John Olney

John W. Olney
Born	October 4, 1931 Marathon, Iowa, USA
Died	April 14, 2015 St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Nationality	American
Alma mater	University of Iowa
Known for	Discovering excitotoxicity
Scientific career
Fields	Neuroscience, Psychiatry
Institutions	Washington University in St. Louis

John W. Olney (October 4, 1931 – April 14, 2015) was an American neuroscientist and psychiatrist renowned for his pioneering research in the field of neurotoxicity. He is best known for discovering the phenomenon of excitotoxicity, a process by which neurons are damaged and killed by excessive stimulation by neurotransmitters such as glutamate.

Early Life and Education

John Olney was born in Marathon, Iowa. He pursued his undergraduate studies at the University of Iowa, where he also earned his medical degree. His early interest in the brain and its functions led him to specialize in psychiatry and neuroscience.

Career and Research

Olney began his career at Washington University in St. Louis, where he conducted groundbreaking research on the effects of glutamate on the brain. In the 1960s, he discovered that high levels of glutamate could cause damage to neurons, a process he termed "excitotoxicity." This discovery had profound implications for understanding various neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease.

Excitotoxicity

Excitotoxicity occurs when neurons are overstimulated by neurotransmitters such as glutamate, leading to cell damage and death. Olney's research demonstrated that this process could be a contributing factor in a range of neurodegenerative diseases. His work laid the foundation for further studies into how excitotoxicity could be mitigated or prevented.

Research on Food Additives

Olney also investigated the effects of certain food additives, such as monosodium glutamate (MSG) and aspartame, on the brain. He raised concerns about the potential neurotoxic effects of these substances, particularly in vulnerable populations such as children and individuals with pre-existing neurological conditions.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Olney received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to neuroscience. He was a member of several prestigious scientific organizations and served on various editorial boards for scientific journals.

Legacy

John Olney's work has had a lasting impact on the field of neuroscience. His discovery of excitotoxicity has influenced research into the mechanisms of neurodegeneration and the development of therapeutic strategies to protect the brain from damage.

Personal Life

Olney was married and had children. He passed away on April 14, 2015, in St. Louis, Missouri.

Also see

• Neurotoxicity
• Glutamate
• Neurodegenerative disease
• Monosodium glutamate
• Aspartame