Blame Common Colds on Your Chromosome 'Caps?'

Study of young adults suggests DNA 'telomeres' may determine who's vulnerable

February 19, 2013 RSS Feed Print

Still, no one knows yet whether these findings could one day have practical use.

"This is really the first evidence that this biomarker of aging may be important for 25-year-olds as well as 65-year-olds, and for acute health conditions as well as chronic," Cohen said.

Of course, you do not need to wait for any telomere-lengthening therapy to curb your risk of catching a cold. "Wash your hands," Schaffner advised. "And try to avoid people who are sneezing and coughing."

More information

Learn more about telomeres and health from the University of Utah.