Catalyst: Shaping the Future

Brain defense: Preventing sports concussions (2x5)

Air date: Mar 27, 2019

Helmet designers smash prototypes to see how collisions impact players’ heads. By adding absorbent materials and custom-fit layers, the helmet industry hopes to prevent concussions and salvage football’s violent reputation. Psychologists show teams how to better recognize concussion symptoms and why early reporting is a winning strategy. A neurologist warns of the long-term emotional risks of CTE.