What inspired you to pursue aging research?
Inspiration came from my family, my grandparents lived longer and healthier where as during my parents’ generation, though they live longer they have serious health conditions. The food habits and choices are primarily the reason for the change in quality of life. Since microbiota is very important in maintaining the immune functions, it inspired me to pursue my research in aging and especially set to find some therapeutictechniques that may help healthier aging.
In your view, what does AFAR mean to the field, and what does it mean, for you, to receive an AFAR grant now?
I am extremely thrilled to be part of the AFAR network. I am impressed with their mission. They do not just focus on the disease conditions but try to improve the overall quality of life with aging, which is a shift in thinking. This is very important, as age-related diseases are increasing. If we promote healthy aging, we can prevent most of the disease conditions.
What is exciting about your research’s potential impact?
It is exciting because gut microbiota can be easily modulated and everyone can have advantage of it. It is a non-invasive technique and treatments can be made simple. Since everyone can get the treatment easily and can make a huge improvement in their quality of life, this research in my lab exists me the most.
How would you describe your research to a non-scientist?
Rejuvenating the aged gut microbiota with a young and youthful gut microbiota to improve healthy aging.
