Abstract: Provided are a hair observation method, a phase contrast microscope system, and a preparation. The hair observation method includes capturing an infrared image of the hair using an image sensor that is capable of detecting infrared light. A phase contrast microscope system includes: a stage having a sample placed thereon; an infrared light irradiation source for irradiating infrared light to the sample placed on the stage; an image sensor that is capable of detecting infrared light and configured to capture an infrared image of the sample; and a display apparatus configured to display the infrared image captured by the image sensor. The preparation includes a microscope glass and a plurality of hair pieces that are obtained by cutting one hair and arranged on the microscope glass in a manner parallel with one another from one end to another end in a cutting order.

Abstract: To provide means for efficient growth of epithelial cells capable of being used to manufacture regenerated hair follicle germs. Provided are a culture medium for growth of epithelial cells capable of being used to manufacture regenerated hair follicle germs, the culture medium comprising basal medium and at least (1) through (3), below: and a method for growing the epithelial cells using the culture medium: (1) at least one species of BMP inhibitor: (2) at least one species of fibroblast growth factor: and (3) at least one species of sonic hedgehog (SHH) and/or SHH agonist.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing regenerated hair follicle primordium that allows production of regenerated hair follicle primordium more easily and in larger amounts compared to conventional production methods. A method for producing regenerated hair follicle primordium comprising a step of obtaining hair follicle primordium by culturing a first population of cells comprising epithelial cells and a second population of cells comprising mesenchymal cells while allowing them to be in contact is provided. The production method of the present invention is characterized in that at least either one of said first population of cells and said second population of cells has formed cell aggregates before said contact, and a culture support is not used when contacting the other population of cells with said cell aggregate.

Abstract: Provided are a hair observation method, a phase contrast microscope system, and a preparation. The hair observation method includes capturing an infrared image of the hair using an image sensor that is capable of detecting infrared light. A phase contrast microscope system includes: a stage having a sample placed thereon; an infrared light irradiation source for irradiating infrared light to the sample placed on the stage; an image sensor that is capable of detecting infrared light and configured to capture an infrared image of the sample; and a display apparatus configured to display the infrared image captured by the image sensor. The preparation includes a microscope glass and a plurality of hair pieces that are obtained by cutting one hair and arranged on the microscope glass in a manner parallel with one another from one end to another end in a cutting order.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide an artificial skin having hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and hair pores. The present invention provides a method for manufacturing artificial skin having hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and hair pores, characterized in that it comprises each of the following steps: (A): a step of preparing an artificial skin having dermal and epidermal layers or an artificial skin having only a dermal layer; and (B): a step of transplanting isolated hair follicles to the artificial skin prepared in step (A); wherein said isolated hair follicle comprises a sebaceous gland, and said isolated hair follicle is transplanted to said artificial skin so that the surface of said dermal Layer of said artificial skin is in alignment with the position of the hair pore portion of said isolated hair follicle.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to propose a method for measuring the level of health of a subject, with which it is possible: to perform health examination that is non-invasive to the human body and that employs a simple method; to provide highly reliable analysis results having a scientific basis; and to, additionally, provide appropriate solutions to the subject. Another purpose of the present invention is to propose a health-level determining apparatus employing said method and a new business model employing said method. The present invention is a method for measuring the level of health of a subject, including a hair analyzing step (A) for analyzing hair of the subject. It is preferable that the aforementioned hair analyzing step (A) include a step (A-1) for analyzing hair in the occipital region. In addition, it is preferable that the aforementioned hair analyzing step (A) include a step (A-2) for analyzing hair in a site other than the occipital region.

Abstract: To provide a method of efficiently producing full thickness skin having skin accessory organs. [Solution] This method of producing full thickness skin having skin accessory organs is characterized by involving the following steps (a) to (d): (a) a step for stimulating an embryoid body with a physiologically active substance that can activate the Wnt pathway, (b) a step for preparing a conjugate that includes all or part of the embryoid body stimulated in step (a) and a scaffolding material, (c) a step for transplanting the conjugate prepared in step (b) into an animal, and (d) a step for producing, in the animal, full thickness skin derived from said conjugate.

Abstract: A method for producing a regenerative organ germ for transplantation includes using regenerative organ germ for transplantation ensuring continuity with a recipient after transplantation and facilitating transplantation procedures. A method for producing a regenerative organ germ provided with a guide for transplantation includes preparing a regenerative organ germ by closely contacting a first cell mass, which substantially consists of mesenchymal cells, and a second cell mass, which substantially consists of epithelial cells, culturing these cell masses within a support, and inserting the guide into the regenerative organ germ.

Abstract: A method for producing a regenerative hair follicle germ for transplantation, in which a color of hair that grows after transplantation is controlled, includes preparing a first cell mass containing mesenchymal cells; preparing a second cell mass containing epithelial cells; preparing a cell mass containing pigment stem cells; binding the cell mass containing the pigment stem cells to at least one among the first cell mass and the second cell mass, and closely contacting the first cell mass and the second cell mass, at least one of which has been bound to the cell mass containing the pigment stem cells, and culturing them within a support.

Abstract: A method for producing a regenerative hair follicle germ for transplantation, in which a color of hair that grows after transplantation is controlled, includes preparing a first cell mass containing mesenchymal cells; preparing a second cell mass containing epithelial cells; preparing a cell mass containing pigment stem cells; binding the cell mass containing the pigment stem cells to at least one among the first cell mass and the second cell mass, and closely contacting the first cell mass and the second cell mass, at least one of which has been bound to the cell mass containing the pigment stem cells, and culturing them within a support.

Abstract: A method for producing a regenerative organ germ for transplantation includes using regenerative organ germ for transplantation ensuring continuity with a recipient after transplantation and facilitating transplantation procedures. A method for producing a regenerative organ germ provided with a guide for transplantation includes preparing a regenerative organ germ by closely contacting a first cell mass, which substantially consists of mesenchymal cells, and a second cell mass, which substantially consists of epithelial cells, culturing these cell masses within a support, and inserting the guide into the regenerative organ germ.