Story perspectives
Graying Hair Signals Body’s Defense Against Skin Cancer
10/27/2025
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Story summary
- The University of Tokyo researchers link hair graying to the body's defense against skin cancer, including melanoma.
- They find melanocyte stem cells can age safely or become cancerous based on stress signals.
- Exposure to carcinogens may cause these cells to skip aging and proliferate, raising cancer risk.
- Graying reflects a cellular decision where damaged cells are sacrificed for safety, though genetics and stress also matter.
