Pioneering neuroendocrinologist shapes brain research at 100 while still making discoveries

Westwood, Massachusetts, USA, 03 December 2024 – In a remarkable convergence of scientific legacy and active discovery, Brain Medicine (Genomic Press, New York) announces a special Festschrift issue for early 2025 honoring Dr. Seymour Reichlin's centennial. What distinguishes this celebration is its subject's continued scientific engagement at age 100, exemplifying an extraordinary career that shapes modern neuroscience while still contributing to it.

The issue features a compelling guest editorial by Dr. Joseph B. Martin, former Dean of Harvard Medical School and prior to that Dean of Medicine and Chancellor of the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), who provides unique insights into Dr. Reichlin's enduring influence on neuroendocrinology and academic medicine. "Each time we meet, I come away with insights that amaze me," writes Dr. Martin, describing their recent discussions about novel applications of hormone therapy in cognitive enhancement with potential relevance to Alzheimer’s Disease.

Dr. Reichlin's impact spans foundational discoveries of the 1960s to current research into hormone therapies for conditions like Down syndrome. His work helped establish neuroendocrinology as a distinct field, bridging neuroscience, endocrinology, and clinical medicine. What drives his continuing influence? The answer may lie in what Dr. Martin calls his mentor's "polymath" approach – an ability to connect seemingly unrelated fields into groundbreaking insights.

"The opportunity to work with him was one of the great experiences of my life," Dr. Martin reflects. Their 58-year mentor-mentee relationship yielded numerous breakthrough discoveries, including:

• Mapping brain thyroid-stimulating hormone pathways

• Revealing growth hormone's pulsatile secretion patterns

• Establishing leading neuroendocrine treatment centers

• Publishing the definitive textbook "Clinical Neuroendocrinology"

Perhaps most intriguing is Dr. Reichlin's current work on what might be termed "emotional homeostasis," exploring connections between hormones, cognition, and psychological well-being. This research raises fascinating questions about neuroendocrine regulation's role in mental health and healthy aging. Could hormone therapies offer new approaches to cognitive enhancement? How might understanding emotional homeostasis impact treatment of age-related cognitive decline?

Their ongoing collaboration, most recently photographed during Dr. Reichlin's 100^th birthday celebration, exemplifies the lasting impact of scientific mentorship. How does such a relationship evolve from mentorship to collaboration to friendship while maintaining scientific productivity? Dr. Martin's editorial offers valuable insights for today's scientific community.

The Guest Editorial by Dr. Joseph Martin titled “A debt owed to a wonderful mentor, Seymour Reichlin” will be published online on 3 December 2024, at https://url.genomicpress.com/2p9ccbb7, with the complete issue following in early 2025.

About Brain Medicine: Brain Medicine (ISSN: 2997-2639) is a peer-reviewed journal published by Genomic Press, New York. Brain Medicine is a new home for the cross-disciplinary pathway from innovation in fundamental neuroscience to translational initiatives in brain medicine. The journal’s scope includes the underlying science, causes, outcomes, treatments, and societal impact of brain disorders, across all clinical disciplines and their interface.