Dr. Howard Sobel Talks Hair Restoration And Alma TED Technology
Dr. Howard Sobel
Dr. Howard Sobel
Enter Alma TED, the ultrasound-powered hair restoration treatment generating buzz not just for what it does (stimulate regrowth without needles or downtime), but for who it's helping—women, increasingly and enthusiastically. We sat down with Dr. Howard Sobel, pioneer in cosmetic dermatologic surgery, to talk about what makes Alma TED different, why it's a game-changer for women's hair health, and how science is finally catching up with what many women have known for years: hair loss isn't just about vanity, it's about identity.
'The idea that hair loss is purely hereditary and hormone-based is outdated,' says Dr. Sobel. 'There are countless contributing factors—and we're finally treating them with the nuance they deserve.'
Here, Dr. Sobel breaks down the myths, the method, and the magic behind Alma TED—and why it might just be the most game-changing advancement in hair health yet.
I completed my residency in dermatology and dermatologic surgery at Emory University School of Medicine. At that time, I had an extreme interest in male and female pattern baldness. Most dermatologists believed that 90% of hair loss was hereditary and that the hormone testosterone was the cause once it was converted to its active form DHT.
There are of course other causes of hair loss. Additionally, during my residency, I worked with a biochemist to develop a compound to block the hormone DHT. At that time we only had minoxidil, which increased blood flow to the hair follicle and caused the hair follicle to stay in a growing stage for longer. The quest continued, but it soon became apparent that hair loss was multifactorial and not just caused by DHT. Several years ago multiple medications in both oral and topical applications became popular to block DHT along with the use of minoxidil.
What common hair loss concerns do your patients come to you with, and what are the most common causes?
The most common causes include genetics, age, stress, anemia, thyroid disorders, autoimmune diseases, hormonal, cancer medications, nutritional deficiency, pregnancy and traction alopecia. Male pattern baldness the main cause affects men that are genetically predisposed usually after the age of 20 and females 30-35 years of age.
A before and after look at Alma TED
Dr. Howard Sobel
Alma TED uses acoustic sound waves and air pressure to create small micro-channels in the scalp, which allows for better penetration of the applied topical. The results are short of remarkable with a 20-60% increase in hair regrowth with almost everyone noticing less shedding only 3-4 weeks after starting treatment.
Additionally, three to four weeks out, patients will notice an increase in the density of each individual hair. The Alma Ted company supplies the doctor with a topical solution of growth factors and peptides. In my own practice, I have added exosomes to the treatment, which I get from the umbilical cord (derived from umbilical cord blood). The exosomes contain billions of growth factors. The growth factors stimulate the hair follicle, which decrease hair loss, increase hair growth and the density of each hair.
PRP is another minimal invasive treatment for hair loss. You must first have your blood drawn then spin down where the plasma is then injected into the scalp with the growth factors, but not nearly as many growth factors as the exosomes from the umbilical cord.
The acoustic sound waves and air pressure deliver any topical down into the hair follicle to improve hair growth. It also increases blood flow to the hair follicle. It's pain free unlike PRP. Alma TED also works for all types of hair loss and is probably best for androgenic alopecia in either males or females.
To achieve success with Alma TED, it's most important that they still have an active hair follicle or else it will not work.
Three sessions a month apart, then I analyze the degree of patients' hair loss, their age and genetic factors and adjust the sessions to about every two to four months.
The Alma TED can be combined with vitamin supplements, amino acids, and conditioners that are healthy for the hair follicle as the Alma Ted will increase absorption.
