"In Memoriam: Larry J. Young's Legacy (1967–2024)"
Source: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41593-024-01637-z
The scientific community mourns the passing of a visionary, Larry J. Young, a pioneering neuroscientist whose groundbreaking work on the brain mechanisms underlying social relationships and bonding has left an indelible mark on the field of social neuroscience. Young's sudden demise in March 2024, just days before the Society for Social Neuroscience's annual meeting, has left a void that will be deeply felt by his colleagues, students, and the broader scientific community.
Born on a small family farm in rural Georgia, Young's early experiences with animals, from catching catfish to befriending a pet possum, ignited his lifelong passion for biology. This love of the natural world would shape the trajectory of his illustrious career, which spanned decades of innovative research and visionary leadership.
After earning his PhD in neuroendocrinology from the University of Texas at Austin, Young returned to Georgia, where he played a pivotal role in establishing the Center for Behavioral Neuroscience. It was here that he began his seminal work on the neurological underpinnings of social behavior, particularly the role of neuropeptides like oxytocin and vasopressin in shaping species-specific social traits.
By comparing the monogamous prairie vole with its promiscuous cousin, the meadow vole, Young unveiled the intricate connections between gene expression patterns and social behavior. His groundbreaking discovery that a single gene could transform the social behavior of typically solitary meadow voles was hailed as one of the top 100 scientific breakthroughs of 2004 by Discover magazine.
Young's work did not stop there. He delved deeper into the complexities of social bonding, demonstrating the critical role of oxytocin in empathy-based consoling behavior in voles. His findings held immense promise for understanding and treating social disorders, such as autism spectrum disorders, and he tirelessly advocated for the potential of oxytocin-based therapies.
Beyond his scientific contributions, Young was a tireless communicator and advocate for science. He shared his work with diverse audiences, from Buddhist monks to community leaders in Africa, in an effort to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and public understanding. His co-authored book, "The Chemistry Between Us: Love, Sex, and the Science of Attraction," further cemented his reputation as a scientific storyteller of the highest caliber.
Young's passing is a profound loss for the scientific community, but his legacy will endure. The field of social neuroscience, which he helped shape and nurture, will continue to build upon his groundbreaking ideas. His trainees, inspired by his infectious enthusiasm and unwavering belief in the power of science, will carry on his work, pushing the boundaries of our understanding of the social brain.
As we bid farewell to this remarkable scientist, we are reminded of the words that adorned his laboratory refrigerator: "Never, ever, ever, ever, ever give up." Larry J. Young's spirit will forever be a beacon, guiding us to embrace the challenges, the joys, and the endless possibilities that lie ahead in the pursuit of scientific knowledge.
Source: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41593-024-01637-z
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