Concussion Protection Inspired By Woodpeckers

A device inspired by the skull anatomy of woodpeckers is said to show promise as a way to dampen if not prevent concussions in contact sports. One of the men who developed it is the former team physician for the Pittsburgh Steelers who later played an important role in bringing to light the danger of concussions in football, and who is played by the actor Alex Baldwin in the recent movie Concussion. The way the device was tested in rats won’t endear its developers to animal rights advocates, but the results appear to be definitive. The idea is not a refinement of a football helmet, but is said to have been triggered by a question raised about how woodpeckers can repeatedly smash their heads against hard objects without sustaining brain damage.