Thursday, December 08, 2011

Something we'd rather not need

Imperial College in London has opened up a new research center to assess the effects of roadside bombs on British troops.  The Royal British Legion is providing £5 million to establish the center.  As noted in this article in the International Business Times:

The Royal British Legion Centre for Blast Injury Studies at Imperial College will plan the new tools that will develop better ways of protecting British troops.

"The Centre for Blast Injury Studies aims to improve treatment and recovery for those injured serving their country, as well as to reduce the number and extent of blast injuries in the first place," Chris Simpkins, Director General, The Royal British Legion, said in a statement. 

This is an excellent idea.  One of the often untold stories of these wars is the resulting long-term damage to soldiers who are in vehicles.  Even when they are not maimed physically, they can often suffer brain damage from the concussive effects of these explosions.  There are many soldier who return with live-long migraine headaches, for example.  They are forced to live a life of heavy medication and disability.

The Times story continues:

"We now need to assess the effects of blasts on survivors. We urgently need to know more, so that we can protect and treat people more effectively. This Centre can make a real difference to the survival and quality of life of those serving in conflicts," Anthony Bull, Professor at Department of Bioengineering at Imperial College, said.

Exactly.

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