Neuroscientist Professor Anne M. Andrews was recently featured in Wired magazine, discussing her groundbreaking work in developing wearable sensors for personalized medicine and well-being, while also addressing the complexities of brain function and the future of neuroscience.
The article discusses Andrews’ work to unlock the brain’s secrets and to develop innovative wearable sensors for personalized medicine and well-being. She challenges the brain-computer analogy and discusses the complexity of brain function, particularly regarding serotonin’s role in mental health. Andrews shares insights into her team’s research on miniaturized sensors and emphasizes the importance of reducing mental health stigma and practicing preventive measures. She also discusses emerging technologies like Neuralink and predicts advancements in brain-computer interfaces and personalized biomarker monitoring in the future.
As UCLA professor of Chemistry & Biochemistry and Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, and a Senior Research Scientist in the Hatos Center for Neuropharmacology, Andrews leads efforts in basic and translational research on anxiety and depression, and at the nexus of neuroscience and nanoscience. Her interdisciplinary research team focuses on discovering, developing, and using in vivo neurotransmitter monitoring approaches to understand how the serotonin (and other) neurotransmitter systems encode emotionally salient information.
Recently awarded a Fulbright Specialist Award, Andrews conducted a project at the Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, The Czech Academy of Sciences, while also delivering public lectures and participating in interviews across the Czech Republic during a two-and-a-half-week tour from March 8 to March 25.
Penny Jennings, UCLA Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, penny@chem.ucla.edu.
