College of Education and Human Development
In the News: Mason's Concussion Research
April 3, 2015
Shane Caswell
An in-depth article from New York Magazine on April 2 entitled "Can Technology Save Football" cites the concussion research underway at George Mason University as a promising technology.
From the article:
Still, these technologies, while better than current diagnosis methods, rely on observing symptoms, which isn't foolproof. That's why researchers are working to find a biomarker, or a change inside the body, that indicates a concussion.
One lead on this front comes from the University of Pennsylvania, where a recent study showed that after a concussion, levels of the protein SNTF are elevated in the blood. The presence of a blood biomarker can remove the guess work and the potential deception from sideline concussion tests.
A saliva biomarker that indicates concussion, a topic being researched at George Mason University, would make things even easier. Wherever it was found, some infallible biomarker would be "hugely helpful," says Dr. Cantu. “We just don’t have it yet.”
Click here for the full article.
The research referenced in the article is being led by Shane Caswell, associate professor in the College of Education and Human Development, and Emanuel Petricoin, co-director of the Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine in the College of Science.
For more information about Mason's concussion research:
- Spit May Hold Clues to Concussions »
- New Research to Focus on Youth Lacrosse Injuries »
- Concussion Management Conference Delivers Template, Tools to School Health Practitioners »
- Shane Caswell's Research on Concussions is Highlighted in Washington Post »
- George Mason Researchers Think Saliva Might Contain Bio-Marker for Concussions »
About CEHD
George Mason University's College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) includes two schools: the Graduate School of Education, one of the most comprehensive education schools in Virginia, and the School of Recreation, Health, and Tourism. CEHD offers a full range of courses, certificates, and degree programs on campus, online, and on site to more than 4,000 students each year. CEHD is fully accredited by NCATE, and all licensure programs are approved by the Virginia Department of Education. George Mason University, located just outside of Washington, DC, is Virginia's largest public research university.
For additional information:
- CEHD Communications: cehdnews@gmu.edu
- School of Recreation, Health, and Tourism: rht.gmu.edu
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