One injury report down, two more to go for the 2024 Seattle Seahawks.

With no playoff implications at stake, the Seahawks’ Week 18 game against the NFC West champion Los Angeles Rams will be their last one of the season. Their first practice for this week saw nine players listed on the injury report, including right tackle Abe Lucas and cornerback Josh Jobe. In last week’s win over the Chicago Bears, Jobe suffered a knee injury at some point in the third quarter and did not return. Mike Macdonald indicated that it wasn’t anything major.

The likes of DK Metcalf, Zach Charbonnet, and Geno Smith were not on the injury report. Five players were DNPs, with Leonard Williams and Jarran Reed effectively getting rest days. Laken Tomlinson, Ernest Jonves IV, Byron Murphy II, and Tyler Lockett were limited participants.

Not much more to really add! Here’s virtually everything I said but in a team-provided table:

The Rams, who will be resting starters, only had right tackle Rob Havenstein and receiver Jordan Whittington on the injury report, and Havenstein has already been ruled out. In other words, the Rams are healthy at the right time.

SEATTLE – A new year marks new research on the health and well-being of the brain. On January 1, the Allen Institute published its largest study to date on aging brain cells in animals. Scientists said these discoveries could help unlock ways to keep the mind sharper, longer.

This latest study at the Allen Institute gives insight into the aging of the brain, and how diet, inflammation, and brain health are deeply interconnected. The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Scientists analyzed more than 1.2 million brain cells from mice, ages young and old. They explained they used mice because their brains are similar to humans in structure, function, genes, and cell types. The experts said older mice are considered to be the equivalent of a late middle-aged human.

The new study took a closer look at identifying specific cell types, primarily glial cells (the brain’s support system), and how those cells change as they age.

They also focused on “hot spots” when changes occur in the brain cells. Representatives said the scientists discovered an aging accelerator, saying, “In older brains, inflammation surges into overdrive while genes critical for brain structure and function decline. This imbalance sheds light on how aging increases vulnerability to disease.”

In studying the cells, they also found the brain’s aging epicenter: the area near the third ventricle of the hypothalamus. That region of the brain is crucial in regulating food intake, metabolism, and how the body uses nutrients. That epicenter, also referred to as “hot spot,” hints at a strong connection between diet, lifestyle, brain health, and changes that can influence vulnerability to age-related brain disorders.

“Our hypothesis is that those cell types are getting less efficient at integrating signals from our environment or from things that we’re consuming,” said Kelly Jin, Ph.D., a scientist at the Allen Institute for Brain Science and lead author of the study. “And that loss of efficiency somehow contributes to what we know as aging in the rest of our body. I think that’s pretty amazing, and I think it’s remarkable that we’re able to find those very specific changes with the methods that we’re using.”

The Allen Institute said understanding the findings in that hot spot will be key in future studies. It not only helps scientists know which cells to target, but experts said it also could lead to the development of age-related therapeutics. This includes unlocking more specific dietary or drug interventions to maintain brain health into old age.

“Aging is the most important risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease and many other devastating brain disorders. These results provide a highly detailed map for which brain cells may be most affected by aging,” said Richard J. Hodes, M.D., director of NIH’s National Institute on Aging. “This new map may fundamentally alter the way scientists think about how aging affects the brain and also provides a guide for developing new treatments for aging-related brain diseases.”

The Allen Institute’s discoveries are now published in Nature, a weekly international journal highlighting all fields of science and technology from the finest researchers.

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SEATTLE – Washington state’s dining scene is gearing up for a major shakeup in 2025, with several highly anticipated restaurants set to make their debut. 

From iconic fast-food chains to fresh culinary experiences, here’s what food lovers can look forward to in the coming year.

Raising Cane’s Fried Chicken Fingers is finding a new home in Seattle

Known for its crispy chicken fingers and signature Cane’s Sauce, Raising Cane’s is expanding into the Seattle area with locations planned for the University District, Renton and Lynnwood. 

Currently, the closest location is in Vancouver, Washington, where the Louisiana-based chain opened in July.

In-N-Out Burger is crossing the state line

The beloved California-based chain is officially bringing its signature burgers, fries, and shakes to the Evergreen State. 

In-N-Out is working on a plan to open its first Washington location in Ridgefield, near the I-5 corridor, by 2025. Despite being a haul from Seattle, this location marks a significant milestone for fans who previously had to travel to Oregon or Idaho to get their fix.

According to the City of Vancouver, In-N-Out Burger was in the pre-application phase in April for an additional location on the east side of the city, marking a second In-N-Out Burger location in Clark County.

The popular chain is celebrating its 75th anniversary.

Voodoo Doughnut is now open on Seattle’s Capitol Hill

Fans of quirky, over-the-top doughnuts no longer need to trek to Portland to indulge.

Voodoo Doughnut opened its first Seattle location on December 10 at 1201 Pine St., offering its iconic creations like the Old Dirty Bastard, Voodoo Bubble and Voodoo Doll doughnut.

El Pollo Loco is bringing its LA Mex fire-grilled chicken to the Evergreen State

The popular California chain is entering the Seattle market with four planned locations in Federal Way, Kent, Tacoma, and Puyallup. 

Known for its fire-grilled chicken and fresh Mexican-inspired menu, El Pollo Loco is partnering with restaurateur Jean-Paul Pirio to bring these locations to life.

Starbird Chicken is bringing its modern spin on fast food to the Seattle area

The California-based chain Starbird Chicken is launching an ambitious expansion into Washington with plans for 17 locations, including 15 in the Seattle area and two in Spokane. 

Known for its no-antibiotics-ever chicken and tech-savvy customer experience, Starbird offers a chef-crafted menu aimed at redefining fast food. 

The first locations are expected to open in 2025.

As Washington’s dining scene continues to evolve, with other exciting openings like Mountain Mike’s Pizza and a new Chick-Fil-A location in Interbay, food enthusiasts across the state can look forward to a year of new flavors and expanded options.

Additionally, an expansion to the Tacoma Mall called “The Village” will offer notable restaurant brands such as Shake Shack, Dave’s Hot Chicken and Supreme Dumpling.

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