Absolutely. It can also be used on the face using exosomes to increase collagen and elastin and decrease fine lines and wrinkles.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Elle
06-08-2025
- Elle
Inside the New Era of Hair Growth—and the Treatments Changing Everything
Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. Dealing with hair loss at any stage of life is stressful—but thankfully, there are more treatment options than ever. Minoxidil has been the gold standard in hair loss treatment for years, while natural alternatives like rosemary oil have recently become go-to options for supporting hair growth. Now, a new wave of ingredients is cropping up in popular hair growth shampoos, conditioners, serums, and more—backed by growing research. Before starting any hair loss treatment plan, it's best to consult a dermatologist to better understand the root cause of your shedding. Factors like genetics, nutritional imbalances, and even everyday styling can play a role. Tight hairstyles that pull at the hairline and scalp can lead to traction alopecia—a common type of hair loss—over time. This largely depends on its underlying cause. Dermatologists often use steroid injections like triamcinolone to address scalp inflammation caused by alopecia areata, or prescribe oral medications like spironolactone to help reduce hormone-related hair loss. Meanwhile, minoxidil is widely considered one of the most effective over-the-counter treatments for various types of hair loss. 'As a vasodilator, it introduces more blood flow—a.k.a. nutrients and oxygen—to the hair follicles, reviving smaller ones and rejuvenating those that may be shrinking or dormant,' explains board-certified dermatologist Dr. Corey L. Hartman. 'Minoxidil also extends the anagen phase of hair growth, which enables hair to grow longer and stronger.' For the fastest results, he recommends combining an oral medication with a topical minoxidil product. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, women who are pregnant or nursing should avoid prescription hair-loss medications and minoxidil, as research suggests they may pose risks to developing fetuses or infants. For a natural alternative, trichologist Mandy Buechner turned to pygeum bark while developing her hair growth supplement line, HerbaRoot, which launched last year. Pygeum bark contains phytosterols, which have been shown to inhibit the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into DHT—a hormone associated with hair thinning. 'Lowering DHT levels can prevent the hair follicles from shrinking, slow shedding, and support regrowth in androgen-sensitive areas like the crown or temples,' Buechner explains. According to Buechner, pygeum bark is most commonly found in oral supplements alongside ingredients like saw palmetto and pumpkin seed oil, which work together to create what she describes as 'a synergistic DHT-blocking effect.' Some brands are now beginning to incorporate it into topical serums as well. These Solaray supplements star pygeum and saw palmetto to help block DHT. The recommended dosage is two capsules daily—one in the morning and one at night. If you prefer something easier to take, try mixing this pygeum extract powder into water or coffee once a day. Pair it with your favorite topical for a two-pronged approach to hair regrowth. Pygeum is the star of Buechner's signature supplement blend, teamed with vitamins A, C, and D3 to support scalp health and reduce shedding. Buechner also notes that topical androgen receptor blockers, such as KX-826, show promise in addressing female pattern hair loss. These compounds may help prevent DHT from binding to hair follicles—with fewer side effects than minoxidil. KX-826 can be found in Koshine's Anti-Hair Thinning Solution. Though not entirely new to the world of hair growth, AnaGain—also known as pea sprout extract—has gained traction in recent years. Emerging data suggests it can stimulate dermal papilla cells, boost the expression of genes linked to hair growth, and help extend the growth cycle. Essentially, it works to improve the ratio of resting and active hair follicles to help hair look fuller. This affordable serum combines five clinically-backed ingredients—AnaGain, Redensyl, Procapil, Capixyl, and Baicapil—to help support healthy hair growth by targeting DHT and encouraging follicle activity. Bonus: The water-based formula won't weigh hair down. Spoiled Child's liquid supplement promises fuller hair and less thinning in under a month. The once-a-day tablespoon formula is powered by AnaGain Nu, saw palmetto, and L-theanine to help reduce stress—a major culprit behind hair loss. Nisim has updated its original scalp treatment gel—featuring biotin, saw palmetto, rosemary, horsetail, and chamomile—with AnaGain to further support hair growth. For optimal results, the brand recommends applying it twice daily. Additionally, Buechner cites early research suggesting that mushroom-derived growth factors—like cordyceps and reishi—may help reduce stress-related hair loss and support healthy scalp circulation. 