Aging-US sincerely thanks all reviewers who contributed their expertise and time during 2025.
Rigorous and constructive peer review is essential to scientific progress. Through their careful evaluations, our reviewers played a central role in maintaining the scientific quality, integrity, and credibility of the journal.
Their efforts also directly support one of the core missions of Aging-US, which is to increase the visibility and impact of high-quality research in the biology of aging and age-related disease.
We are deeply grateful for this commitment to excellence and to the aging research community, and we look forward to continued collaboration in the coming year.
Aging-US is indexed by PubMed/Medline (abbreviated as “Aging (Albany NY)”), PubMed Central, Web of Science: Science Citation Index Expanded (abbreviated as “Aging‐US” and listed in the Cell Biology and Geriatrics & Gerontology categories), Scopus (abbreviated as “Aging” and listed in the Cell Biology and Aging categories), Biological Abstracts, BIOSIS Previews, EMBASE, META (Chan Zuckerberg Initiative) (2018-2022), and Dimensions (Digital Science).
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“This article is a contribution to the special issue of Aging celebrating the life and work of Misha Blagosklonny (more formally, Mikhail Vladimirovich Blagosklonny), who died in October 2024.”
In this review, David Gems and Alexander Carver from University College London, together with Yuan Zhao from Queen Mary University of London, present a new theoretical model to explain how aging leads to the development of chronic diseases. Drawing on evolutionary theory and biological research, the authors propose that aging is driven by a combination of early-life damage and harmful genetic activity in later life. This framework helps explain why diseases such as cancer, arthritis, and infections often appear in old age and offers insight into how they might be prevented.
Aging is the biggest risk factor for most chronic diseases, but the biological reasons for this association are still debated. The authors address this by introducing a two-stage model. In the first stage, individuals experience disruptions early in life, such as infections, injuries, or genetic mutations. Although the body can often contain or repair this damage, it does not fully eliminate it. In the second stage, which begins in later life, normal genetic processes begin to act in ways that are no longer beneficial. These late-life changes weaken the body’s ability to contain earlier damage, allowing it to develop into disease.
The review emphasizes that aging is a multifactorial process, shaped by many interacting causes rather than a single underlying mechanism. The model suggests that early-life disruptions and later-life genetic activity work together to drive age-related diseases. For example, dormant viruses can re-emerge as infections like shingles due to weakened immunity in older adults. Similarly, injuries to joints in youth can lead to osteoarthritis as tissues change with age. Inherited mutations may also remain silent for decades before contributing to conditions such as cancer or fibrosis later in life.
This two-stage model builds on long-standing ideas from evolutionary biology, particularly the theory that aging occurs because natural selection has less influence in later life. The authors also draw on studies in the roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans, where early mechanical damage can lead to fatal infections in old age, suggesting similar patterns may occur in humans.
Overall, this review presents a new framework for understanding how different causes of aging interact over time. By identifying two key stages, early-life damage and late-life genetic activity, it highlights potential strategies for promoting healthier aging through prevention and targeted intervention.
“Here, conceptual similarities between Mikhail Blagosklonny’s hyperfunction theory of aging and Vladimir Dilman’s elevation theory of aging are considered.”
In this work, Aleksei G. Golubev from the N.N. Petrov National Medical Research Center of Oncology reflects on the legacy of two influential Russian scientists, Vladimir M. Dilman and his son Mikhail V. Blagosklonny, who each introduced groundbreaking ideas about aging and cancer. Drawing from his own experience working in Dilman’s lab, Golubev explores how their ideas remain deeply relevant to today’s scientific understanding.
The essay connects Dilman’s “elevation theory” with Blagosklonny’s “hyperfunction theory,” two frameworks that challenge the conventional view of aging as a process of decline. Instead, both propose that aging results from continued biological processes that once supported growth but eventually become harmful when left unchecked.
Dilman believed that aging begins with reduced sensitivity in the hypothalamus, a brain region that regulates the body’s balance. This desensitization disrupts metabolism and hormone levels, setting the stage for many chronic illnesses. Decades later, Blagosklonny expanded on this idea at the molecular level. Central to his theory is the mTOR protein complex, which regulates growth and metabolism and is now a major focus in aging research.
Golubev also explores the historical and personal connections between the two scientists. Dilman, an endocrinologist trained in the Soviet Union, and Blagosklonny, a molecular biologist educated during the post-Soviet period, represent two generations shaped by a shared scientific tradition.
