Frontiers Forum Deep Dive series

Breakdown and repair of metabolism in the aging brain

7 May 2025 | 16:00-17:30 CEST

A new open-source model of brain metabolism – the most complex ever built – shows how altering key chemicals through diet and exercise could restore resilience to aged brain cells. The model, published in a Frontiers in Science lead article, also reveals new targets for future dementia treatments.

Speakers

  • Henry Markram

    Prof Henry Markram

    École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne & Open Brain Institute, Switzerland

  • Polina Shichkova

    Dr Polina Shichkova

    Biognosys AG, Switzerland

  • Dan Keller

    Dr Dan Keller

    Open Brain Institute, Switzerland

Modeling metabolism in the aging brain

Join the model’s creators and study authors for an in-depth discussion on the most comprehensive computer model of brain metabolism to date. Building on these findings, this Deep Dive reveals how the new model, available open-source to researchers via the Open Brain Platform, could accelerate research into interventions to protect and repair the aging brain, such as diet, exercise, and new drug targets.

Join us to learn how aging affects metabolism, neuronal activity, and blood flow in the brain, intricately mapped across 16,800 biochemical interactions. You’ll also have the chance to pose questions during the audience Q&A.

Agenda

Introduction & setting the scene

Deep dive

Charting a path forward | Panel discussion and Q&A