Researchers have discovered that poverty can affect our genetic makeup.
According to a Northwestern University study just published in the American Journal of Physical Anthropology, there is evidence that lower socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with levels of DNA methylation (DNAm), a mechanism that cells use to control genetic expression.
Nearly 10 percent of the genes in a person’s genome (their complete genetic blueprint) are affected by poverty.
Poverty can mean different things to different people, but previous research has shown that social inequality, defined in part by lower than average income and/or education level, predict increased risk of heart disease (America’s leading cause of death), cancer, diabetes, and infectious diseases. These factors also contribute to the physiological processes that lead to such conditions as chronic inflammation and insulin resistance.
The Northwestern study concludes that our bodies “remember” the experiences of poverty and that these experiences affect our development. Follow-up studies will focus on determining whether DNAm “can leave a lasting molecular imprint on the body, with implications for health later in life,” according to Thomas McDade, lead author of the study.
The Average American Is Losing Momentum On Their Savings Every Day (Sponsor)
If you’re like many Americans and keep your money ‘safe’ in a checking or savings account, think again. The average yield on a savings account is a paltry .4%1 today. Checking accounts are even worse.
But there is good news. To win qualified customers, some accounts are paying more than 7x the national average. That’s an incredible way to keep your money safe and earn more at the same time. Our top pick for high yield savings accounts includes other benefits as well. You can earn a $200 bonus and up to 7X the national average with qualifying deposits. Terms apply. Member, FDIC.
Click here to see how much more you could be earning on your savings today. It takes just a few minutes to open an account to make your money work for you.
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.
Latest from 24/7
Our expert who first called NVIDIA in 2009 is predicting 2025 will see a historic AI breakthrough.
You can follow him investing $500,000 of his own money on our top AI stocks for free.