'These are rich in polysaccharides and triterpenes that calm inflammation and improve nutrient delivery.' This oil-free serum combines six types of mushrooms rich in ergothioneine, selenium, and polyphenols—antioxidants that may help protect the scalp from environmental stress linked to hair thinning. Ergothioneine also works to carry nutrients deeper into the skin. These top-rated supplements combine saw palmetto with vitamins B6, B9, and D and adaptogenic mushrooms like maitake and reishi. While not direct DHT blockers, these mushrooms may help reduce inflammation, helping to create a healthier environment for hair growth. Stem cell extracts from matsutake mushrooms work alongside rosemary, green tea, and rice protein to help rebalance the scalp microbiome and support cellular activity within hair follicles. For early-stage thinning, both Buechner and Hartman point to Redensyl as a noteworthy treatment option. 'It targets hair follicle stem cells and dermal papilla cells, which are essential for hair growth,' Hartman explains. 'The ingredient is consists of a series of elements, including a flavonoid derived from plant extracts, a glucose derived from tea, glycerin, and zinc chloride that combine to boost hair follicle function and overall regrowth.' Redensyl is the hero ingredient in this growth treatment, supported by Follicusan to help energize hair follicles, spermidine to promote healthy cell renewal, and rosemary extract to boost scalp circulation. Research suggests that a blend of Redensyl, Capixyl, and Procapil can outperform 5 percent minoxidil when it comes to promoting hair regrowth. This multitasking serum also features AnaGain to help reactivate dormant follicles and Baicapil to support a healthy hair cycle. Patricks' RD1 spray combines Redensyl, Capixyl, and saw palmetto to block DHT. Ginseng and caffeine work to stimulate the scalp, while vitamin B6 helps nourish. Hartman also highlights recent research indicating that MicroRNA-205 may promote hair regeneration. 'This particular type of microRNA was shown to soften hair follicles, keeping them more flexible and less prone to breakage. As we age, hair follicles naturally become stiffer and more brittle, which can lead to hair loss.' Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ellen Marmur notes that red and blue LED light therapy are currently being studied for their potential to reduce scalp inflammation. 'These newer treatments are often used alongside traditional options like minoxidil for better results,' she tells ELLE, while adding that exosome and peptide-based serums, such as Kerafactor's Scalp Stimulating Solution, are also becoming more popular. For a more inconspicuous option, HigherDose's baseball cap features 120 LED bulbs and uses a clinically studied 650nm red light wavelength to help stimulate hair growth. Not your average hair brush, this high-tech model pairs red and blue light therapy with gentle vibrations to help boost circulation and awaken dormant follicles. While most LED hair growth devices use a single wavelength of red light, this one delivers a range of 620 to 660nm to target follicles at different depths—working to energize cells and help counteract the effects of DHT. Marmur cautions that some traditional hair loss treatments, such as finasteride and dutasteride, have been linked to mood changes. Newer approaches like microneedling and LED therapy, she adds, may cause mild irritation or discomfort at the treatment site. Also important to keep in mind: 'It's completely normal to continue losing hair or have increased hair shedding within the first four to six weeks of using a new stimulating product,' says Buechner. 'This happens because dormant hair follicles are waking up and entering the anagen, or growth, phase again. In order to grow new hair, they have to release the old.' However, if you develop folliculitis, a rash, dandruff, itchiness, or soreness, discontinue use immediately and consult an expert for suitable alternatives. 'You can return to a more intensive therapy once your scalp and nutrition are back in balance,' Buechner adds. Those with textured hair may benefit from a nourishing oil or leave-in treatment, as this hair type is typically more prone to dryness. For fine or low-density hair, lightweight, non-comedogenic serums or foams are ideal—they won't weigh strands down or clog pores, which can ultimately contribute to hair loss. Most hair loss is rooted in genetics or driven by chemical processes within the body. Hair growth products aim to counteract or neutralize those processes—but as with any long-term treatment, consistency is key to seeing results. 'If you stop your regimen, you can lose the progress you've made, and your body's natural chemistry will revert,' Buechner explains. While ongoing research is exploring more permanent solutions, there's currently no true end-all 'cure' for hair loss. Dr. Corey L. Hartman is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama. Mandy Buechner is a certified trichologist, hair loss practitioner, and creator of HerbaRoot. Dr. Ellen Marmur is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of MMSkincare. As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, beauty commerce writer Nykia Spradley consulted two dermatologists and a trichologist to learn about the best new ingredients for hair loss and which formulas to shop.
