Dr. Bradley Palmer’s work has focused on original research demonstrating the molecular basis of cardiac muscle relaxation function. He has developed novel methods for analyzing muscle stiffness that result in molecular interpretation of macroscopic mechanics and thereby uncover the role of specific proteins and processes in diastolic dysfunction. In those types of studies, one can detect myosin crossbridge lifetime and how that lifetime has changed with diastolic dysfunction. Dr. Palmer also developed a force feedback system used to generate force-length work loops in the cardiac slice to mimic the pressure-volume relationship of the ventricle. This technique is useful because it allows for monitoring and setting sarcomere length as well as specific preload and afterload. In this way, the experimental protocol is better controlled compared to in vivo measurements of pressure and volume.