Researchers maintain human brain organoids for over five years

Researchers have successfully maintained human brain organoids for over five years, marking a significant advancement in neurodevelopmental study. Previously, most studies were limited to the earliest stages of development because standard culture conditions could not support neuronal activity over extended periods.

By adapting the composition of the culture medium, an international team of scientists supported spontaneous neuronal activity, allowing the organoids to continue maturing. The researchers found that these organoids follow a developmental timeline similar to human brains, with cell types appearing in the correct order and gene expression patterns switching on and off at predictable times.

After their first year, the organoids exhibited developmental milestones typically seen only postnatally. This breakthrough provides new opportunities to investigate neurodevelopment, model brain disorders, and test potential drugs using models that more closely mimic human brain tissue than traditional animal models.