Good morning! It's September 7th and you're reading your handcrafted DailyDose newsletter.  This week we're discussion a new study regarding concussion risk in contact sport athletes, and a new bill in California that bans food additives like Red 40. And as always, thanks so much for reading! Efficacy of Soft Helmets for Injury Prevention in Contact Sports Football helmets provide essential protection, but concerns over sports-related concussions have led to innovations like the Guardian Cap, a soft-shell helmet padding designed to further reduce head impact forces. The cap fits over standard football helmets, with the intention of decreasing peak linear and rotational acceleration (PLA and PRA) during collisions. However, recent research has put its effectiveness into question, particularly for players in high-impact positions like offensive and defensive linemen.  What the Study Found:  In a study involving 10 Division I college football players, researchers tracked over 900 head impacts using helmet telemetry systems. Players wearing the Guardian Cap did not show significant reductions in PLA or PRA compared to those without it. Surprisingly, padded players experienced higher rotational acceleration in a 2-point stance. This contradicts previous studies, which found minimal differences in head impact between stances and raises questions about the padding’s true protective value.  Why This Matters:  The results challenge the assumption that soft-shell padding like Guardian Caps provides additional protection beyond standard helmets. Factors such as stance, helmet location, and player behavior seem to influence head impact kinematics, and the study suggests more research is needed. Though Guardian Caps might not have proven effective in this setting, understanding their limitations is crucial as helmet technology continues to evolve.  Implications for the Future:  Further studies could shed light on whether the Guardian Cap could be optimized for specific football positions or stances. Additionally, as football practices are the primary setting for concussions, continued exploration into padding and other safety measures remains critical. The study’s findings also encourage sport administrators to carefully consider cost-benefit analyses before adopting such equipment widely, as its true value in concussion prevention remains uncertain.  While soft-shell padding may not yet offer a clear solution, improving head injury protection remains a priority in sports, requiring ongoing research and development. California to Ban Food Additives, Generally Targeted at Children California's Assembly Bill 2316 (AB-2316), also known as the California School Food Safety Act, is a first-of-its-kind law aimed at banning harmful chemicals from public school foods. Introduced by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, the bill specifically targets synthetic food dyes and additives such as Red 40, Yellow 6, and titanium dioxide. These substances have been linked to developmental and behavioral issues in children, including hyperactivity, especially in those diagnosed with ADHD.  Key Objectives of AB-2316:  Protecting children’s health: Research, including a report by California’s EPA, has linked synthetic food dyes to neurobehavioral issues such as hyperactivity.  Modernizing outdated regulations: FDA approvals for these chemicals are based on decades-old studies, despite new research showing their risks.  Ensuring safe school meals: AB-2316 seeks to improve the quality of food served to children in public schools, where many rely on school meals for a significant portion of their daily nutrition​( AsmDC )​( AsmDC ).  Potential Nationwide Impact:  National food reform: Historically, California's food safety laws have prompted companies to reformulate products across the country rather than making state-specific versions.  Safer ingredients for all children: By encouraging manufacturers to remove harmful additives from foods sold in California, this law may lead to safer food standards nationwide.  Broader Public Health Context: Wider support: The bill is supported by more than 70 organizations, including doctors, teachers, and environmental groups. Continuing reform: AB-2316 builds on previous legislation (AB-418) that banned other dangerous chemicals, reinforcing California’s leadership in advocating for safer, healthier food environments.  By removing harmful chemicals from school meals, AB-2316 not only protects students in California but also drives a national conversation about the importance of modernizing food safety standards across the U.S.​ Hey You...Thanks for Reading We appreciate you supporting our newsletter. If you're enjoying please let a friend know! And if there's any way we're falling short, just reply to this email and let us know how..we promise we'll fix it. Unsubscribe