Candace Pert facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Candace Beebe Pert
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| Born | June 26, 1946 |
| Died | September 12, 2013 (aged 67) |
| Nationality | American |
| Known for | Opiate receptor, mind-body medicine pioneer, HIV treatment |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Neuroscience |
| Institutions | National Institutes of Health Georgetown University |
Candace Beebe Pert (born June 26, 1946 – died September 12, 2013) was an American scientist. She was a neuroscientist and pharmacologist. Dr. Pert is famous for discovering the opiate receptor in the brain. This receptor is like a special lock where the body's natural pain-relievers, called endorphins, fit like a key. Her work helped us understand how our brains react to pain and pleasure.
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Early Life and Schooling
Candace Pert was born in Manhattan, New York City, on June 26, 1946.
She studied biology at Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania. She finished her studies with honors in 1970.
Her Scientific Career
In 1974, Candace Pert earned her Ph.D. degree in pharmacology. She got this degree from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. While there, she made her big discovery: the brain's opiate receptor. She also found the T cell receptor, which is important for our immune system.
After her Ph.D., she continued her research. From 1975 to 1987, she worked at the National Institute of Mental Health. In 1983, she became a leader there. She was the Chief of the Section on Brain Biochemistry. She was the only woman to hold such a high position at that time.
Later, Dr. Pert became a research professor. She taught at Georgetown University School of Medicine. She also wrote a popular book called Molecules of Emotion. This book shares her discoveries and ideas.
She also appeared in some films. She was in the 1993 PBS video "Healing and the Mind." She also appeared in the 2004 movie What the #$*! Do We Know!?.
Candace Pert passed away on September 12, 2013, in Potomac, Maryland.
Work on Peptides
Dr. Pert published over 250 scientific papers. These papers were about neuropeptides and their receptors. Peptides are small protein molecules. They act as messengers in our bodies. They help different parts of the body talk to each other. This includes the brain and the immune system.
She also held patents for modified peptides. These were special versions of peptides. They were studied for treating conditions like psoriasis and Alzheimer's disease.
One of her modified peptides was called Peptide T. Scientists looked at Peptide T as a possible treatment for AIDS and neuroAIDS. NeuroAIDS affects the brain in people with HIV.
A study was done between 1990 and 1995. It showed that Peptide T helped some patients. It improved their memory and learning. This was especially true for patients with more severe brain issues. The study also showed that Peptide T helped reduce the amount of virus in the blood. Another small study showed it could reduce infected cells.
Dr. Pert continued to work on new treatments. She wanted to find ways to use peptides. These could help with pain and other conditions.
Sharing Her Discoveries
Candace Pert traveled the world to give talks. She spoke about peptides and her theories. She believed that our emotions and thoughts affect our bodies. This idea is called mind-body communication.
Her book, Molecules of Emotion: Why You Feel the Way You Feel, came out in 1997. It explained her research to a wider audience. The book showed how scientific discoveries happen. It also talked about the challenges women faced in science.
A newspaper, the Sydney Morning Herald, wrote about her in 2004. They said her discovery of the opiate receptor changed neuroscience. It helped create a new way of thinking about the brain. This new idea sees the brain as an "information-based" system.
Her experimental drug, Peptide T, was mentioned in the 2013 film Dallas Buyers Club.
Awards and Appearances
In 2008, Dr. Pert received an award. It was from the Theophrastus Paracelsus Foundation. This award recognized her important work in psychoneuroimmunology. This field studies how the mind, brain, and immune system are connected.
She also appeared in other films. In 2009, she was in the movie You Can Heal Your Life.
Her Books
- Molecules Of Emotion: The Science Between Mind-Body Medicine Scribner (1999), ISBN: 0-684-84634-9
- Everything You Need to Know to Feel Go(o)d, with Nancy Marriott, Hay House, Inc. (2006), ISBN: 1-4019-1059-9
See also
In Spanish: Candace Pert para niños
