An innovative new helmet design protects football players from the concussions that can lead to severe brain injuries.

That’s the hope of Stanford University scientists developing a prototype that should reduce the impact of hits to the head by one-third or more.

Their secret? A carbon-fiber football helmet with 21 liquid shock absorbers spread throughout.

[Let’s hope this works. On the other hand, the hard-shell helmet itself likely contributes to concussions in football, which occur at a rate far higher than other contact sports. The helmet may give players a sense of protection and lead to poorer techniques that put them at higher risk for injury, especially in a sport where a hard hit gets you tons of attention. It may be better to take the helmets off entirely and force players to stop using techniques that rely on the head. — Ed]