Manipal, May 13, 2025 – Researchers from Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) have published a groundbreaking review that charts the future of brain aging research, potentially accelerating discoveries in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

The comprehensive review titled "Transformative Advances in Modeling Brain Aging and Longevity: Success, Challenges and Future Directions" appears in the prestigious journal Ageing Research Reviews (Impact Factor 13.1), establishing MAHE's position at the forefront of neuroscience research innovation.

Dr. Abhishek Kumar Singh, Associate Professor at the Manipal Centre for Biotherapeutic Research (MCBR), and Dr. TMA Pai Scholar Varsha Pai co-authored this significant contribution to the field, which examines the evolution from traditional research methods to cutting-edge technologies that more accurately represent human brain aging.

"Our aging population faces unprecedented challenges from neurodegenerative diseases," said Dr. Singh. "This review critically evaluates how new modelling approaches can revolutionize our understanding of brain aging mechanisms and accelerate therapeutic development."

The publication highlights the transition from conventional 2D cell cultures and animal models to sophisticated 3D systems such as brain organoids and brain-on-chip platforms. These advanced models more faithfully replicate human brain aging processes, providing researchers with superior tools for studying age-related neurological conditions.

Emphasizing the importance of this research Dr. Raviraja N S, Head of MCBR, said, “At MCBR, MAHE, we are passionately dedicated to driving translational research that bridges laboratory innovation with real-world impact. This comprehensive review is a testament to the high caliber of scientific inquiry conducted at MCBR. This review sets a robust foundation for developing more precise, human-relevant models to understand and combat brain aging and neurodegeneration. We believe that these efforts will significantly contribute to improving both health span and lifespan.”

MAHE supported the research by funding both the fellowship and the publication as an open-access article, ensuring maximum visibility and impact within the scientific community and beyond.