Deprivation and neglect found to age children's chromosomes
Tuesday, May 17, 2011 - 09:01
in Health & Medicine
Studies in institutionalized Romanian children have found that the length of time spent in conditions of social deprivation and neglect correlates with lower IQ and behavioral problems. A new study, led by researchers at Children's Hospital Boston and Tulane University, shows that early adversity even affects children's chromosomes prematurely shortening the chromosome tips, known as telomeres, and hastening how quickly their cells "age."