Dr. Mark Charles DeLano

My research interests are in neuroscience, molecular imaging techniques and their application to musculoskeletal cellular proliferation, and clincical MR in musculoskeletal, body, and neurological applications. Development of clinical 3T MR is a primary focus in the clinical realm with secondary applications of new imaging sequences to patients with movement disorders.

Primary neuroscience interests are functional neuroimaging and diffusion imaging in dementia, motion insensitive imaging in movement disorders and in children with cerebral palsy.

My work in diffusion-weighted imaging in human brain have included the utilization high B values and diffusion tensor imaging. The imaging features of normal and abnormal brain with this technology have been characterized. Critical evaluation of the diffusion of water in neural tissues has important clinical implications in stroke, multiple sclerosis, cognitive disorders, and in CNS neoplasm evaluation.

MR, near-infrared, and optical imaging in basic science investigations are underway with two funded projects in conjunction with the MSU Molecular Imaging Research Center. These studies are of muscle stem/satellite cells and in diabetic vascular disease.

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance interests are primarily related to myocardial iron imaging. We are developing software enabling quantification of myocardial iron in patients with iron overload and studying MR as a primary tool to assess the need for phlebotomy or other treatments.

Exploration of the limits of high field MR clinical imaging is planned including applications in neurological and musculoskeletal imaging. High resolution imaging and spectroscopic imaging will be evaluated for clinical utility and research applications. Correlative high field animal studies with emphasis on molecular imaging techniques are also planned.