Neuroscience pioneer Dr Edward R. Perl has passed away at age 88.
Perl was the Sarah Graham Kenan Professor Emeritus of cell and molecular physiology at UNC School of Medicine.
Dr. Edward R. Perl
His groundbreaking work more than three decades ago identified a particular class of nerve cells that respond exclusively to pain. His discovery paved the way for research into pain-relieving drugs that block their function.
Perl was instrumental in the formation of the Society for Neuroscience and served as acting president in its first year of existence from 1969 to 1970.
He also established the Perl-UNC Neuroscience Prize, which includes a $10,000 award in recognition of significant achievements in neuroscience. Four past recipients went on to win the Nobel Prize for Physiology and Medicine.
He is survived by his wife, children, and grand daughters as well as many students and colleagues.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Perl-UNC Neuroscience Prize, through the Medical Foundation of NC, 880 MLK Jr. Blvd, Chapel Hill, N.C. 27514.
Related Stories
‹
William Powell, Renowned North Carolina Historian, dies at 95Powell published more than 100 books on North Carolina's history.
You Can Go Home Again: Native Son Jarin Stevenson is Back in Chapel HillJarin Stevenson’s commitment to Alabama in the summer of 2023 was a gut punch to anyone in Carolina Blue. The Seaforth High School superstar and son of a former Carolina women’s basketball player had been heavily recruited by UNC and was previously considered a future Tar Heel. But head coach Nate Oats and the Crimson […]
UNC Police Ask Public For Help While Searching For Assault SuspectThe UNC Police Department shared Wednesday it is searching for a suspect in an assault that reportedly took place at the Old Well on Tuesday, Oct. 7. Campus police shared a pair of photos of the suspect on its social media accounts, showing them wearing a mask and holding a rainbow umbrella. According to UNC […]
UNC Football at Cal (2025): How to Watch, Cord-Cutting Options and Kickoff TimeUNC will make its longest road trip of the season Friday night when it visits Cal in Berkeley. It’s the first meeting between the Tar Heels and Golden Bears as ACC opponents. If you aren’t making the cross-country trip with the team, here’s how you can follow along at home: Broadcast Schedule Those hoping to […]
UNC Women's Basketball Ranked No. 11 in 2025-26 Preseason PollCarolina is ranked No. 11 in the AP’s preseason Top 25 poll. It’s the highest preseason ranking for the program since 2009, when the Tar Heels were ranked No. 4. Starting off at No. 1⃣1⃣ Highest preseason ranking since 2009. pic.twitter.com/XFXiAeDiR8 — Carolina Women's Basketball (@uncwbb) October 14, 2025 UNC returns two starters – guard […]
Chansky's Notebook: Missing the PointBill Belichick is not leaving with $30 million guaranteed for him. Rather, it’s whether UNC is willing to admit it made a mistake.
2025 UNC Football Opponent Preview: CalUNC will make its longest road trip of the season this week when it travels to Berkeley to face Cal. It will be the first meeting between the two schools as conference foes, as Cal is in only its second season as an ACC member. Like the Tar Heels, Cal is coming off a bye […]
UNC Head Coach Bill Belichick Denies Exit Rumors: 'Categorically False'UNC head coach Bill Belichick met with the media Monday morning at the Kenan Football Center. It was the head coach’s first press conference since reports surfaced last week of him seemingly being on his way out of Chapel Hill, and of a toxic environment inside the program. Below is Belichick’s opening statement: Some of […]
UNC Men's Basketball Ranked No. 25 in 2025-26 Preseason AP PollUNC men's basketball is ranked No. 25 in the preseason edition of the AP Top 25 poll, which was released Monday.
The Monday Morning Huddle: Lombardi Addresses a Challenging WeekUNC football general manager Michael Lombardi joined 97.9 The Hill’s Aaron Keck this morning for “The Monday Morning Huddle,” presented by Chapel Hill Tire. The Tar Heels’ struggles continued in their fifth game of the season against Clemson, as the Tigers led 35-3 at halftime on their way to a 38-10 win in Kenan Stadium. […]
›
