Researchers looking into chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a disease linked to repeated head blows, say they have made a breakthrough in their understanding of the condition.
Neuroscientists at the University of Auckland's Centre for Brain Research examined brain tissue, primarily from former rugby players.
The brain tissue was donated to the Neurological Foundation New Zealand Human Brain Bank, the Australia Sports Brain Bank, and the Boston UNITE Brain Bank.
Their study, published in the journal Acta Neuropathologica, sheds new light on how specific cells respond to damage from repeated head knocks.
They say the breakthrough paves the way for new treatments in the brains of people with CTE.
University of Auckland neuroscientists Chelsie Osterman and Dr Helen Murray say the research shines new light on CTE Photo: University of Auckland
