We have spent decades ignoring an organ because we thought it was useless. Now they have found it is crucial to our longevity

A Nature study links a healthy adult thymus to longer life and lower overall and cardiovascular mortality.

Researchers analyzed CT scans and clinical data from thousands of adults in the National Lung Screening Trial.

A preserved thymus was also associated with less lung cancer and better outcomes with immunotherapy.

The findings suggest thymus status in adulthood could help predict disease risk, survival, and treatment response.