Candace Pert

Candace Pert

Candace Pert (June 26, 1946 – September 12, 2013) was an American neuroscientist and pharmacologist who made significant contributions to the field of neuropharmacology. She is best known for her discovery of the opioid receptor, which has had a profound impact on the understanding of pain and addiction.

Early Life and Education

Candace Beebe Pert was born in New York City, New York. She attended Sarah Lawrence College and later transferred to Barnard College, where she earned her bachelor's degree in biology. Pert then pursued her graduate studies at Johns Hopkins University, where she earned her Ph.D. in pharmacology in 1974.

Career and Research

After completing her Ph.D., Pert joined the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) as a postdoctoral fellow. It was during her time at NIMH that she made her groundbreaking discovery of the opioid receptor in 1973. This discovery was pivotal in understanding how opioids such as morphine and heroin exert their effects on the brain.

Pert's research extended beyond opioid receptors. She also explored the role of neuropeptides in the brain and their impact on emotions and behavior. Her work contributed to the development of the field of psychoneuroimmunology, which studies the interaction between the nervous system and the immune system.

Publications and Contributions

Candace Pert authored numerous scientific papers and was a sought-after speaker at conferences and seminars. She also wrote a popular book, Molecules of Emotion, in which she discussed her scientific discoveries and their implications for understanding the mind-body connection.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout her career, Pert received several awards and honors for her contributions to science. She was a member of various professional organizations, including the Society for Neuroscience and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Personal Life

Candace Pert was married to Avi Schneier, with whom she had three children. She passed away on September 12, 2013, at the age of 67.

Legacy

Candace Pert's work has had a lasting impact on the fields of neuroscience and pharmacology. Her discovery of the opioid receptor has paved the way for new treatments for pain and addiction, and her research on neuropeptides has opened new avenues for understanding the complex interactions between the brain and the body.

See Also

• Neuropharmacology
• Opioid receptor
• Psychoneuroimmunology
• Molecules of Emotion