November Insights: Mental Wellness, Anti-Aging Drugs and AI in Aging

Journey with us as a digital illustrator shares her secrets to mental wellness, explore the science of anti-aging drugs, and meet Dr. Shovamayee as she bridges skin cell research and longevity.

Nov 29, 2024

From the Community: A Journey Through Moods

In this interview, we speak with Sonali Kathuria, the visionary behind Comixplain—a platform that blends creativity and emotional expression through art. Sonali discusses her journey into art as a medium for connection and mental wellness, highlighting how it empowers individuals, including older adults, to explore their emotions in a simple yet impactful way.

LI: Why did you choose art as your career/ platform?

Sonali: I believe art has the power to connect people and, in doing so, makes the world a happier place. And who doesn’t want to spread happiness? :)

Though I don’t come from a traditional art background, it’s my favorite medium of expression because it’s creative, authentic, and emotionally fulfilling.

Initially, I made art just for myself. But now that my work is out in the open, it’s been incredible watching people interpret it in their own ways, feel different emotions, and even pause to think. That’s what my brand, Comixplain, aims to do—tickle people’s minds.

LI: Moodboard is one of your interesting creations. What was the inspiration behind the creation of Moodboard?

Sonali: The idea for the Mood Board was inspired by Spotify Wrapped’s “Audio Aura” which visually represents music moods through colors at the end of the year. It got me thinking: what if I could map my own moods in colors throughout the year?

Journaling never worked for me—I wasn’t consistent with writing, and I would get distracted and end up doodling! I wanted a simple, visual way to look back at my year, which led to the creation of the Mood Board in December 2021. I spent the next 365 days testing it on myself. I made it to be quick and easy, using just five colors & moods. By assigning each day with a color that matched my dominant emotion, I could capture my year’s journey in a single glance.

LI: How does Moodboard work and how do you think this tool could be particularly beneficial for others including older adults who may be experiencing age-related emotional changes?

Sonali: The Mood Board is designed to be simple yet insightful. It has 12 columns (one for each month), and each column contains boxes representing the days of that month. At the bottom, users label their chosen colors with corresponding moods.

Every night, take two minutes to reflect on your day, choose the color that best represents your dominant emotion, and fill in that day's box. This visual representation helps you notice trends—what makes you happy, what drains you—and take small actions to shape better days.

For older adults, this reflective practice can be especially grounding, giving them a simple way to reflect on daily feelings without the pressure of writing lengthy journal entries. Over time, it can become a visual diary of their moods, helping them recognize triggers, notice positive trends, and even share their emotional journey with caregivers or family members.

LI: What is the feedback from your Moodboard user community – are there any elderly users? If so, could you share any stories or insights about how it has impacted their lives?

Sonali: The feedback has been heart-warming, with people across age groups adopting it as part of their daily journaling routine:

Kids enjoy using it with friends as a fun, creative activity with pen and paper.
Adults appreciate it as a tool for self-reflection, helping them understand their emotions better and take control of their mental well-being.
Parents have shared that they use the Mood Board with their children, turning it into a bonding activity to discuss feelings at the end of the day.
Elderly users find it to be a gentle introduction to self-reflection. It helps them stay present and more aware of their emotions over time, without feeling overwhelmed.

LI: How do you envision Moodboard being integrated into senior living communities or care facilities to promote emotional well-being and potentially contribute to a higher quality of life for residents?

Sonali: I see the Mood Board as a daily ritual in these communities. It’s adaptable for pen and paper, making it accessible, creative, and personal.

The act of choosing and filling in a color each day helps residents reconnect with themselves. On happy days, it adds a bit of joy to look forward to, and on challenging days, it encourages them to share or seek support. Including an accountability partner or group, check-ins could turn it into a social, supportive experience. This would help build a sense of community and shared understanding.

LI: Could you share your personal experience using Moodboard and how it has impacted your life?

