As ludicrous as it sounds, COVID-19 infection risk declines with *checks note* attractiveness, according to a study.

Researchers at the Texas Christian University hypothesised that it probably had evolutionary roots. Additionally, they proposed that since most evolutionary features are related to reproductive success, those who are physically attractive to others may make better reproductive partners since they are generally healthier than the typical person.

Figure 1. Interaction between natural killer cell cytotoxicity and target sex on attractiveness ratings. Note: NK, natural killer; β, standardized beta coefficient (standard error). **p 0.01; *p 0.05; p 0.10. Credit: DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2021.2476

152 young adults without makeup were shot for this experiment. Afterwards, internet users were asked to rank them based on their appearance. According to observers of the other sex, the phagocytosis rates were greater in the men and women considered to be the most attractive. Based on the findings of the study, in addition to having greater basophil and lower neutrophil white blood cell counts, people who were assessed as attractive also exhibited higher rates of phagocytosis of E. coli bioparticles.

In layman's terms, people who are physically beautiful may have better immune systems.

But afraid not, if you think you don't belong in that category (which we doubt!) here's what the lead researcher, Summer Mengelkoch had to say: "With modern medicine, infections are not as deadly as they used to be, so perhaps its OK if people lower their standards and start to give people who are less attractive a shot."

Phew, good news. 

Overall, what do you think of this study?