Science Magazine Podcast Engineering safer football helmets, and the science behind drug overdoses
Feb 5, 2026
Adrian Cho, Science staff writer covering physics and life sciences, describes new helmet materials, testing methods, and how data changed rules and drills. John Strang, professor at King’s College London studying opioid dependence, explores the biology of overdose, naloxone dosing, research gaps, and wearable detection ideas.
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Make Technique The First Defense
- Prioritize technique and rules before equipment to reduce head injuries.
- Teach players to keep their heads out of tackles and limit contact practices across the season.
Shells And Liners Now Absorb Rather Than Block
- Helmet shells and internal liners now flex and collapse to manage forces rather than just block them.
- New materials like elastomers, slotted shells, and TPU pads limit peak forces reaching the head.
Designed Collapse Lowers Head Acceleration
- 3D-printed and cellular liner designs compress more and lengthen collision time to lower head accelerations.
- Designers exploit controlled buckling and hollow structures to stretch deceleration and reduce injury risk.
