A hallmark of evolution is the increase in size, complexity, and metabolism of the brain, which requires support from the body. Li Ye wants to understand the functioning principles of the brain by understanding its energetic principles. He combines neuroscience, molecular metabolism, and chemical biology concepts and methods to study the nervous systems and somatic tissues as an integrated “whole-body” network while focusing on the energetics as a fundamental mechanism underlying their relationships and interactions in normal physiology and disease conditions.