“Dilman’s scientific legacy is not as well recognized as it should be, partly due to bias in citation practices.”
The essay also draws attention to a troubling trend in science: the tendency to overlook early contributions, especially from non-Western scholars. Many of Dilman’s insights, such as the connection between high blood sugar, insulin resistance, and cancer, have since been validated by modern tools, yet his work is rarely cited. Golubev points out how citation practices, language barriers, and historical isolation have contributed to this lack of recognition.
Finally, Golubev encourages the scientific community to look back and acknowledge the foundational work that shaped modern aging science. It also highlights the importance of cross-generational knowledge in moving science forward. By tracing the intellectual journey from hormonal regulation in the brain to molecular pathways in cells, this essay demonstrated the relevance of old ideas in a new biological era.
Aging-US proudly sponsored the Future of Aging Research (FAR) Mixer 2025, hosted by the Aging Initiative on November 7 in Cambridge, MA, uniting students, researchers, and biotechnology leaders to advance aging research and shape a healthier, longer-lived future.
Highlights from the FAR Mixer 2025
The 2025 FAR Mixer featured keynote speaker Dr. Kristen Fortney, Co-Founder and CEO of BioAge Labs, who shared insights into how translational research and clinical pipelines have evolved over the past decade.
Dr. Fortney highlighted how obesity-targeting drugs are opening new avenues for metabolic and aging research. She explained that while obesity and osteoporosis are currently major therapeutic priorities, the next wave of reimbursable diseases will likely focus on muscle loss and chronic inflammation, reflecting their growing recognition as key factors in healthy aging.
She also emphasized the importance of human databases in target discovery, cross-sector partnerships between pharma and biotech, and the increasing focus on small-molecule interventions to address age-related diseases.
Focus talks showcased the diversity and depth of modern aging research:
Dr. Brad Manor (Senior scientist & Director of the Mobility and Falls Program at the Hinda & Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research, faculty member in medicine at Harvard Medical School, and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center) explained how balance and fall prevention in older adults are tightly linked to cognitive function, presenting dual-task gait assessments as meaningful biomarkers of brain health. These assessments measure how walking performance changes when combined with a thinking task, such as counting backward or naming words.
Dr. Manor also noted that noninvasive brain stimulation (tDCS) targeting cognitive-motor regions can enhance dual tasking and mobility in older adults, emphasizing the need for more precise and personalized applications in the future.
John Bailey (Head of hardware at Until Labs) discussed the challenges of cryopreservation, such as achieving sufficient cooling speed, temperature uniformity, and avoiding toxic concentrations of cryoprotectants. He then described recent innovations in medical hibernation and the development of advanced electromagnets for rewarming large cryopreserved samples; technology that could revolutionize organ donation and long-term tissue preservation.
José Luis Ricón (Head of Theory at Retro Biosciences) described how cell and tissue replacement strategies could extend healthy lifespan by targeting core mechanisms of aging. He explained that Retro’s approach focuses on developing interventions capable of stopping or even reversing disease progression, aiming for substantial and measurable improvements in health outcomes.
Dr. Martin Borch Jensen (CEO of Gordian Biotechnology) reflected on the challenges and promise of mosaic screening technologies for identifying interventions that could add years of healthy life.
The Biotech Investing & Startups Creation Panel featured Dr. Alex Colville (Co-founder and General Partner at age1 VC), Dr. Nabiha Saklayen (Co-Founder & CEO of Cellino Biotech) and Dr. Matthew Hammond (Partner at RA Capital Management). The discussion was centered around the future of venture investment in longevity, the role of AI in cell therapy manufacturing, and advice for young scientists entering the biotech field, emphasizing focus, resilience, and sustained enthusiasm.
Supporting Emerging Leaders in Aging Research
Nearly a hundred participants were present. Attendees included undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral researchers, alongside industry professionals and early-stage entrepreneurs. Many were returning participants from previous events, proof of a growing and dedicated community.
Through its sponsorship, Aging-US reaffirmed its mission to support and connect the next generation of aging researchers. The event extended networking opportunities, enabling attendees to exchange ideas and discuss new research directions.
