The thymus withers away after puberty. But it may be important for adults

Removing the thymus is associated with higher rates of death and cancer, a new study finds

An illustration showing the thymus as an orange ball at the base of a blue person's throat with a blue background.

The thymus (orange in this illustration) is an immune system organ that sits between the lungs, right in front of and above the heart. This gland might be more important for adult health than previously thought, a new study suggests.

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A mysterious organ that’s most active in childhood might play a previously underappreciated role in adults.