Learn about the groundbreaking contributions and lasting impact of Larry J. Young in the field of social neuroscience. Explore his research on brain mechanisms underlying social relationships and bonding, and his dedication to translating findings into treatments for brain disorders. Discover how Larry's work with animal models revolutionized our understanding of social behavior and genetics. Gain insights into his research on oxytocin and its role in prosocial behavior. Explore Larry's passion for outreach and science communication, and his efforts to empower communities and strengthen social bonds. Join us in celebrating the legacy of a pioneer in social neuroscience.
The Legacy of Larry J. Young in Social Neuroscience
( Credit to: Nature )
Larry J. Young, a prominent figure in the field of social neuroscience, left an indelible mark on the scientific community with his groundbreaking contributions. As a key founding member of the Society for Social Neuroscience, he played a crucial role in bringing the field into the mainstream. His expertise in understanding the brain mechanisms underlying social relationships and bonding paved the way for novel treatments for brain disorders affecting social function, such as autism spectrum disorders.
With a passion for animal biology, Larry's journey in neuroscience began on a small family farm in rural Georgia. He obtained a Bachelor's degree in biochemistry from the University of Georgia in 1989, followed by a PhD in neuroendocrinology from the University of Texas at Austin in 1994. Under the guidance of David Crews, Larry studied parthenogenetic lizards during his time at the University of Texas.
After completing his PhD, Larry pursued a postdoctoral fellowship at Emory University School of Medicine with Thomas Insel. He joined the faculty at Emory University in 1996 and played a pivotal role in establishing the Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, funded by the National Science Foundation. Through this center, Larry mentored numerous trainees from diverse backgrounds, shaping the next generation of social neuroscientists.
Unraveling the Mysteries of Social Behavior with Animal Models
Larry Young's groundbreaking contributions to social neuroscience were rooted in his belief in using appropriate animal models to address specific research questions. He recognized the power of comparative biology and leveraged it to unravel the fundamental mysteries of social behavior and genetics.
One of Larry's most notable achievements was his work with voles, small-eared rodents that exhibit various social traits. By comparing monogamous prairie voles with their promiscuous counterparts, meadow voles, Larry uncovered how genetic variations in social neuropeptides and their receptors contribute to species and individual differences in behavior.
His research revealed that specific expression patterns of oxytocin and vasopressin receptors in the brain are associated with complex behaviors. Larry also demonstrated that manipulating a single gene (Avpr1a) in a specific brain region could transform the social behavior of meadow voles, which are typically solitary. This groundbreaking finding was recognized as one of the top 100 discoveries of 2004 by Discover magazine.
Furthermore, Larry investigated how variation in a repetitive DNA element in a non-coding regulatory region of Avpr1a contributes to diversity in brain expression patterns and social behavior. This provided a revolutionary mechanism by which natural selection could shape complex behaviors, challenging the prevailing focus on protein structure as the primary driver of species-typical behavior.
The Role of Oxytocin in Prosocial Behavior
In recent years, Larry Young's research focused on understanding the role of oxytocin in regulating prosocial behavior. He proposed the potential of oxytocin in treating autism and developed innovative drugs to enhance oxytocin function.
His investigations into more complex social phenotypes revealed the critical role of oxytocin in empathy-based consoling behavior in voles. Larry also emphasized the use of the prairie vole model to gain insights into the neurobiology of disrupted social bonds, a topic that holds great significance in light of his untimely passing.
Beyond the Lab: Outreach and Science Communication
Larry Young's contributions extended beyond the laboratory as he was passionate about outreach and science communication. He believed in the wide dissemination of scientific knowledge and engaged with the public through various popular science news outlets.
One of Larry's notable endeavors was co-authoring the book 'The Chemistry Between Us: Love, Sex, and the Science of Attraction,' which aimed to bring scientific ideas to a broader audience. He also collaborated with Buddhist monks, including the Dalai Lama, through the Emory-Tibet Science Initiative to explore the connections between brain health and the natural world.
Larry traveled to Africa to establish relationships with community leaders in Uganda and Kenya. He aimed to communicate the science behind marital bonding and biparental nurturing of children, while also advocating against the practice of female genital mutilation to empower women and strengthen social bonds.
A Lasting Legacy
Larry J. Young's untimely departure is a significant loss for the scientific community. His scientific contributions and mentorship were expected to continue for many more years. Larry's ability to engage in deep discussions on complex scientific ideas while also conveying them to a broader audience was a gift he passed on to his trainees.
In his lab, the word 'impossible' held no weight, and he encouraged his team to pursue groundbreaking science with a sense of joy and curiosity. Larry's conversations were filled with scientific humility, humor, and a twinkle in his eye. While his time in this world was cut short, his legacy as a pioneer in social neuroscience and his impact on the scientific community will never be forgotten.