The Aging Initiative, now officially recognized as a 501(c)(3) organization, continues to strengthen this community through programs such as journal clubs, lectures, and mentorship events. Future plans include participation in Massachusetts’s DRIVE Initiative (Discovery, Research, and Innovation for a Vibrant Economy) and organizing the upcoming NOVA Conference on the Neuroscience of Vitality and Aging in April 2026.
Our Commitment to Advancing Aging Research
Founded in 2008 by visionary scientists—the late Dr. Mikhail (Misha) Blagosklonny, the late Dr. Judith Campisi, and Dr. David Sinclair, Aging-US was created as a journal by scientists, for scientists, to publish innovative ideas and studies in the rapidly developing field of aging research. Since then, it has remained dedicated to advancing the understanding of aging and age-related diseases.
Supporting initiatives such as the Future of Aging Research Mixer 2025 reflects our belief that progress in aging science depends on collaboration, mentorship, and the open exchange of ideas between academia, industry, and young innovators. By investing in the next generation of researchers, we aim to accelerate discoveries that will lead to longer, healthier lives for all.
Sponsoring this initiative is more than an investment, it’s a commitment to the future of aging science and to the vision of a world where longevity and well-being advance hand in hand.
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Aging is indexed by PubMed/Medline (abbreviated as “Aging (Albany NY)”), PubMed Central, Web of Science: Science Citation Index Expanded (abbreviated as “Aging‐US” and listed in the Cell Biology and Geriatrics & Gerontology categories), Scopus (abbreviated as “Aging” and listed in the Cell Biology and Aging categories), Biological Abstracts, BIOSIS Previews, EMBASE, META (Chan Zuckerberg Initiative) (2018-2022), and Dimensions (Digital Science).
Click here to subscribe to Aging publication updates.
In this special collection, Aging seeks to bring together cutting-edge research that spans the cellular and molecular underpinnings of cognitive aging with insights into the psychosocial, behavioral, and environmental factors that modulate its course.
BUFFALO, NY — July 8, 2025 — As populations worldwide continue to age, understanding the mechanisms and manifestations of cognitive aging is increasingly urgent for science, medicine, and society. Age-related cognitive decline ranges from mild memory lapses to the onset of dementia, and is shaped by a complex interplay of molecular, cellular, systemic, and social determinants.
In this special collection, Aging (Aging-US)seeks to bring together cutting-edge research that spans the cellular and molecular underpinnings of cognitive aging with insights into the psychosocial, behavioral, and environmental factors that modulate its course. By integrating basic biology with translational and societal dimensions, this collection aims to foster a holistic understanding of how and why cognitive function changes with age—and what can be done to preserve it.
We welcome original research articles, reviews, and perspectives across model systems and human studies, particularly those that promote interdisciplinary insights and translational potential.
POTENTIAL TOPICS
Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms
Senescence, inflammation, and neurodegeneration in cognitive decline
Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in aging neurons
Neurovascular aging and blood-brain barrier integrity
Single-cell and spatial transcriptomics of the aging brain
mTOR, autophagy, and proteostasis in age-related cognitive impairment
The role of glial cells (microglia, astrocytes) in brain aging
Genetics and Biomarkers
Genetic risk factors and epigenetic modifications associated with cognitive aging
Biomarkers of cognitive resilience and vulnerability
Neuroimaging and fluid-based biomarkers in aging populations
Interventions and Lifestyle Factors
Cognitive benefits of caloric restriction, exercise, or senolytic therapies
Preclinical and clinical trials targeting aging pathways to prevent cognitive decline
Impact of sleep, nutrition, and metabolic health on cognition in older adults
Use of cognitive strategies and compensatory techniques to maintain or enhance function in aging
Environmental and Social Contexts
Impact of social isolation, education, and socioeconomic status on cognitive trajectories
Lifelong cognitive reserve and its determinants
Cross-cultural and demographic studies on aging and cognition
Digital health tools for monitoring or enhancing cognitive function in the elderly
Impact Journals, the publisher of Aging, is once again proudly sponsoring the Open Access Team in the annual Ride for Roswell.
BUFFALO, NY — June 10, 2025 — The Ride for Roswell, one of the USA’s largest cycling events supporting cancer research, returns to Buffalo on Saturday, June 28, 2025. Hosted annually by Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, this community-wide event brings together riders, volunteers, and supporters to raise funds for cancer research, celebrate survivors, and honor those lost to the disease.
