A study conducted by researchers at Texas Christian University (TCU) found associations between facial attractiveness and immune function. The study was published Wednesday in the academic journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B.
The research team from TCU observed 159 participants who were either students at the college or members of the nearby community. “Results revealed that attractive targets had higher rates of phagocytosis – where a cell uses its plasma membrane to ingest foreign particles – of E. coli bioparticles, higher basophil white blood cell counts, lower neutrophil white blood cell counts, greater natural killer cell cytotoxicity and slower rates of Staphylococcus aureus growth in plasma.”
Effects were stronger in women than in men, the study said. “Features such as clear skin, prominent cheekbones, bright eyes and full, red lips have been deemed attractive throughout recorded human history,” researchers noted.
Perceptions of attractiveness may also “play an important role in guiding the choice of partners with high-functioning immune systems” says the study. Advanced screenings were pretty intense.
Fox News reports of the study:
The men and women were screened in advance to ensure that they were without a history of mental illness or chronic depression, non-obese, free from acute illnesses, not using hormonal contraceptives, willing to abstain from steroidal and anti-inflammatory medications, exercise and alcohol consumption for two days prior to participation and willing to fast the morning of participation.
All women subjects participated when their sex steroid levels are low during the early follicular phase of their ovulatory cycle and participants were asked to have their photos taken and blood tested.
They also responded to compliance questions on the day of participation and removed any make-up before taking a picture from the neck up. They were instructed to maintain a neutral facial expression.
Then, their height and weight were measured and 85 milliliters of blood was collected, as well as plasma that was frozen at minus 80 degrees Celsius.
A separate tube of whole blood was taken for hematology – the study of blood and blood disorders.
In “Phase II,” 482 participants were recruited via Amazon’s Medical Turk survey hosting platform to rate the subjects’ facial attractiveness. Seven photos were excluded due to technical errors and 152 photographs were included in Phase II.
The researchers then collated the ratings and cross-examined them with the results of the blood tests.