Charles S. Zuker, PhD, will be presenting a lecture titled, “The Body-Brain Axis: From Sugar and Fat to Immunity," on Nov. 16, 2023, at 4 p.m. Dr. Zuker is Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics and of Neuroscience; Principal Investigator at Columbia's Zuckerman Institute and an Investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.

Dr. Zuker is interested in the mechanisms underlying signal processing and information transfer in sensory systems. Zuker and his team use the mammalian taste system to understand how the outside world is represented in the brain to guide actions and behaviors. Taste behaviors are exquisitely modulated by the internal state (e.g., hunger, satiety, emotion, and expectation), thus they provide a powerful model for the dissection of brain circuits integrating the senses with our physiological and emotional states.

Co-Sponsored by the Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology and the Michael J. Brody Memorial Lecture

The Distinguished Biomedical Scholar Lecture Series features top-tier scientists and physicians performing high-impact research in a variety of areas. Most lectures, with few exceptions, will be held on the third Thursday of each month during the academic year. The seminars will be of broad interest and are open to the public, all University faculty, staff and students. The schedule of current speakers can be found on our website.