. It reflects our personality and hair loss or hair damages are considered aesthetic imperfections and social handicap. Outward part of the hair is a "hair shaft" keratin fiber structure sensible to external effects whether they are mechanical, physical or chemical. Excessive sun expo...

This paper describes the concept and design of a novel artificial hair receptor for the sensing system of micro intelligent robots such as a cricket-like jumping mini robot. The concept is inspired from the natural hair receptor of animals, also called cilium or filiform hair by different research groups, which is usually used as a vibration receptor or a flow detector by insects, mammals and f...

Synthetic hair implants are considered in alopecia when the patient requests an immediate result with minor surgery and with a poor donor area. However, the procedure has historically been marred by poor quality fiber and performance resulting in serious complications. Nevertheless, companies continue to market the procedure with the claim that previous problems have been sorted out. We report ...

In hair beauty treatments such as permanent waving and hair coloring, and in daily treatments using shampoo and hair conditioner, most of the hair care products are used under wet conditions. Therefore, it is important to understand how water-soluble products penetrate into hair. The structural information of hair in aqueous solutions seems essential for understanding the penetration mechanism....

The auditory system's ability to interpret sounds over a wide range of amplitudes rests on the nonlinear responsiveness of the ear. Whether measured by basilar-membrane vibration, nerve-fiber activity, or perceived loudness, the ear is most sensitive to small signals and grows progressively less responsive as stimulation becomes stronger. Seeking a correlate of this behavior at the level of mec...