Sonali: Having used the Mood Board for three years, it has become a part of my routine - my emotional barometer. When I see a streak of “red” (my color for anger), it signals that something needs attention. If I notice multiple “yellow” days (my color for happiness), I get insight into elements that truly make me happy. And if “grey” (my least favorite color representing ‘bleh’) appears often, it’s a cue for me to shake up my routine.

The Mood Board isn’t just a tracker—it’s a tool that helps me reflect, maintain balance, and understand myself better. I use the insights to plan more activities that bring me joy (yellow or green days) and reduce those that contribute to anger or sadness (red or blue days).

LI: What suggestions can be offered to individuals struggling with mental and emotional instability?

Sonali: Surround yourself with people and activities that bring you peace and happiness. The Mood Board can help you identify what these things are. By logging your moods daily, you’ll begin to notice patterns—what lifts you and what drains you. Use these insights to shape your days around what nurtures you and brings you calm.

Be around art and art lovers, and there’ll be more happiness in the world :)

Download the digital template here - Mood Board 2025

Unlocking the Secrets of Aging: How Science is Turning Back the Clock

Writers: Anusha Rastogi, Shreya Vashista

Imagine a world where age is just a number—where turning 70 doesn’t mean slowing down but thriving with the vitality of your 30s. While the mythical fountain of youth remains a dream, modern science is pushing the boundaries of what's possible. Researchers are exploring the biology of aging, repurposing everyday medicines to slow its effects, boost health, and even extend life itself. Here are a few examples of how science is driving the repurposing of existing drugs for anti-aging purposes.

Metformin: Metformin, a stalwart in the fight against type-2 diabetes, is stepping into the anti-aging spotlight. In studies on worms and mice, this unassuming pill has shown the potential to extend lifespan by reducing inflammation and rebalancing the gut microbiome to produce healthier fatty acids. Think of it as a mechanic giving your body a much-needed tune-up, fixing things up at the cellular level.

The groundbreaking Targeting Aging with Metformin (TAME) trial is investigating whether this drug can enhance age-related health in humans. If successful, metformin could become the ultimate multitasker—managing diabetes and promoting longevity, all in one tiny tablet.

Rapamycin: Rapamycin is already a lifesaver for transplant patients, preventing organ rejection. Now, it’s earning accolades for its potential to slow aging. Rapamycin works by blocking a protein called mTOR, which governs cell growth and division. By slowing down mTOR, the drug encourages cells to focus on self-repair, leading to healthier, longer-lasting cells. Studies on mice have shown promising results, and human trials are underway to explore its potential to extend healthspan. Rapamycin is a top contender in the fight against aging, with its dual role in saving lives today and preserving them for tomorrow.

Spermidine: Spermidine is a powerhouse for health and longevity. Found in foods like wheat germ and soybeans, this naturally occurring molecule boasts strong antioxidant properties. Studies on worms, flies, and mice have shown that spermidine can extend lifespan by up to 36%, promoting cellular health and reducing oxidative stress. Its natural origins and profound effects make it a promising candidate for future anti-aging therapies.

Insulin Signalling and Longevity: Blood sugar might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of aging, but it plays a surprising role in longevity. Drugs like semaglutide and liraglutide, originally developed to regulate blood sugar and aid weight loss, are now being studied for their anti-aging potential. These drugs mimic GLP-1, a hormone that not only helps control blood sugar but also curbs appetite, promoting healthier aging. Similarly, acarbose, another diabetes medication, has shown promise in stabilizing insulin levels and extending lifespan. Turns out, managing blood sugar isn’t just about avoiding diabetes—it might hold the key to living longer and better.

The Gut Microbiome: You’ve probably heard the phrase, “You are what you eat,” but did you know your gut health could be the key to feeling youthful? The gut microbiome—a diverse community of microbes—plays a vital role in overall health and the aging process. One standout member, Akkermansia muciniphila, has been shown to counteract some age-related changes in the microbiome. By focusing on gut health, you might unlock greater vitality and resilience. It may be time to make “nourishing your microbiome” an essential part of your wellness routine.

