- Persons going through excessive social tension and suffering deprivation have comparatively shorter telomeres, protective caps at end of chromosomes, indicators of biological age.
- According to scientists telomeres’ length is critical catalyst that decides biological age, as against chronological age
- Long telomeres is a sign of healthy aging and short one signal some kind of damage that cannot be repaired
- It is the first study of its kind that links short telomeres to stressful impact of social isolation on human beings
- The study was conducted by a doctorate student of Vetmeduni Vienna Denise Aydinonat
- DNA samples gathered from African grey parrots have been used for the study. These birds are very social. They are kept apart from other parrots
- During study telomeres samples of isolated birds have been compared with pair-housed individuals to examine the impact of stress on aging
Exams Perspective:
- Telomere
- Biological Age
- Chronological age
- Socialising