A study used surveys and blood tests from adults aged 50 and older who take part in the Health and Retirement Study. People reported routine unfair treatment, like less respect or worse service because of who they are.
Researchers measured markers of adaptive immunity, looking at types and stages of T and B cells. They found that people who reported more everyday discrimination had higher counts of terminally differentiated, or exhausted, immune cells. The study did not find more young “naïve” immune cells.
The study was led by Emiko Kranz at NYU. The authors say the work is an early step and more research is needed.
Difficult words
- survey — a set of questions for many peoplesurveys
- blood test — a medical test using a sample of bloodblood tests
- unfair treatment — bad or different behavior because of identity
- adaptive immunity — part of the immune system that learns
- terminally differentiated — fully developed cells that no longer divide
- naïve — not yet developed and not experienced
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Can you give an example of everyday unfair treatment?
- Why do the authors say more research is needed?
- How could studies like this help people’s health?
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