Mind, Brain, Body, and Behavior

GUTH 243

and, when I told him of my new thoughts on this phenomenon,

he initiated a comprehensive investigation into the crossed phrenic

phenomenon. His investigations (which are still ongoing some

30 years later) have revealed the anatomical basis for neuronal

plasticity in the respiratory pathway and have led to clinical trials

of a novel treatment for patients with respiratory paralysis. In

summary, Frank’s kindness to an inexperienced investigator in

the 1950s led directly to the notable scientific research achieve­

ments of Goshgarian many years later.

Epilogue: Dreams and Memories

It is no surprise that the National Institute of Neurological Disorders
and Stroke today is vastly different from the NINDB of the 1950s, but
the important premises on which the institute was founded remain
valid today–as William Faulkner wrote, “The past is never dead–it is
not even past.” First, basic research programs must be given the freedom
to investigate fundamental biological issues without consideration of
practical application. Second, senior scientists have a responsibility to
provide an environment in which young scientists can develop into
mature, creative, and independent investigators. Third, senior scientists
are also role models for junior colleagues; by their actions they should
endeavor to impart respect for honor and integrity in scientific research.
It has been said that aging is a process in which dreams are transformed
to memories. In this essay, I have tried to share memories of my youthful
dreams and of a life in science made meaningful by the friendship and
inspiration of colleagues. I hope that the present generation of young
scientists will have equally rewarding experiences during their careers
and equally satisfying memories to reflect upon during their retirement.

Notes

1. “Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the
   Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches....In these lay a great multitude
   of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the
   water....For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled
   the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in
   was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.” [John: 5: 2-4].