Each week, we spotlight a cool innovation recommended by some of the industry's top tech writers. This week's pick is a better bike helmet.
A new material inside bike helmets can mimic the action of your brain's protective fluid, said Claire Maldarelli at Popular Science. The helmets by Trek will use a honeycomb-style insert called WaveCel that "absorbs rotational energy, which is largely responsible for dangerous concussions." Most consumer helmets today use only a rigid insulating foam called Expanded Polysterene (EPS).
It is good for protection against a cracked skull. But, in the case of a fall, your brain will often "jostle around unprotected" after the initial impact. The WaveCel is a thin additional liner that "creates a low-friction layer, which allows the helmet to slide back and forth" like your brain's cerebrospinal fluid, or natural cushioning. The helmets range in price from $150 to $300.
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