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News and Events => Science & Medical News => Topic started by: Flan on April 01, 2012, 09:15:44 PM

Title: Scientists invent gel that stops beards growing
Post by: Flan on April 01, 2012, 09:15:44 PM
\o/
By Sadie Whitelocks

PUBLISHED: 07:21 EST, 26 March 2012
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2120487/Closest-shave-Scientists-invent-gel-stops-beards-growing-ladies-work-legs-too.html

QuoteA team from the University of Pennsylvania found that a drug, widely used to treat viral infections of the eye, helped stop the growth of unwanted hair when it was added to a rub-on gel.

A trial involving male participants showed the product kept facial hair at bay for up to six weeks.
Title: Re: Scientists invent gel that stops beards growing
Post by: Alyx. on April 01, 2012, 09:41:09 PM
Nice.

I wanna rub it on my legs.
Title: Re: Scientists invent gel that stops beards growing
Post by: Jamiep on April 02, 2012, 03:53:01 PM
Ah, to never shave for 6 weeks would be a dream come true.

Jamie
Title: Re: Scientists invent gel that stops beards growing
Post by: Elasmotraxx on April 02, 2012, 04:28:09 PM
I'd use that. But then I couldn't grow a stache for "mustache madness"
Title: Re: Scientists invent gel that stops beards growing
Post by: pebbles on April 08, 2012, 04:50:32 AM
In practice we know whats going to happen shaving industry is gonna buy out the patent then stick it on the shelf for 12 years.
Title: Re: Scientists invent gel that stops beards growing
Post by: ~RoadToTrista~ on April 08, 2012, 05:04:24 AM
Quote from: alyx. on April 01, 2012, 09:41:09 PM
Nice.

I wanna rub it on my legs.

LOL that was my first thought. >.< I could use some on my face too. :)
Title: Re: Scientists invent gel that stops beards growing
Post by: Padma on April 08, 2012, 05:07:38 AM
Quote from: pebbles on April 08, 2012, 04:50:32 AM
In practice we know whats going to happen shaving industry is gonna buy out the patent then stick it on the shelf for 12 years.

Fortunately, it's already out there as a drug. I don't think they can patent a side-effect (I hope). I'd be very happy to trial this!
Title: Re: Scientists invent gel that stops beards growing
Post by: Beverley on April 08, 2012, 07:22:02 AM
One word...

Laser

>:-)
Title: Re: Scientists invent gel that stops beards growing
Post by: Padma on April 08, 2012, 08:32:04 AM
Two words...

Grey hair

:'(
Title: Re: Scientists invent gel that stops beards growing
Post by: Beverley on April 08, 2012, 08:53:59 AM
Quote from: Padma on April 08, 2012, 08:32:04 AM
Grey hair

I know... I have enough of them too, but what they did not say in that article is that the basis of this gel (cidofovir) can cause kidney damage.

Three more words

Expensive electrolysis. Grumble!

Title: Re: Scientists invent gel that stops beards growing
Post by: Padma on April 08, 2012, 12:13:50 PM
Clearly it needs extensive testing - but the kidney damage potential is at its normal dosage of 5mg/kg of body weight per week, so at even 3% gel suspension it's got to be a way lower dosage than that - especially if they're saying it's effective for up to 6 weeks.

I'm just hoping :). Nearly all of my facial hair is white. I'm not looking forward to all the electrolysis awaiting me when my laser is done :(. Expensive and painful. And there don't appear to be options in the UK for getting it done quickly, like you can in the US.
Title: Re: Scientists invent gel that stops beards growing
Post by: pebbles on April 09, 2012, 02:57:41 AM
Quote from: Padma on April 08, 2012, 12:13:50 PM
Clearly it needs extensive testing - but the kidney damage potential is at its normal dosage of 5mg/kg of body weight per week, so at even 3% gel suspension it's got to be a way lower dosage than that - especially if they're saying it's effective for up to 6 weeks.

I'm just hoping :). Nearly all of my facial hair is white. I'm not looking forward to all the electrolysis awaiting me when my laser is done :(. Expensive and painful. And there don't appear to be options in the UK for getting it done quickly, like you can in the US.
Bear in mind the kidney hazard only applies when you swallow it, if your supposed to apply it to your face only a tiny quantity will actually penetrate your skin into your blood. so you can probably up the dose much higher than 3%

Also consider that most people taking this drug who develop kidney problems are taking the drug everyday... Your only taking it once every 6 weeks.