Two George Mason professors are heading up research that could use saliva to test for concussions. Dr. Shane Caswell and Dr. Chip Petricoin believe there are biomarkers in spit that can detect head traumas, according to the Fairfax Times.
Kids from Loudoun County are helping with the study. Once a week, athletic trainers are collecting spit from the young players of the Jets football team. That spit is then frozen and used in the research.
The test could eventually help parents and coaches track injuries and determine their severity during sports games. Researchers say a mouth guard could one day be tied in with the findings to instantly determine if a child has sustained a concussion.