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Lonely People's Genes Make Them Sick

Loners' DNA shows impaired immune system, study says

By Janice Eisen, Newser User

Posted Sep 15, 2007 6:05 PM CDT

(Newser) – Scientists say they’ve figured out why loners get sick and die young: “a highly suspicious conspiracy of genes” screws up their immune systems, Reuters reports. Their altered DNA can lead to heart disease, arthritis, Alzheimer’s and other problems. “There is something about being isolated and lonely that changes your body,” a biologist says.

Researchers admit they’re not sure what comes first, the loneliness or the DNA, but a recent study could help doctors prevent the effects. Aspirin might reduce chronic inflammation that leads to other problems, for example. Scientists have known about the loneliness-sickness connection for years, but debated whether loners simply had no one to take care of them when health problems developed.

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Lonely People's Genes Make Them Sick

Loners' DNA shows impaired immune system, study says

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Sex With Neanderthals Boosted Our Immunity

Scientists make 'stunning' discovery in genome comparison

Study Finds Mutated Genes Raise Autism Risk

Could be 'tip of the iceberg' of gene flaws linked to disorder

We're All Mutant X-Men

We're all chock-full of mutations, scientists find

Seeing Sick People Triggers Your Immune System

Study shows that mere pictures of the ill can help

Deadly Genes Make Euro Jews Smarter: Scientist

Scientists spark furor with controversial DNA theory

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Lonely People's Genes Make Them Sick

Loners' DNA shows impaired immune system, study says

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

DNA • immune system • genetic mutation • genes • loneliness • health study

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Sex With Neanderthals Boosted Our Immunity

Scientists make 'stunning' discovery in genome comparison

Study Finds Mutated Genes Raise Autism Risk

Could be 'tip of the iceberg' of gene flaws linked to disorder

We're All Mutant X-Men

We're all chock-full of mutations, scientists find

Seeing Sick People Triggers Your Immune System

Study shows that mere pictures of the ill can help

Deadly Genes Make Euro Jews Smarter: Scientist

Scientists spark furor with controversial DNA theory

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

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More News

What is Newser?