“For the last 10 years, I have continuously participated in the Ride for Roswell in honor of those who have bravely fought cancer,” said Kurenov. “This journey is deeply personal for me. My father battled cancer, and some of my closest friends have fought through prostate and lung cancer with incredible strength.”
This year, the Open Access Team rides in honor of Dr. Mikhail (Misha) Blagosklonny, a visionary scientist who dedicated his career to advancing cancer and aging research. As the founding Editor-in-Chief of Aging, Oncotarget and Oncoscience, Dr. Blagosklonny was a pioneer of open-access publishing. His groundbreaking work on mTOR signaling and rapamycin transformed our understanding of cancer biology and healthy lifespan extension.
The 2025 Ride for Roswell features nine route options, ranging from 4 to 100 miles, all beginning at the University at Buffalo North Campus. Riders from across the USA and beyond are invited to participate and make a meaningful impact in the fight against cancer.
This ride is more than just a journey on two wheels—it’s a commitment to building a future where no one has to fear a cancer diagnosis. There is still time to support the Open Access Team in the 2025 Ride for Roswell. Whether by donating, joining the team, or sharing their story, every action brings us closer to better treatments, deeper understanding, and, ultimately, a cure.
The EPIC Awards recognize the achievements of those who are advancing scholarly publishing through creativity, collaboration, and cutting-edge innovation.
The EPIC Awards recognize the achievements of those who are advancing scholarly publishing through creativity, collaboration, and cutting-edge innovation. The Longevity & Aging Series, hosted by Aging (Aging-US) Editorial Board member Dr. Evgeniy Galimov, stood out for its impactful storytelling, production quality, and commitment to advancing understanding in the field of aging research.
The Longevity & Aging Series brings together leading experts to discuss the latest developments in the biology of aging, healthy longevity, and interventions to improve healthspan. Now in its third season, the seriesis a trusted resource for scientists, clinicians, and the broader public interested in the future of aging research.
For more information about the Aging (Aging-US) Longevity & Aging Series and to view the award-winning videos, please visit our show page or YouTube channel. If you are interested in becoming a guest or would like to know more about the series, please email us at [email protected].
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To learn more about the journal, please visit our website at www.Aging-US.com and connect with us on social media at:
“This collection is published in memory of Professor Judith Campisi, a pioneering force in the field of cellular senescence whose groundbreaking work shaped the understanding of senescence in aging, cancer, and tissue homeostasis.”
BUFFALO, NY — May 1, 2025 —Aging (Aging-US) invites submissions for a Special Collection dedicated to the theme of cellular senescence, spanning its basic mechanisms, physiological and pathological functions, and clinical applications.
This collection is published in memory of Professor Judith Campisi, a pioneering force in the field of cellular senescence whose groundbreaking work shaped the understanding of senescence in aging, cancer, and tissue homeostasis. Her legacy continues to inspire generations of scientists working to decode the complex biology of senescent cells and their impact on health and disease.
We welcome original research articles, reviews, and perspectives on topics including:
Fundamental mechanisms of senescence induction and maintenance
Regulation and context-specific roles of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP)
Beneficial and detrimental effects of senescent cells in vivo
Senescence in development, aging, regeneration, and age-related diseases
Biomarkers, imaging, and tools for senescence detection and quantification
Therapeutic targeting of senescent cells: senolytics, senomorphics, and clinical translation
This Special Collection is guest edited by Han Li and Irina Conboy, both internationally recognized leaders in the study of senescence and aging.
This important event brought together 350 participants—chosen from more than 1,300 applicants—including students, researchers, company founders, investors, and industry leaders. Together, they explored the latest research and innovations in muscle health and aging. The symposium reflected the journal’s strong commitment to supporting collaboration across fields and advancing research in aging.
The panel discussed key topics such as the biology of frailty, how bone and muscle health are connected, and the influence of genetics, diet, and exercise on staying strong as we age. By blending real-life patient care with the latest research, the speakers shed light on the challenges of sarcopenia—the gradual loss of muscle strength and mass that occurs with age—and the new scientific approaches being developed to improve treatment.
Next-Generation Therapeutic Approaches
Lada Nuzhna, founder and CEO of Stealth Newco and director at Impetus Grants, shared her vision for advancing muscle health through innovation. With a strong focus on translational impact, she discussed her interest in developing a comprehensive program that combines various exerkines—exercise-induced signaling molecules—to improve muscle function.