Another study is uncovering the potential of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei to improve mental and cognitive health in individuals over 50. Current clinical trials aim to evaluate its effectiveness in enhancing cognitive function and mental well-being. With age-related cognitive decline becoming increasingly common, such studies highlight probiotics as a promising, non-invasive strategy for maintaining brain health and improving quality of life in older adults.

From diabetes drugs to gut-friendly bacteria, the science of aging is unveiling solutions hidden in plain sight. These breakthroughs signal a future, where aging is no longer seen as an inevitable decline but a modifiable journey.

Despite these exciting discoveries, there’s a big hurdle: the FDA doesn’t classify aging as a disease. This regulatory stance makes it tricky to approve drugs specifically for aging. Instead, researchers often have to frame their work as treating age-related diseases. While this slows progress, the determination of scientists is unwavering. Another major hurdle is identifying safe and effective dosages for humans—insufficient doses may fail, while excessive ones risk harmful side effects. Despite these obstacles, the field of longevity medicine continues to advance, offering healthcare providers innovative tools to enhance healthspan and quality of life. By leveraging biomarkers, geroprotectors, and AI-driven personalized care, longevity medicine addresses aging as a modifiable risk factor, translating scientific breakthroughs into practical solutions for healthier, longer lives.

As the saying goes, “Age is an issue of mind over matter—if you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.” With science on our side, perhaps we’re inching closer to a future where aging truly doesn’t matter. So, here’s to the exciting possibilities ahead—a toast with a little resveratrol, of course!

References: Click Here

AI in Longevity: Helping Us Live Better for Longer

Writer: Dr. Saher Mehdi

AI is reshaping our lives in ways unimaginable just a few years ago. It has transcended the boundaries of research labs to become an integral part of daily life. From personalized online shopping to digital assistants, AI is moving beyond merely identifying patterns—it is now emulating human intelligence, emotions, and problem-solving capabilities. This transformative technology is addressing challenges that would otherwise take years and the collective effort of many scientists to resolve.

AI making healthcare proactive

AI has already made significant strides in healthcare by enhancing diagnostics, enabling personalized medicine, accelerating drug discovery, and expanding telemedicine. Machine learning algorithms are facilitating early disease detection and more accurate diagnoses, while personalized medicine is customizing treatment plans based on individual genetic profiles.

Mental health care has also benefited. AI-powered chatbots and virtual therapists use natural language processing and machine learning to engage users in therapeutic conversations, alleviating symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.

As global populations age rapidly and chronic diseases reach epidemic proportions, longevity science is turning to AI for solutions. AI-driven tools offer unprecedented opportunities to understand, quantify, and intervene in the aging process. AI is catalyzing a paradigm shift in longevity research and applications.

Decoding Aging Biology

Aging is a highly heterogeneous and complex process influenced by genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. AI excels at analyzing multidimensional datasets, allowing researchers to uncover intricate patterns and pathways associated with aging.

Machine learning algorithms integrate and analyze large-scale biological data from genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and transcriptomics. Supervised learning models identify linear relationships between biomarkers and biological age. Deep neural networks capture non-linear patterns in high-dimensional datasets, enabling the development of multi-omic clocks. Elastic Net Regression models, often used in epigenetic clocks like the Horvath Clock, address challenges like multicollinearity and feature selection. Reinforcement learning optimizes therapeutic pathways by consolidating interventions.

Precision Longevity with AI

One of the most promising applications of AI in longevity science is the development of hyper-personalized interventions. By integrating genetic data, lifestyle factors, medical history, and diagnostics, AI can predict individual responses to interventions such as diet, exercise, and supplements. This precision ensures that recommendations are not only effective but also culturally and demographically relevant.

AI is also accelerating drug discovery for aging-related diseases. By screening compounds, identifying geroprotectors, and repurposing existing drugs, companies like BioAge Labs and Insilico Medicine are at the forefront of this revolution.

Predictive Diagnostics and Biological Age Estimation

Early detection of age-related diseases is critical for timely intervention. AI-powered diagnostic tools are transforming this space. Machine learning models analyze medical imaging and detect subtle deviations, predicting risks for conditions like Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular diseases, and osteoporosis before symptoms appear.

