IN-PERSON | WBUR CitySpace: Briana Scurry and Dr. Jesse Mez

Remarkable Science: How new research on CTE and concussions clouds the fall sports season

We’re living in a time of scientific discovery and achievement that is, well, remarkable. In this regular series, host Meghna Chakrabarti will take your questions in deep dive discussions with researchers, scientists and innovators offering audiences access to what’s behind incredible scientific advances in a region world renowned as a hub of science and technology.

Fall sports bring excitement and intense passion for the thrill of the game. But for many, a growing concern about concussions and the risk of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) are at the forefront. Football — and the NFL in particular — seem to make headlines weekly with high profile athletes sustaining head injuries. But concussions aren’t limited to football, with the spotlight shining bright on a wide range of sports including NASCAR and soccer.

New research from Boston University’s CTE Center is shedding more light on head injuries with data suggesting “that it’s the intensity of the hits players sustain, rather than the total number of blows” that is a better predictor of the deadly condition.

On Point host Meghna Chakrabarti talks with the study’s lead author, Dr. Jesse Mez to find out the latest cutting-edge research on CTE and concussions. They’ll also be joined by two-time Olympic Gold medalist and World Cup champion Briana Scurry to discuss her memoir, “My Greatest Save: The Brave, Barrier-Breaking Journey of a World Champion Goalkeeper” about her triumphs on the soccer pitch and her career-ending head injury.