Bachelor of Arts [B.A] [Media Production] From University of Brighton

Regenerative medicine aims to treat human disease by producing replacement cells, tissues or organs.Ê It involves a group of new technologies based on the use of stem cells.Ê This area is currently at an early stage but is developing rapidly due to the recent ability to manipulate specialised adult stem cells to revert to a more embryonic-like stage which can produce all cell types.

The skin is a particularly useful model as it contains very active stem cells and is a relatively accessible source of human cells. The unique human regenerative capacity of the hair follicle is particularly interesting. Follicles shed their hairs during frequent growth cycles regenerating new replacements; these may resemble previous ones or differ in size and/or colour (e.g. beard hairs replacing tiny facial hairs).

Learning about stem cells and skin function in health and disease will also give you understanding of areas already important to pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.