Researchers at the National University of Singapore developed a hybrid biomaterial platform, DECIPHER, combining natural heart extracellular matrix with synthetic hydrogels to decouple and control stiffness and biochemical cues affecting heart cell aging. Studies demonstrated that mimicking youthful extracellular environments could rejuvenate aging heart cells, suggesting therapies may target cell surroundings instead of cells themselves. Published in Nature Materials, this advance opens avenues for cardiac regenerative medicine focused on extracellular matrix modification.