Neuroimaging Innovator Edythe London Advances Frontiers of Addiction Science

Los Angeles, California - From Refugee Camp to Research Leadership: Dr. Edythe London's Quest to Conquer Addiction

In a captivating Genomic Press Interview published in Brain Medicine, Dr. Edythe London, Distinguished Professor at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), shares her remarkable journey from post-World War II refugee to pioneering neuroscientist at the forefront of addiction research.

Dr. London's passion for science was kindled during the Cold War era. "The launch of Sputnik, when I was a child, gave me the sense that science can open the universe and change the world," she recalls. This early inspiration set her on a path that would lead to groundbreaking discoveries in the neurobiology of addiction. How might today's global events inspire the next generation of scientists to tackle pressing health challenges?

Throughout her career, Dr. London has embraced cutting-edge technologies to unravel the mysteries of the addicted brain. Her work with positron emission tomography (PET) at the National Institutes of Health marked a turning point. "I saw the value of mapping brain function in studies of drug action and addiction," Dr. London explains. This insight led to the establishment of the Brain Imaging Center at the National Institute on Drug Abuse, where she conducted fundamental studies on human drug addiction. As neuroimaging technologies continue to advance, what new insights into addiction mechanisms might we uncover?

Today, Dr. London's research focuses on translating knowledge from molecular and functional imaging studies into new treatments for addiction. "I hope to advance our understanding of the brain circuits that promote and maintain addiction, providing knowledge to develop more effective treatments," she states. With over 100,000 annual overdose deaths in the United States, her work carries immense societal importance. How might these findings inform public health policies and addiction prevention strategies worldwide?

Dr. London's current projects explore the potential of noninvasive brain stimulation techniques to alter pathological features of brain circuitry associated with addiction. By combining this approach with pharmacological interventions, she aims to pioneer more effective treatment strategies. What ethical considerations might arise as these new technologies are implemented in addiction treatment?

Beyond her scientific achievements, Dr. London is passionate about fostering the next generation of researchers and promoting diversity in science. "My greatest pleasure in my professional life is seeing the development and success of my trainees," she shares. Her commitment to mentorship extends to advocating for increased representation of women and racially minoritized groups in the scientific community. How can her mentorship approach be adapted to increase diversity in neuroscience research globally?

Reflecting on her career, Dr. London emphasizes the importance of resilience and vision in scientific success. "My ability to view the bigger picture in selecting a research direction has given me an extra edge," she notes. This perspective has allowed her to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in addiction science. What strategies can emerging researchers adopt to develop this "big picture" view in their own careers?

The Genomic Press Interview offers a unique glimpse into Dr. London's personal philosophy, revealing her belief that we are on earth to be kind to one another and make the world a better place. This ethos guides her work both in the laboratory and in her personal life, underscoring the profound impact of individual scientists on society at large.

The full Genomic Press Interview with Dr. Edythe London, titled "Translating knowledge from molecular and functional imaging studies to new pharmacological and brain stimulation treatments for addiction," was published on January 25, 2024, in Brain Medicine. It is freely available online at https://bm.genomicpress.com/aop/.

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.