Yahoo
06-08-2025
- Yahoo
I've tried almost every cure for thinning hair — this is what worked
'You are a good candidate for a hair transplant,' said the surgeon, drawing a dotted line onto my temple to show where he'd put the new hair. I felt a flush of relief: something could actually be done about my hair loss. So desperate was I, here I was considering borrowing £6,000 for the procedure, the same one Wayne Rooney reportedly had. A strip of hair and skin is incised from the back of your head; you are only a 'good candidate' if you have enough hair there. The surgeon tweezes out the hairs from the follicles and replants them, little rows of saplings growing on formerly barren land. I first noticed my hair loss in my mid-40s, although it likely started at the very beginning of perimenopause, when I was around 40. The hair around my face shortened, as if I'd had layers cut. It got thinner. When I noticed my temples were becoming sparse, I changed to a middle parting to cover them. The exact root of female pattern hair loss (FPHL) remains unknown but it's likely that follicles' sensitivity to changes in oestrogen during perimenopause is key. 'Oestrogen is a hair-friendly hormone, helping to keep hair in the anagen [growing] phase,' says trichologist Anabel Kingsley, the brand president of Philip Kingsley clinics. During perimenopause, while oestrogen fluctuates, progesterone drops. This left my follicles vulnerable to the effects of androgens, specifically one called DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which slows and stunts hair growth. 'This affects both the texture and the density of the hair,' says Amy Meshkati, a hair scientist and founder of the Meshkati Clinic. By the time I saw the hair transplant surgeon, I had stage 3 hair loss (out of a possible 5). Hair loss can be devastating Research shows women are psychologically hit harder by hair loss than men, more likely to feel socially anxious, even socially phobic. 'Women, unlike men, feel the need to apologise for minding,' says Kingsley. They say, 'I'm not a vain person', or 'I'm sorry if I seem silly'. The changes in my hair were nothing compared to someone who's lost all or most of their hair, but they still stung. US star Ricki Lake wrote on social media about her hair loss in January 2020. At first, she said, she told almost no one 'the deep pain and trauma' of her experience, that it left her feeling 'suicidal'. Hair matters because it screams health, youth, femininity, fertility and 'hotness'. That's why the hair transplant market, worth $7.62 billion in 2024 – estimated to reach $23 billion by 2030 – has an increasing share of women having the op. When you're losing your hair, you become acutely conscious of it. Every blow-dry left a thin layer of hairs on the carpet, as if a white long-haired cat had been sitting underneath me. Every hair I picked off my cardigan, yoga mat or car seat gave me a jolt, because it felt like another tiny step closer to baldness. I would eye Claudia Winkleman's thick, lush fringe and mane on The Traitors, and think, why me? In her memoir Giving Up The Ghost, Hilary Mantel wrote: 'You come to this place mid-life. You don't know how you got here but suddenly you're staring 50 in the face.' I was staring 50 in the hair. I could deal with wrinkles, eye bags, mousey greying. But being on a summer holiday and a gust of wind blowing through my hair exposing my balding patches? That, I couldn't. Panicking, I did the opposite of what you should do. With so many products and treatments available, I must have wasted over £500, on ineffective shampoos, supplements and lotions with big promises, bought late at night on Instagram. Here's what I tried, what helped my hair loss, and what didn't. What I tried 1. Hormone treatment 'In midlife, perimenopausal hormonal shifts can trigger or worsen changes in hair size,' says Kingsley. Hair on the top of the head can be most obvious along the parting, on the crown and also on the temples. It can get progressively skinnier in diameter and shorter in length, a process called miniaturisation, until they become wispy then disappear. Follicles can stop producing hair altogether, although this is more common in men. 'The sooner you treat the issue, the stronger the result,' says Meshkati. 'Once the follicle is lost, you can never grow back the hair, but you can control hair loss before that. Hair loss rarely reverts to normal without profound treatment. You also need to supervise and adjust hormonal balance.' I took a DUTCH hormone test with nutritionist Pippa Campbell, where you pee on little blotting papers over 24 hours. It showed my progesterone was too low but, like two thirds of women with hair loss, my androgens weren't high. There is a drug option for those with high androgens: spironolactone tablets, a common diuretic that's often prescribed off-label for hair loss too. 2. Minoxidil A trichologist I saw suggested minoxidil lotion, the only UK-licensed medication for female hair loss, available at chemists. Originally a drug to treat blood pressure, minoxidil works by increasing blood flow by creating new blood vessels to follicles. The most common brand of minoxidil is Rogaine. Minoxidil works for 60 to 70 per cent of women. Sadly, I wasn't one of them. 