MARCUS RAICHLE Meaning and
Definition
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Marcus Raichle is a renowned American neurologist and neuroscientist who has made significant contributions to the field of brain imaging and understanding the human brain's function. Born in 1944, Raichle has been associated with the Washington University in St. Louis and has been a Professor of Radiology, Neurology, Neurobiology, Biomedical Engineering, and Psychology.
Raichle's research primarily focuses on the functional neuroimaging technique known as positron emission tomography (PET) and subsequently, the development and application of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). He is particularly known for his work on the default mode network (DMN), a set of brain regions characterized by activity patterns that are consistently present during rest and decrease during specific goal-directed tasks.
Raichle's contributions to neuroscience include the discovery of the brain's energy budget, demonstrating that the human brain is in a continuously active state, even at rest. This led to a fundamental shift in understanding the brain's metabolic activity. He has also investigated changes in the default mode network's activity in various neurological and psychiatric disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, depression, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Recognized for his groundbreaking research, Marcus Raichle has received numerous honors and awards throughout his career, including the Kavli Prize in Neuroscience in 2014. His work has significantly advanced our understanding of the brain's function at rest, laying the foundation for further exploration into the complexities of the human mind.
