Telomere length and children living in stressful environments

Telomeres are lengths of DNA found at the end of chromosomes, often compared to the plastic tips of shoelaces, which help to protect the laces from fraying. 

Telomeres are involved in cell division and help to protect our genetic data. However each time a cell divides, the telomeres get shorter and when they get too short, the cell can no longer divide. This telomere shortening process has been linked to ageing and cancer.

A recent study published in American journal, PNAS, found that children living in stressful environments had telomeres that were on average 40 percent shorter than children who lived in more nurturing environments.

Read more about this study in an article published by The Scientist »

Read more about the role of telomeres »

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