Harvard University researchers extend brain organoid survival to five years

Researchers at Harvard University have achieved a significant breakthrough in neuroscience by maintaining the survival of brain organoids for five years, setting a new record for these scientific models.

Typically, organoids have a lifespan of only a few months. The researchers utilized a specialized nutrient medium designed to preserve the spontaneous electrical activity of neurons over a long duration. This allowed the models to undergo maturation processes similar to a real human brain, including the production of myelin, which facilitates faster information transmission.

While the study demonstrates that these organoids can replicate aging patterns—showing that neurons do not rejuvenate even in youthful environments—limitations remain. The models currently lack blood vessels and begin to lose certain electrical signals after the first year.