The NFL is awarding more than $35 million to five groups studying the diagnosis and treatment of brain injury in thousands of former professional football players. The five-year project will include brain scans, blood tests, and annual surveys. It'll also look at potential ways to reduce the risk of damage after a hit to the head. The scientists are hoping to pinpoint the most promising treatments that could move into clinical trials — and, one day, could be used to prevent and treat conditions like chronic traumatic encephalopathy that have been diagnosed in former athletes and military veterans.
Learn more: NFL awards $35 million in grants for concussion-related medical research