As mammals get older, their hair turns gray because the cells that give hair its color don't get replaced properly—and if their DNA gets too damaged, this process happens even faster.

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Evidence from Studies

Supporting (1)

6

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6

Genotoxic stress abrogates renewal of melanocyte stem cells by triggering their differentiation.

Cohort Study

Animal

2009 Jun 12

When hair cells get damaged by things like radiation, they turn into regular color-producing cells too soon and run out, making hair turn gray. This study shows that DNA damage stops the stem cells from renewing themselves, which is why hair loses color as we age.

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Source Study

Genotoxic stress abrogates renewal of melanocyte stem cells by triggering their differentiation.

Score: 6

DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2009.03.037

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