A recent cohort study involving 2,039 youths in the US has uncovered significant differences in epigenetic age acceleration, particularly among diverse ethnic and racial groups. The research highlights how White youths exhibited less accelerated biological aging compared to their Black and Hispanic or Latino peers as they transitioned from childhood to adolescence.
Conducted between March 2023 and June 2024, the study utilized saliva samples to analyze DNA methylation and assess epigenetic age across different clocks. Findings indicated that Black and Hispanic youths experienced more pronounced epigenetic aging, with police intrusion and discrimination playing a critical role in these disparities.
Notably, the study suggests that addressing structural discrimination, particularly in policing, could be vital for improving health outcomes among marginalized youth populations. This research emphasizes the importance of understanding how societal factors contribute to biological aging and health inequities.