Researchers have begun a study into the causes of concussion in rugby with the possibility of learning how the number of head injuries in the game could be reduced. Dr Ciaran Simms of Trinity College Dublins Centre for Bioengineering said the four-year study would look at concussive injuries at the elite level of the game to determine how the injuries tend to occur. It comes amid criticism of Wales for the manner in which one of its star players, George North, continued to play on during last week-ends loss to England in the Six Nations despite two separate blows to the head. There have also been growing concerns at schools level regarding head injuries, including a recent British Medical Journal report which claimed that rugby sidesteps many safeguards intended to ensure pupil well-being. The research is being conducted by Gregory Tierney along with Dr Simms and got under way in September. It is being conducted in collaboration with the Oslo Sports Trauma Centre, Leinster Rugby, and the IRFU. Dr Simms said the researchers were now seeking ethical approval from the Faculty of Health Sciences at Trinity to use video evidence of head injuries on rugby fields, ideally from different angles, … Continue reading →

Livermore, CA (PRWEB) February 11, 2015 Today, the Fannie and John Hertz Foundation announced finalists for the 2015 class of Hertz Fellows. The Foundation was created by entrepreneur John Hertz to inspire and invest in the future of scientific exploration by providing resources and academic freedom to young minds. The Foundation funds graduate education for leaders in the fields of applied physical, biological and engineering sciences and encourages its awardees to pursue science for the public good. These 50 students are smart, creative and innovative, said Jay Davis, PhD, Hertz Foundation President. They rose to the top in a pool of 800 applicants and no doubt will use their time in graduate school to pursue groundbreaking scientific discoveries. While we will choose only a select few for the Hertz Fellowship, each of these finalists is worthy of acclaim. Each Fellowship consists of up to 5 years of academic fiscal support valued at $250,000 and research freedom at a participating graduate institution in the United States. Finalists represent many of the top public and private universities, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University, Princeton University, Columbia University, and the University of California, Berkeley. Finalists will now participate in an in-depth … Continue reading →