Tag Archives: CU Anschutz

Your Eyes Can Reveal What’s In Your Brain

In March 2026, the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus published the results of a study that reveals high-speed eye-tracking technology can detect lasting neurological damage from mild traumatic brain injuries. More so, it showed that the damage that can be detected may be completely invisible to MRI scans, CT imaging, and routine clinical exams. This matters enormously. Current standard concussion assessments are largely subjective and can result in patients being told they’ve recovered when their brains are still struggling.

At the CU’s Marcus Institute for Brain Health, researchers tested 78 military veterans and measured subtle disruptions in eye movement that expose hidden neural damage. The findings were sobering: deficits persisted 10 to 15 years after the original injury. As Dr. Jeffrey Hebert, who led the study, noted, “Even when someone feels recovered, their brain may still be working differently behind the scenes.” Funded by the Department of Defense, this technology offers something conventional medicine currently cannot – objective, documented proof of brain trauma.

Congressional Visit Highlights CU COMBAT Center’s Great Work

Rep. Jeff Crank (CO, 5th District) recently toured the CU Anschutz Center for COMBAT Research, the nation’s largest academic military health research program. Crank, who serves on the House Armed Services Committee and who’s district is home to five military installations, the United States Air Force Academy and a large veteran population, praised the center’s “great work” saving servicemembers’ lives. (Previously, Crank co-sponsored the bipartisan SMART for TBI Act with Rep. Jason Crow, requiring the military to develop AI-driven traumatic brain injury treatments.)

The COMBAT Center, focused on blast-related injuries, including brain injury, has robust government engagement through over 80 Department of War-funded research grants and educational partnerships with the Defense Health Agency, Uniformed Services University, and the U.S. Air Force Academy. These collaborations have updated 13 military clinical practice guidelines and modernized training for thousands of combat medics.

This partnership between congressional leadership and academic research continues advancing innovative solutions that benefit both military and civilian communities.