It isn't new that we've known for years that male pattern baldness is inherited on the X chromosome from one's mother. But pinpointing the specific gene is new. Which leads to the next question: how to inactivate that gene prior to hair loss.

You *know* it's going to happen, it's only a question of time and money. There are too many old, rich men with bad comb-overs to prevent it. Of course, it'll be too late for them, but they won't know that. At least their nephews can be "fixed".

The *real* question, though, is what evolutionary advantage is gained from the increased receptivity to androgens caused by that gene? In short, are bald men better off being bald? Since women supposedly prefer a full head of hair, I'm tempted to theorize that balding is not beneficial, but that's just a guess on my part.

Mea culpa - the least I can do is to shave my head - oh, I do ;-)

I'm lucky, my mother has a full head of hair.

So did I, Jim, before I wantonly shaved it (or, should I say, religiously shaved it. And so do both my parents - now in their 80s. Whereas Simon's father...... strange we can't blame him.

Cooling for the brain?