In the field of health and ageing, there is a new player: The Thalion Initiative. This non-profit organisation focuses on fundamentally understanding the ageing process, something experts believe is essential to truly tackle age-related ailments. With a clear multi-year strategy, Thalion aims to stimulate scientific research that is currently insufficiently supported.
The foundation brings together a group of renowned scientists to fund research focusing on five main areas. For instance, looking at early development in the embryo, comparative biology across different animal species, and the use of synthetic biology. Investments are also being made in new measurement methods and computer models that can better map the ageing process. All these efforts are part of a plan spanning some fifteen years.
An important project within Thalion is the establishment of a biobank containing tissues and detailed biological data from approximately 200 animal species. With this information, scientists hope to discover how some animals live many times longer and how this knowledge can help in developing therapies for humans. In addition, the foundation is working on advanced techniques to better study cells and tissues without damaging them.
The founders note that securing sufficient funding is a major challenge, partly due to investors' hesitation owing to the long-term nature and image of ageing research. Even so, they do not let this deter them. The goal is to make fundamental discoveries that will ultimately lead to new treatments capable of offering older people better health and quality of life.
This initiative emphasises the importance of in-depth research into the ageing process, which is crucial for a healthy and active later life.
Source: Arkadi Mazin
