Book: Molecules of Emotion
Looking for a summer read? Pick up Molecules of Emotion, by neuroscientist Candace B. Pert. A book that explores the intricate connection between our emotions, thoughts, and physical health. Drawing from her pioneering research, including the discovery of the opiate receptor, Pert reveals how neuropeptides—chemical messengers in the body—serve as a biochemical link between the mind and body. She argues that emotions are not confined to the brain but are experienced throughout the body, influencing various physiological processes and overall well-being. By highlighting the role of these "molecules of emotion," Pert challenges the traditional separation of mind and body, advocating for a holistic approach to health that considers the profound impact of our feelings on physical health.
About the author: Candace B. Pert (June 26, 1946 – September 12, 2013) was an American neuroscientist and pharmacologist renowned for her groundbreaking discovery of the opioid receptor, the cellular binding site for endorphins in the brain. This pivotal finding significantly advanced the understanding of how neuropeptides influence emotions and behavior. Pert earned her Ph.D. in pharmacology from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in 1974. She conducted postdoctoral research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and later served as Chief of the Section on Brain Biochemistry at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Throughout her career, she published over 250 research articles focusing on peptides and their receptors, particularly their roles in the immune system.