DNA test reveals which hair loss therapies could work

BOCA RATON, Fla. – A new type of test may help some of the millions of Americans dealing with hair loss better understand what therapies ay actually work for them.

Hair loss specialist Dr. Alan Bauman said it’s part of the field of pharmogenetics, in other words, using DNA testing for the hair.

“The genetic test for hair loss, looks at 16 different Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs), which are the genes that we carry that can determine our susceptibility to hair loss as well as our response to treatment,” Bauman said.

The results can reveal whether people will respond well to or even need topical medications like minoxydil, or benefit from prescription oral medications or over the counter supplements.

Separately, researchers have developed a mathematical model that can predict the optimum exercise regimen to building muscle.

The model can tell how much a specific level of exertion will cause a muscle to grow and how long it will take.

It can also address the problem of muscle atrophy.

Eventually the researchers at the University of Cambridge hope to create user friendly software to guide individualized exercise routines for specific fitness goals.


About the Authors:

Kristi Krueger has built a solid reputation as an award-winning medical reporter and effervescent anchor. She joined Local 10 in August 1993. After many years co-anchoring the 6 p.m. and 11 p.m., Kristi now co-anchors the noon newscasts, giving her more time in the evening with her family.

Veteran journalist Kathleen Corso is the special projects producer for Local 10 News.