Susan Leeman, 95, Dies; Explored How the Brain Influences the Body

NYT Homepage

by Delthia Ricks

February 25, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Susan Leeman, a pioneering neuroscientist who overcame significant barriers in a field rife with overt sexism, has passed away at the age of 95. Her groundbreaking work focused on understanding how the brain influences the body, leading to two major discoveries that have had profound implications for medical science. Among her most notable contributions was identifying a chemical signal in the brain linked to chronic pain and migraines, a discovery that continues to inform research and treatment approaches today. Leeman’s achievements were particularly remarkable given the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated field during the mid-20th century. Despite these obstacles, she persisted, conducting trailblazing research that not only advanced our understanding of神经科学 but also paved the way for future generations of female scientists. Her work on the brain-body connection laid the foundation for new approaches to treating conditions like chronic pain and migraines, which had previously been poorly understood. Her legacy is a testament to the importance of perseverance in the face of systemic barriers. Leeman’s discoveries not only advanced scientific knowledge but also challenged the norms of her time, demonstrating that women could excel in even the most challenging scientific fields. For readers interested in the history of science and the ongoing fight for gender equality in STEM, her story is both inspiring and instructive. Her life and work serve as a reminder of how far we’ve come—and how much more there is to achieve—in the pursuit of equality and excellence in science.

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/25/2026