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Who is Ben Barres?
Ben Barres was a renowned American neurobiologist, known for his pioneering research at Stanford University. His work primarily revolved around the intricate interaction between neurons and glial cells within the brain. Barres gained widespread recognition for his significant contributions to understanding the role of glia in neurodegenerative diseases. Beyond his scientific achievements, he was a fervent advocate for gender equality within the scientific community. Born as Barbara Barres in West Orange, New Jersey, he transitioned to become a female-to-male transgender man in 1997, after his scientific career was well-established. As one of the first openly transgender scientists, Barres was an outspoken champion for transgender rights.
What made Ben Barres famous?
Barres gained prominence for his groundbreaking research in the field of neuroscience, particularly his pioneering study of glial cells. These cells constitute 90% of the human brain but were largely overlooked until Barres’ work revolutionized our comprehension of their crucial role in brain development and disease. He discovered that glial cells are indispensable for forming synapses, the junctions between neurons that facilitate their communication. Moreover, Barres was an ardent advocate for women in science, using his unique perspective as a transgender man to shed light on the gender bias in the field. He observed that women were significantly underrepresented and faced considerable hurdles, thus, he spoke out against the discrimination he had personally experienced.
Is Ben Barres trans?
Ben Barres gained recognition not only for his groundbreaking work in neurobiology, particularly his revolutionary research on glial cells, but also for his fervent advocacy for equality within the scientific community. Despite his abilities as a scientist remaining consistent, he noticed a shift in how his work was perceived following his transition. As one of the first openly transgender scientists, Barres used his platform to champion the rights of women and the LGBTQ+ community in science, vocally criticizing policies that discriminated against transgender individuals. Even after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2013, he continued to work and fight for equality until his passing in 2017. His enduring contributions to neuroscience and his persistent efforts to promote inclusivity are widely acknowledged and continue to influence the scientific community.