Joseph E. LeDoux
Encyclopedia
Joseph E. LeDoux is a neuroscientist
, the Henry and Lucy Moses Professor of Science, and professor of neuroscience
and psychology
at New York University
. He is also the director of the Center for the Neuroscience of Fear and Anxiety, a multi-university Center in New York City devoted to using animal research to understand pathological fear and anxiety in humans. He received his Ph.D.
in 1977 at the State University of New York at Stony Brook
. He was a recipient of the 2005 International Prize of the Fyssen Foundation
.
LeDoux's research interests are mainly focused on the biological underpinnings of memory
and emotion
, especially the mechanism
s of fear
.
LeDoux is also a singer and guitarist in the science-themed rock band The Amygdaloids
.
Neuroscience
Neuroscience is the scientific study of the nervous system. Traditionally, neuroscience has been seen as a branch of biology. However, it is currently an interdisciplinary science that collaborates with other fields such as chemistry, computer science, engineering, linguistics, mathematics,...
, the Henry and Lucy Moses Professor of Science, and professor of neuroscience
Neuroscience
Neuroscience is the scientific study of the nervous system. Traditionally, neuroscience has been seen as a branch of biology. However, it is currently an interdisciplinary science that collaborates with other fields such as chemistry, computer science, engineering, linguistics, mathematics,...
and psychology
Psychology
Psychology is the study of the mind and behavior. Its immediate goal is to understand individuals and groups by both establishing general principles and researching specific cases. For many, the ultimate goal of psychology is to benefit society...
at New York University
New York University
New York University is a private, nonsectarian research university based in New York City. NYU's main campus is situated in the Greenwich Village section of Manhattan...
. He is also the director of the Center for the Neuroscience of Fear and Anxiety, a multi-university Center in New York City devoted to using animal research to understand pathological fear and anxiety in humans. He received his Ph.D.
Ph.D.
A Ph.D. is a Doctor of Philosophy, an academic degree.Ph.D. may also refer to:* Ph.D. , a 1980s British group*Piled Higher and Deeper, a web comic strip*PhD: Phantasy Degree, a Korean comic series* PhD Docbook renderer, an XML renderer...
in 1977 at the State University of New York at Stony Brook
State University of New York at Stony Brook
The State University of New York at Stony Brook, also known as Stony Brook University, is a public research university located in Stony Brook, New York, on the North Shore of Long Island, about east of Manhattan....
. He was a recipient of the 2005 International Prize of the Fyssen Foundation
International Prize (Fyssen Foundation)
The International Prize of the Fyssen Foundation is a scientific award that has been given annually since 1980 to a scientist who has conducted distinguished research in the areas supported by the foundation such as ethology, palaeontology, archaeology, anthropology, psychology, epistemology,...
.
LeDoux's research interests are mainly focused on the biological underpinnings of memory
Memory
In psychology, memory is an organism's ability to store, retain, and recall information and experiences. Traditional studies of memory began in the fields of philosophy, including techniques of artificially enhancing memory....
and emotion
Emotion
Emotion is a complex psychophysiological experience of an individual's state of mind as interacting with biochemical and environmental influences. In humans, emotion fundamentally involves "physiological arousal, expressive behaviors, and conscious experience." Emotion is associated with mood,...
, especially the mechanism
Mental event
A mental event is a particular occurrence of something going on in the mind or mind substitute. It can be a thought, a dream, a feeling, a realization, or any other mental activity. Mental events are not limited to human thought but can be associated with animal and artificial intelligence as...
s of fear
Fear
Fear is a distressing negative sensation induced by a perceived threat. It is a basic survival mechanism occurring in response to a specific stimulus, such as pain or the threat of danger...
.
LeDoux is also a singer and guitarist in the science-themed rock band The Amygdaloids
The Amygdaloids
The Amygdaloids, an American rock band from New York City, are four New York University scientists: Joseph LeDoux, vocals and guitar, Tyler Volk, lead guitar and vocals, Nina Curly, Bass, and Daniela Schiller, drums. LeDoux is a professor of neuroscience and Volk a professor of biology...
.
Books
- The Emotional Brain: The Mysterious Underpinnings of Emotional Life, 1996, Simon & SchusterSimon & SchusterSimon & Schuster, Inc., a division of CBS Corporation, is a publisher founded in New York City in 1924 by Richard L. Simon and M. Lincoln Schuster. It is one of the four largest English-language publishers, alongside Random House, Penguin and HarperCollins...
, 1998 Touchstone edition: ISBN 0-684-83659-9 - Synaptic Self: How Our Brains Become Who We Are. 2002, Penguin Putnam, 2003 paperback: ISBN 0-14-200178-3
- The Self: From Soul to Brain: (Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences), Editor, 2003 New York Academy of SciencesNew York Academy of SciencesThe New York Academy of Sciences is the third oldest scientific society in the United States. An independent, non-profit organization with more than members in 140 countries, the Academy’s mission is to advance understanding of science and technology...
ISBN 978-1573314503 - Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: Basic Science and Clinical Practice, co-Editor, 2009 Humana PressHumana PressHumana Press is an academic publisher of science, technology, and medical books and journals. Humana publishes more than 100 new books and 25 journals per year, with a back list of approximately 1,500 titles in areas such as molecular biology, neuroscience, cancer research, pathology, and...
ISBN 978-160327328X
Media appearances
- LeDoux appeared in the March 2003 and July 2007 issues of Discover Magazine (and Discover MagazineDiscover Magazine (TV series)Discover Magazine is a 1992-2000 documentary television series that aired on the Disney Channel from 1992-1994 and then on The Science Channel from 1996-2000. The series is named after the magazine of the same name, Discover Magazine. The Disney Channel series was narrated by actor Joseph...
television series episode "Fear").