Marcus Raichle

Marcus Raichle 2014

Marcus E. Raichle is an American neurologist and professor known for his pioneering work in the field of neuroimaging. He is a professor of radiology, neurology, neurobiology, and biomedical engineering at Washington University in St. Louis.

Early Life and Education

Raichle was born in Hooper, Nebraska. He completed his undergraduate studies at University of Washington in Seattle, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree. He then attended Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, where he received his medical degree.

Career

Raichle's career has been marked by significant contributions to the understanding of brain function. He is best known for his work with positron emission tomography (PET) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). His research has led to the discovery of the brain's default mode network, a network of interacting brain regions that is active when a person is not focused on the outside world.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

Raichle was one of the early adopters of PET scanning technology. His work in this area has provided valuable insights into the metabolic processes of the brain. PET scans have been instrumental in studying various neurological conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and depression.

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)

Raichle's research with fMRI has furthered the understanding of brain activity. fMRI measures brain activity by detecting changes associated with blood flow, and Raichle's work has been crucial in mapping brain function and understanding how different regions of the brain communicate.

Default Mode Network

One of Raichle's most significant contributions is the identification of the default mode network (DMN). The DMN is a network of brain regions that show higher activity when a person is at rest and not engaged in specific tasks. This discovery has had profound implications for understanding the brain's resting state and has opened new avenues for research into various mental health conditions.

Awards and Honors

Raichle has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to neuroscience, including:

• The MetLife Foundation Award for Medical Research in Alzheimer's Disease
• The George A. Miller Prize in Cognitive Neuroscience
• Membership in the National Academy of Sciences
• Membership in the Institute of Medicine

Personal Life

Raichle resides in St. Louis, Missouri, where he continues his research and teaching at Washington University in St. Louis. He is married and has children.

See Also

• Neuroimaging
• Positron emission tomography
• Functional magnetic resonance imaging
• Default mode network
• Washington University in St. Louis