Dr. Francisco Leport, co-founder and CEO of Gordian Biotechnology, introduced a new method for studying treatments for osteoarthritis, a common age-related joint condition that causes pain and stiffness. His approach, called in vivo pooled screening, allows scientists to test millions of potential therapies inside a single animal with the disease. This technique speeds up research and reduces the need for using multiple animals, helping to move from discovery to treatment more quickly.
Biotech and Drug Development for Muscle Aging
This panel brought together leading voices from Lilly (Dr. Andrew Adams), Novartis (Dr. Anne-Ulrike Trendelenburg), Regeneron (David Glass, MD), and Versanis Bio (Ken Attie, MD). Together, they explored therapeutic strategies focused not just on lifespan extension but on preserving mobility, muscle function, and independence as people age.
The discussion emphasized a human-centric approach to drug development, focusing on targeting mechanisms quickly and efficiently in clinical studies, and the importance of early intervention to achieve larger effect sizes and better long-term outcomes. Panelists also stressed that muscle function matters more than mass and highlighted how older individuals often experience a loss of mitochondrial function, leading to fatigue and reduced stamina—underscoring the need for programs that support mitochondrial health.
The panel further noted that nerve decline may precede muscle decline with age. While there is no definitive data linking cognitive and muscle function, improvements in vascular health through exercise were highlighted as a way to reduce inflammation and support overall health. In addition, they addressed the rise of GLP-1-based therapies, including the public health concern of weight regain following treatment.
Exercise Science for Muscle Longevity
This energizing final session featured Dr. Brad Schoenfeld from Lehman College and Dr. Jeff Nippard, a professional bodybuilder, powerlifter, and science communicator. Together they shared research-backed strategies for preserving muscle health at any age, emphasizing that it is never too late to start training and that even minimal, consistent exercise can significantly boost mobility and independence. They also recommended incorporating power and explosive movements into workouts and emphasized the importance of adequate leucine intake to support muscle health.
Driving Scientific Progress in Muscle and Aging Research
The MAST Symposium, like previous Aging Initiative at Harvard University events, showcased the power of interdisciplinary collaboration, mentorship, and early engagement in driving scientific progress. Aging (Aging-US) is proud to support initiatives that highlight the latest breakthroughs while inspiring younger generations to pursue meaningful careers in aging research.
From innovative drug development to accessible exercise interventions, the MAST Symposium emphasized the urgency and opportunity in addressing muscle aging—a key driver of health and independence in older adults.
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Founded in 2008 by visionary scientists—Dr. Mikhail (Misha) Blagosklonny, Dr. Judith Campisi, and Dr. David Sinclair—Aging (Aging-US) was created as a platform for publishing innovative and sometimes unconventional ideas in the rapidly evolving field of aging. Supporting events like the MAST Symposium is not just aligned with this mission—it reflects our long-term commitment to advancing aging science and empowering the next generation of researchers.
“This special collection will explore key themes central to Dr. Blagosklonny’s scientific contributions, with a focus on mechanistic insights, translational approaches, and theoretical perspectives.”
BUFFALO, NY — April 3, 2025 —Aging (Aging-US) is pleased to announce a special Call for Papers for a commemorative collection honoring the legacy of Dr. Mikhail (Misha) Blagosklonny, the founding editor of the journal and a pioneer in aging biology. His groundbreaking work shaped fundamental concepts in the field, particularly regarding the role of mTOR in aging and cancer, the use of rapamycin, bypassing senescence during the process of transformation, personalized medicine, and theories on why we age.
This special collection will explore key themes central to Dr. Blagosklonny’s scientific contributions, with a focus on mechanistic insights, translational approaches, and theoretical perspectives. We invite original research, reviews, and perspective articles covering topics such as:
The role of mTOR in aging and age-related diseases
Rapamycin and other pharmacological strategies to extend lifespan
Senescence bypass and its implications for cancer and regenerative medicine
Personalized medicine approaches in aging and longevity research
Theoretical models and evolutionary perspectives on aging
The special issue will be guest-edited by leading scientist in the field, David Gems, who will oversee the selection of high-quality contributions that reflect the depth and impact of Dr. Blagosklonny’s work.
We encourage researchers working on these topics to submit their manuscripts and contribute to this tribute to one of the most influential figures in aging research.
SUBMISSION DETAILS:
Submission Deadline: January 31, 2026 (UPDATED DEADLINE)