'Minoxidil works best when it's combined with other ingredients,' says Kingsley. The Philip Kingsley clinic makes two variations of this. One contains melatonin which is known as 'the sleepy hormone', but in follicles it works as an antioxidant to fight the inflammation which adds to hair loss. I use the one that's been dubbed hair HRT because it contains oestrogen and progesterone, and using this has definitely helped me regrow some hair. For people who don't get on with minoxidil, the clinic recommends adenosine, which is said to stimulate hair growth. I had an online consultation with Harklinikken, manufacturers of the products that Ricki Lake used to regrow her hair, but it felt more like a sales pitch. Scalp inflammation has also been linked to hair loss. I buy Plantmade products, a range made from natural oils including rosemary oil, which in one study got similar results to minoxidil. I've found it calms any scalp soreness, and I have seen newer short, dark hairs while using it. 3. TrichoTest A year ago, I had a DNA test, TrichoTest, that analyses which of a range of medicines and natural substances might work for you. My result was positive for oestrogen but also for latanoprost (originally a treatment for glaucoma, now used cosmetically as a lash lengthener). Naturally you need a lot more for hair than for lashes, and unfortunately latanoprost is expensive. I order mine via Grow Back, pharmacists who specialise in hair loss medication. Results seem very promising but like minoxidil lotion, it only works while you're taking it. I have also started trying my own, free circulation-boosting treatments: head massages and rinsing my hair with cold water, as Meshkati recommends. 4. Follicle regeneration treatments By this stage I'll try anything with a modicum of science behind it. I had some sessions of Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections (PRP) where your blood is taken, the growth factors are extracted from it, and needled back into the scalp. This slowed the loss but the results didn't last for me. I'm starting a six-week course of Calecim, an ointment which sounds even stranger, containing 'proteins and growth factors derived from umbilical cord lining of New Zealand red deer,' says Kelly Morrell of Scalp Confidential, an aesthetic practitioner who specialises in hair loss. But I'm hopeful. 'As long as the follicle is still there, Calecim can be a game-changer,' says Morrell. Like all hair treatments, I'll have to wait for results, at least six weeks. 'Hair is much slower than skin to show change,' says Dr Thivi Marupatthu, the UK's only nutritionist and dermatologist, and author of SkinFood. 5. Diet and supplementation Hair is pretty low on the body's maintenance list, so it's one of the first things to go when diet isn't good. 'Disordered eating or weight loss can lead to hair shedding,' says Marupatthu. She's seen clients with hair loss after taking Ozempic, for example. Diet doesn't cause FPHL, but it does cause shedding which can make FPHL more obvious. The good news is, diet-related hair loss is usually reversible. Marupatthu also tests for thyroid problems; both under and overactive thyroid conditions can affect hair growth. And she stresses that hair needs protein because that's what it's made from. The more you exercise, the more protein you need; heavy exercisers need a daily gram of protein per kilo of bodyweight. Blood tests showed I was low in iron, the most common nutrient deficiency to impact hair, worsening with heavy periods in perimenopause. The normal level for ferritin (stored iron) starts at 41ng/mL, but to support hair growth it needs to be as high as 75ng/mL. My level was 12ng/mL and supplements barely shifted it, so I booked in for an iron transfusion procedure, which cost £770, at The Iron Clinic in London. Other important hair nutrients are biotin, vitamin B2, zinc, selenium and vitamins A, C, D and E, says Morrell. However, it's not clear how much a lack of each leads to hair loss. Six months after the iron infusion, I noticed new baby hairs growing through. While the hair on my temples is staying stubbornly short, there is hair there so I'm no longer a candidate for a hair transplant. I still have bad hair moments, but if I can maintain my hair as it is now, I'll feel I've got off lightly. If I can't, I'll have to accept it. As Jada Pinkett Smith posted on Instagram, 'Me and this alopecia are going to be friends. Period'. What women can do about midlife hair loss The earlier you start treatment the better. Dermatologists and trichologists should consider all possible causes: nutrition, hormones, stress, medication, medical conditions. Minoxidil is the first-line treatment – chemists sell it as Rogaine and other cheaper brands. It works for 60 to 70 per cent of women who have FPHL, but only while you're using it. Natural treatments that have some (limited) evidence are rosemary oil and pumpkin seed oil. Taking HRT helps some women keep their hair. You could also try a topical lotion containing minoxidil, oestrogen and anti-androgens. Ask your GP to test your iron (ferritin), vitamin D and thyroid function. Try hair multivitamins, such as Viviscal Professional (available on prescription). Massage helps increase blood flow to follicles; the website has a protocol you can follow. Red light treatment may also help increase blood flow to the scalp; the newest gadget is the CurrentBody Skin LED Hair Regrowth Device (£650 at Microneedling with a roller or stamp may also encourage growth. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Scientific American