Advanced aging clocks—epigenetic, microbiome, transcriptome, and proteome clocks—use machine learning to estimate biological age. While epigenetic clocks are the gold standard, their clinical utility remains limited without methods to manipulate methylation at both organismal and organ levels. Advances in transcriptome and proteome clocks may redefine how we approach aging diagnostics.

Challenges and Ethical Considerations

While the potential of AI in longevity is immense, challenges remain. A major hurdle is the lack of diverse datasets; most AI models are trained on Western populations, making them less effective for other ethnic groups. To ensure global applicability, researchers must prioritize data diversity.

Ethical considerations are equally critical. Issues like data privacy, algorithmic bias, and accessibility must be addressed to ensure that AI-driven longevity tools are transparent, equitable, and affordable.

The Path Forward

AI is poised to revolutionize longevity science by bridging gaps in our understanding of aging, accelerating drug discovery, and delivering personalized health solutions. However, this journey is just beginning. Collaborative efforts between researchers, technologists, and healthcare providers are essential to unlock AI’s full potential in this field.

By overcoming challenges such as data diversity and ethical concerns, AI can democratize longevity solutions, paving the way for a healthier, longer-lived society. As we stand at the cusp of this revolution, the integration of AI into longevity science promises to transform how we age, ensuring not just longer lives but healthier and more fulfilling ones.

References: Click Here

Meet the Scientist

In this edition, we are excited to feature Dr. Shovamayee Maharana, Assistant Professor at the Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology at IISc, known for her pioneering research on RNA's role in the formation, properties, and functions of cellular condensates. Dr. Shova completed her Master's degree at Banaras Hindu University, pursued her Ph.D. at NCBS, Bangalore, and further advanced her expertise through a post-doctoral fellowship at the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics in Germany. We are proud to share her inspiring journey and remarkable contributions to science.

LI: What led you to your career in aging research?

Dr Shova: During my postdoctoral research, I studied the low-complexity domain proteins, which aggregate in neurodegenerative diseases like Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Frontotemporal dementia (FTLD). Interestingly, even in purified form, these proteins tend to aggregate over time, typically within a day or two, exhibiting what we call "in vitro aging." This observation led us to question how these proteins behave inside cells, especially given that ALS and FTLD are age-related diseases. Even though in the presence of mutations, individuals typically do not develop neurodegeneration at birth but rather they show the symptoms around the age of 55 or 60. Through this exploration, we discovered cellular structures composed of these proteins, which are present in various cell types, including skin, neurons, and muscle cells and these structures appear to age as the cells age. This finding ultimately drew us into the field of aging, starting from our work on neurodegeneration.

LI: What are you currently working on?

Dr Shova: Currently, our lab focuses on studying aging in cells, particularly skin cells, as they directly experience environmental stress. Also, we are interested in neurodegeneration-related proteins that form subcellular structures to organize biochemical reactions. Our research explores how these proteins behave and aggregate with aging across different cellular models and whether anti-aging therapies or insights into cellular metabolism can reverse these effects.

LI: Your goal for the Longevity India Initiative?

Dr Shova: My goal for Longevity India is to contribute to establishing biomarkers for determining cellular aging, developing novel and sophisticated cellular organization markers as readouts for cellular health, and advancing the fundamental understanding of the mechanisms that lead to cellular senescence.

LI: List your personal health hacks.

Dr Shova: I realized the importance of health during my postdoc, shortly after having my baby, when I was on the verge of developing inflammatory bowel syndrome due to stress and an unbalanced lifestyle. This led me to make significant lifestyle changes, including daily workouts, reducing animal protein, sugar, and fat intake, and focusing on cooking healthy meals. Over six years, I’ve lost weight, feel more active and focused, and am working towards consistency in exercise and adopting a vegan lifestyle. Now, I aim for 12,000 steps of fast walking daily, focus on one body region in workouts, prioritize seven hours of sleep, and include plenty of fruits and vegetables in my diet.