Gray hair may be a natural defense against cancer, University of Tokyo study suggests
rvp · x · 2026-09-28
University of Tokyo research suggests gray hair may be a natural defense against cancer, not just aging. Pigment stem cells in hair follicles accumulate DNA damage; when too high, they trigger "seno-differentiation," permanently stopping division and dying off — leaving the follicle pigmentless. If carcinogens block this shutdown, damaged cells keep dividing, potentially starting melanoma.
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