05-08-2025
- Scientific American
Bird Flu on Dairy Farms May Be Airborne After All
The H5N1 avian influenza virus can now be found not only in milk and on milking equipment but also in farm wastewater and in the air, say researchers who have been trying to figure out how the virus spreads on dairy farms. The researchers identified the virus in both large and small aerosol particles in the air on farms affected by bird flu in California, according to a new preprint paper posted on the biology server bioRxiv. 'There is a lot of H5N1 virus on these farms,' says Seema Lakdawala, an associate professor of microbiology and immunology at the Emory University School of Medicine and senior author of the new study, which has yet to go through scientific peer review. 'It is everywhere. We need to be expanding biosafety measures, biosecurity measures and trying to control where the virus is.' On supporting science journalism If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today. The finding—that the virus is 'everywhere'—fits with what has been seen in previously published work, says Richard Webby, who studies host-microbe interactions at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. 'It's a ridiculously contaminated environment,' Webby says. The high concentrations of H5N1 in the environment may explain why the virus transmits so readily among cattle on dairy farms, as well as why a study from last fall found that 7 percent of tested dairy farm workers had antibody evidence of a previous bird flu infection. H5N1-infected cattle were first reported in March 2024. Since then the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found 41 human cases directly stemming from contact with milking cows. And the disease has spread readily within herds. But exactly how it's spreading has been oddly difficult to pin down. Another recent preprint study by the Ohio State University veterinary medicine professor Andrew Bowman and his colleagues found that, when liquid containing the virus was put into cows' teats, only a very low dose was necessary to cause an infection. But strangely, when the researchers milked the well cows with contaminated equipment—the way the virus was assumed to be spreading on farms—the healthy cows did not fall ill. 'It seems like it shouldn't be that hard to make transmission happen, given the way we see it spread through dairy farms in the field,' said Bowman in an interview with Scientific American in June. Lakdawala and her team wanted to figure out how the virus moves between cows in hopes of finding a way to slow or stop the spread. They began testing affected dairy farms in California in the winter of 2024 and ended up assessing a total of 14 farms by early 2025, a period representing the peak of the dairy cattle outbreak. The researchers used aerosol sampling devices to test both cow exhalations and the ambient air in milking parlors and barns. They also tested milk and the entire wastewater system, from the drains in milking parlors to the manure lagoons outdoors. The team found plenty of opportunities for the virus to transmit, given that viral particles were found all over. 'It's not a single event or a single thing that drives transmission,' Lakdawala says. 'The likelihood is: overbombardment of viruses in the environment is leading to efficient transmission. They're inhaling it; they're probably also finding it on their bodies; they're licking it; they're finding it on the milking equipment—all of it together.' The researchers found one sample with mutations in an area on the H5N1 genome that's known to change when avian viruses become more adept at spreading between humans. It's not clear whether that particular mutation would have helped the virus infect humans more effectively. Luckily, that version of the pathogen did not go on to reproduce: it seems to have emerged and, just as quickly, to have died out. Another recent paper, published by Webby and his team in the journal Nature Communications in July, found that, so far, the virus circulating in cattle still looks very much like the virus circulating in birds. That research also found that the bovine virus couldn't spread through the air between ferrets, which are used because they transmit flu viruses much like humans do. 'We've dodged a little bit of a bullet so far with cows and this virus,' Webby says. But with so much virus on affected farms, there's a chance that future human-oriented mutations could arise, Lakdawala warns. She suspects the virus becomes aerosolized during both milking and cleaning. Also, workers often spray down floors and other farm surfaces with wastewater that they now know can contain infected milk. Face shields that can block large droplets and large aerosols without the discomfort of masks might be one way to reduce cow-to-human infections among workers. Rapid 'at-barn' H5N1 tests, not unlike the at-home flu or COVID tests people can purchase at drug stores, would help farmers identify and isolate sick cows before they could infect others, she says. And treating infectious milk before it's dumped—perhaps with a weak acid such as vinegar or lemon juice to inactivate the virus, Lakdawala says—could keep H5N1 out of wastewater. 'This is highlighting to me that we really need to work harder to get this entire outbreak under control,' she says.
