In a captivating interview, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory’s Dr. Bo Li takes us on a journey through the pathways of the brain, exploring the enigmatic realm of mental health.
Li’s odyssey began as a medical student in the '90s, witnessing the limitations of psychiatric treatments and the desperate need for a deeper understanding. Fast forward to today, and Li sees a golden age in neuroscience, marked by groundbreaking technologies and innovative ideas converging to unlock the brain’s secrets.
The conversation touches on recent FDA approvals, including a ketamine-derivative nasal spray for depression—a breakthrough after a 30-year dry spell. Li challenges the conventional approach to drug discovery, advocating for a return to the basics and a focus on the biological roots of mental disorders.
Exploring his research areas, Li takes us into the circuits of the lateral habenula and amygdala, shedding light on recent discoveries in anxiety-related neural circuits. He emphasises the interconnected nature of brain circuits in conditions like depression and anxiety, challenging traditional classifications and urging a more nuanced understanding.
Li’s work highlights the collaborative spirit of the neuroscience community, where breakthroughs are born from symbiotic relationships. As he reflects on the progress made in reducing the stigma surrounding mental health, Li envisions a future where the gained knowledge influences clinical treatments and diagnosis.
Read more at: https://www.cshl.edu/interview-with-a-neuroscientist/