Masashi Yanagisawa

Masashi Yanagisawa is a Japanese biologist known for his groundbreaking research on neuropeptides, particularly the discovery of an important regulatory peptide called orexin (or hypocretin). This peptide plays a crucial role in controlling sleep-wake cycles and appetite. Yanagisawa's work has advanced our understanding of conditions like narcolepsy and obesity, highlighting the complex connections between brain chemistry and behavior. His research has contributed significantly to neuroscience, offering potential pathways for developing treatments for sleep disorders and metabolic issues. Yanagisawa's discoveries underscore the importance of neurobiology in understanding human health.