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Why woodpeckers don't get concussions

Why woodpeckers don't get concussions

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Researchers know that woodpeckers' thick neck muscles help diffuse the staggering forces associated with what must be their favorite activity, pecking. They know a special third eyelid holds their eyeballs in place while they pound their beaks like jackhammers against a tree. But there seems to be more to the extraordinary brain protection nature provides these creatures, and finding answers may lead to advances in helmet technology for all sports.

Scientists from Beihang University in Beijing and the Wuhan University of Technology recently focused their attention on the bone structure of great spotted woodpeckers and Mongolian skylarks in an effort to determine what elements played a role, if any. They discovered that woodpecker's brains are covered by a thick, platelike spongy bone, according to Live Science. Woven together to form a "mesh" of sorts, this structure, not found in the skylark, may act as armor for the brain.

The beaks of the two species differed as well. The woodpecker's contained microstructures not found in the skylark's, suggesting that the beak may be designed to deform during pecking. This may help absorb energy from the associated forces, rather than transferring them to the brain.

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Source: Here's why woodpeckers don't get concussions -- msnbc via Live Science by Stephanie Pappas --April 10, 2012

Questions/comments? contact Jean Rickerson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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