Obama launches research initiative to study human brain

[Bosonic]

Source: Reuters

The White House unveiled details on Tuesday on a new initiative to study the human brain with the goal of treating or curing Alzheimer's disease and other disorders.

Called the Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Initiative, the program is to be funded with $100 million from President Barack Obama's fiscal 2014 budget. The White House is slated to release Obama's budget next week.

"The BRAIN Initiative will accelerate the development and application of new technologies that will enable researchers to produce dynamic pictures of the brain that show how individual brain cells and complex neural circuits interact at the speed of thought," the White House said in a statement.

"These technologies will open new doors to explore how the brain records, processes, uses, stores and retrieves vast quantities of information, and shed light on the complex links between brain function and behavior."

Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/04/02/us-obama-brain-idUSBRE9310H820130402

[greiner3]

1. "...new initiative to study the human brain with the goal of treating or curing..."

"...Alzheimer's disease..."

I guess I'll be first;

"... and other disorders."

Conservatism!

[MannyGoldstein]

2. Does cat food have an effect on onset of dementia? nt

[nevergiveup]

6. There is nothing funny about dementia

or Alzheimer's disease. I understand your little political jab but think it is inappropriate and certainly not amusing when talking about these mental disorders. My mom took Alzheimer's all the way to where she was basically a vegetable. She was a brilliant woman. Watching this happen and trying to care for her was brutal. I am happy the president is providing funds for the research. I only wish it was more.

[MannyGoldstein]

11. Wasn't meant to be funny, sorry!

We're dealing with dementia in my family, too.

It was meant as a reminder that cutting earned benefits from the elderly probably is unhelpful in supporting better health.

[nevergiveup]

16. I am really sorry Manny

I should not have replied that way . I am sometimes over-sensitive to the issue.

[840high]

13. I went through that

with Dad.

[Plucketeer]

3. Here's HOPING!

I sure hope some of the fallout of this study is to identify what "agent" it is that cause one to lose their common sense when they move to the DC area. Actually, most of us that DON'T live there already know. But it'll take some irrefutable evidence for the laughably labelled "science committee" to dismiss or filibuster ad infinitum!

[Blue_Tires]

4. I can't wait to see the batshit crazy opposition the GOP will cook up for this...

[Liberal Veteran]

9. Obama puts aside 100 million for MIND CONTROL!!!!

[winter is coming]

15. That's exactly what they're going to say, since DARPA's involved. n/t

[GoCubsGo]

14. Check out the comments sections from any article out there on this matter.

They're at it already. Mostly, they are bitching about how much money is being spent on it, and how the president should concentrate on creating jobs (as if this won't create thousands of jobs...). But, there are a bunch that think this is going to turn into a "government mind control" thing. Totally whacko. The endless depth of ignorance, stupidity, and short-sightedness of the conservatives in this country never ceases to amaze me.

[One_Life_To_Give]

5. Sociopathy and Narcissism

Curing Alzheimers is good. But we have a few others that need work too.

[n2doc]

7. Since it is in Obama's budget it has no future.

Maybe the Senate can pick up the initiative. But I am wary of 'free money' in this environment, it is likely that other research areas will be cut to pay for this, not military or subsidies.

[Duer 157099]

8. Sorry to be so pessimistic, but

100 million is a tiny drop in the bucket, a pittance, a mere suggestion.

If he/they were serious, it would be a B or a T.

[JohnnyLib2]

10. I want to be hopeful.

Some continuing emphasis on this area from the White House could help move the research ahead. We'll see.

[Thunderbeast]

12. This was a missed opportunity to reach out to conservatives.

The idea for a comprehensive study of brain structures and chemistry has been championed by Newt Gingrich for years. In his view, the government will not be able to afford the coming wave of dementia as boomers age. He also (rightly) believes that mental illness is the leading cause of many social and criminal issues that are expensive to mitigate, and puts a heavy burden on the economy, families, and society as a whole.

I have many serious issues with Newt's politics and personal values. On this issue, however, his thinking is humane and rational. I wish that the President would have recruited him to help with a cause that they both agree on.

[xxqqqzme]

17. Hopefully lead to a better understanding

of brain injuries as well. When I saw an MRI of my brain, it was sobering to see a part that was completely dark. It was from a head injury in an auto accident, paralyzing my left side. There wasn't a lot of information coming from the Drs as to function and side effects of the injury other than it was permanent. Physical therapy retrained my leg and foot to walk but I will never have full use of my left arm and hand. I also discovered the muscle tone on the paralyzed side disappeared. No amount of PT will get that back either.

[Live and Learn]

18. I've been harping on the fact that this needed to be done for years.

I am ecstatic that Obama is the one to finally do it. Mapping the brain and getting a better understanding of it should lead to hope for many of those suffering from brain imbalances, diseases and mental illnesses.