Engineers use weight loss technology to combat baldness

By Becky Bargh | Published: 23-Sep-2019

The new nanogenerators developed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison stimulate the growth of dormant hair follicles using electrical pulses

Engineers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) have developed a new electrical bandage to help men combat baldness.

The new electric bandages work by stimulating low-frequency pulses of electricity onto the skin, which revive dormant hair follicles.

These devices, known as nanogenerators, run on energy that is generated from day-to-day movements and can be discreetly worn underneath a hat.

The device is based on similar technologies used in weight loss implants, which use gentle electrical currents to trick the stomach into feeling full.

“Electric stimulations can help different body functions,” says Xudong Wang, a professor of Material Science and Engineering at UW-Madison.

“But before our work there was no really good solution for low-profile devices that provide gentle but effective stimulations.”

He continued: “I think this is a very practical solution for hair regeneration.”

According to the team, the device’s pulses will not cause painful side effects, as they do not penetrate any deeper than the scalp’s outer layer.

In side-by-side tests on hairless mice, the devices stimulated hair growth as effectively as two compounds found in baldness medicines.

The researchers are hoping to move forward with human testing soon.

Trending Articles

You may also like