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APRil 9, 2013
TUESDAY TV SEASON FINALES ON PG. 4
TUESDAY, APRIL 9, 2013
WWW.DAILYAZTEC.COM
VOLUME 99, ISSUE 97
$100 mil invested in BRAIN Initiative
national Tara Kistler
KEEP BARS OPEN LATER ON PG. 7
Staff Writer
Researchers have recently moved one step closer to understanding the intricacies of the human body. Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies, also referred to as the Brain Activity Map, is sponsored by the Obama administration for $100 million. BRAIN will provide scientists a better idea of how to create new treatments for diseases ranging from Alzheimer’s, epilepsy and autism to traumatic brain injury. The 2014 project will be based off the framework of the Human Genome Project. According to a White House press release, the National Institutes of Health, the Defense Research Projects Agency and the National Science Foundation will provide funding. The New York Times explains this project will develop technologies to document the interactions between nerve cells and the complex network of circuits at the root of human thought, behavior and function. In an interview with NPR, National Institutes of Health Director Dr. Francis Collins said the new research agenda will ensure “that we have clearly laid out a plan that puts things in the right order, and to speed up the process of actually getting insights that are going to change our understanding of autism, epilepsy, Parkinson’s and so on.”
Burger Lounge is a fresh alternative to fast food tasty tuesday Ethan Bailey Assistant Features Editor President Barack Obama delivers remarks at the announcement of the administration’s BRAIN Intiative in the East Room of the White House, Tuesday, April 2, 2013 in Washington, D.C.
Collins also said the $100 million allocated for this project next year only accounts for a mere 1 percent of all neuroscience research. This first year will consist of laying the groundwork and observing how interacting neurons and brain cells affect behavior—first on static models and then tackling the human brain. This initiative has shown implications for San Diego County. According to KPBS, the Salk Institute for Biological Studies is investing $28 million to help start the initiative. Althoughneuroscienceisarelatively
new field, Salk neuroscientist Terry Sejnowski said this is the time for a project like this. “The technology is much better,” Sejnowski told KPBS. “There are resources we didn’t have before.” University of California, San Diego’s very own Ralph Greenspan, who currently serves as one of the initiative’s leaders was also in attendance at the White House announcement regarding the BRAIN Initiative last Tuesday. UCSD scientists and researchers will also help advance the efforts of this vast project.
molly riley/polaris via abaca press /mct
U-T San Diego reported the BRAIN Initiative, which is estimated to cost more than $1 billion throughout the next decade, requires new mapping tools created by neuroscientists and nano-engineers. These scientists supported by research centers such as The Mesa Biotech along North Torrey Pines Road, including the Salk Institute and UCSD. This project will create a relationship between the government and the private sector that will enable the discovery of the interworking of the brain and serve as a starting point for finding new treatments.
Seleka rebels seize towns in CAR international Christopher B. Keller Contributor
The Central African Republic’s government has been overthrown by a coalition of armed rebels As of March 24, the Central African Republic has been overthrown by rebels. The invasion of the country’s capital of Bangui came two months after a peace agreement signed by the Seleka rebel coalition, which allowed President Francois Bozize to finish his term until 2016. The Associated Press reported after seizing the presidential palace, the rebels declared the country has just “opened a new page in its history.” In December, rebels from several armed groups integrated to create the Seleka coalition and took towns by force across northern CAR. At first, the groups threatened to march on Bangui, but later agreed to engage in peace talks and made an agreement on Jan. 11. The agreement fell apart in recent weeks when rebels
Steve K’amba, an aide to the MP representing Obo, Central African Republic, stands next to a tree he says was cut down by Uganda troops to ship back to Uganda.
accused the president of failing to keep the promises he made, which prompted the advance of rebels into Bangui and Bozize’s departure. BBC reported Bozize said “Chadian special forces” helped
the Seleka rebel movement lead the final operation of the rebellion from March 23 to 24. The conflict between the Seleka coalition and the CAR government has led to 37,000 people becoming refugees and
alan boswell /mct
173,000 people were displaced during the last four months. “Many left their homes in a hurry and were unable to bring personal belongings with them. CAR REBELS continued on pg. 2
There’s something about a hamburger that latches onto our inner American. For some, savory grilled patties highlight the dish. Others might say cool, crisp vegetables make burgers more delectable. But one thing is for sure—not all burgers are created equal. Enter Burger Lounge, home of “the original grass-fed burger.” This restaurant chain features grass-fed beef and free-range chicken and turkey as well as organic cheese and produce. Hostess and San Diego State alumna Kasey Hamilton said Burger Lounge prides itself on such practices. According to Burger Lounge’s website, other green practices employed by the restaurant include the use of locally sourced, organic, farmraised, regional and seasonal ingredients, as well as using reclaimed cooking oil to power its fleet of vehicles. “People should come to Burger Lounge because it’s a healthier place to eat burgers and it’s delicious,” Hamilton said. The difference in philosophy at Burger Lounge certainly shows in the quality of its food. I stayed true to its roots and ordered the standard Lounge Burger, a beef patty topped with patrons’ choice of organic American or white cheddar cheese, fresh or grilled onions, romaine lettuce, tomato and house-made Thousand Island dressing. I chose white cheddar and grilled onions for my burger. Of course, no burger is complete without its trusty companions french fries and onion rings, so I ordered a 1/2 and 1/2, which includes both. It’s large enough to serve two people, so I split my order with a friend. Burger Lounge offers local craft beers, wine, bottled beverages, milkshakes and also features a variety of Maine Root sodas. These beverages by Maine Root are organic, sweetened with real cane sugar and comply with fair trade regulations. I ordered the lemon-lime flavor. BURGER LOUNGE continued on pg. 5