Category Archives: Elaine Fuchs

Biohacking, CRISPR, DIYbio, Elaine Fuchs, Gene Modification, Psoriasis, Senolytics, Sox9, Synthetic Biology

Sox9 and the Hair Follicle and Biohacking

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Sox9 and the Hair Follicle

— An interesting paper (with Elaine Fuchs as a co-author) on how hair follicle stem cells have a strong sense of identity even after being taken out of their home in the hair follicle and then cultured. The Sox9 protein is the “pioneering factor” in all this.

— The coming age of senolytics. I like to say “coming age of…” a lot these days, and it seems like I am far from the only one. A great article was published last month on Novartis’s push for the first ever anti-aging pill. Make sure to also read my past posts on anti-aging.

— New treatment targeting interleukin-23 could be a break-through in the treatment of psoriasis. Note that interleukin-6 has been associated with hair loss and I might write a post on that in the near future.

— Apparently, all brown eyes can be changed to blue eyes. I have brown ones and will only change them if they can figure how to make them green or golden.

— The world’s first penis transplant, if you discount an earlier one done in China a few years ago that was not entirely successful. Finding a donor is not so easy though.

Biohacking and CRISPR

— An interesting new video on out of control biohacking and its dangers. If you have a DIYbio branch near you, probably worth a visit.

— Also see biohacking and DNA modification in someone’s home. The era of synthetic biology scares and excites people at the same time. Some person will sooner or later purposely create highly destructive organisms.

— Scientists warn against editing embryos. More on “DNA Scissors” and CRISPR here. A great new article on engineering the perfect baby. I think a perfect baby is one that never poops or cries, but I doubt that dream will ever be realized.

Elaine Fuchs, Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cells

World Stem Cell Summit 2014

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World Stem Cell Summit
World Stem Cell Summit.

World Stem Cell Summit 2014

The World Stem Cell Summit (WSCS) is taking place from December 3-5 2014 in San Antonio, Texas. An absolutely superb lineup of over 200 speakers from across the world is presenting at the event.

Among the more renowned personalities speaking at the Summit include Anthony Atala, George Church and Aubrey de Grey. I always get excited about such conferences, and even attended the Singularity Summit in 2008 despite not being involved in medicine or technology in any significant way whatsoever.

Although issues related to serious medical problems justifiably garner the most attention at the Summit, hair loss and dermatology related problems also get some coverage. Replicel’s Lee Buckler is listed as a presenter.

Moreover, skin expert and researcher Elaine Fuchs gave a 1-hour lecture at an off-site event yesterday. She has conducted decades of research regarding human skin and related appendages, including hair follicles, sweat glands and sebaceous glands. A few other lesser known presenters will also offer insights into stem cells and dermatological problems such as hair loss.

A brief summary of the event after it ended summarized its focus as being to serve as the meeting point for researchers, clinicians, industry leaders, regulators, policy makers and ethicists. All these groups aim to advance stem cell innovation and new therapies in regenerative medicine.