Headbutting Rams: A Natural Model for Repetitive Brain Trauma

The University of Auckland's Centre for Brain Research is pioneering a novel approach to understanding traumatic brain injury (TBI), particularly repetitive mild traumatic brain injury (rmTBI), by studying headbutting rams. Led by Dr. Helen Murray, a senior research fellow and leader of the Brain Injury and Neurodegeneration group, this project leverages rams' natural behavior of frequent headbutting—up to 10-20 times per day—to mimic the repeated impacts experienced by rugby players, boxers, and victims of family violence.

Rams, or male sheep (Ovis aries), possess gyrencephalic brains—folded structures similar to humans—allowing researchers to observe long-term effects over their 10-year lifespan. At Ngapouri Research Farm in South Waikato, surveillance cameras and activity-tracking collars will monitor headbutting frequency in experimental groups versus controls. Post-euthanasia brain analyses will seek signatures of degeneration akin to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).

Funded by the inaugural $283,000 Dame Rosie Horton Fellowship—starting late 2026 after Murray's current Neurological Foundation Senior Research Fellowship—this 'blue-sky' initiative builds on her prior discoveries. Murray, a former New Zealand Ice Fernz ice hockey captain with 12 years of contact sport experience, aims to identify at-risk individuals via blood tests or MRI scans, informing sports safety policies and treatments. For those pursuing careers in neuroscience, opportunities abound at institutions like UoA through research jobs in brain health.

Prior Breakthroughs in CTE and Rugby-Related Brain Damage

Murray's team previously analyzed donated brains from former rugby players via the Neurological Foundation New Zealand Human Brain Bank, Australia Sports Brain Bank, and Boston UNITE Brain Bank. Published in *Acta Neuropathologica* (2025), their findings revealed a unique inflammatory marker distribution clustered around CTE lesions, highlighting astrocytes' response to damaged brain blood vessels post-repeated impacts.

This astrocyte activation—triggered by leaky vessels—explains variability in CTE development. Tau protein tangles, CTE's hallmark, combine with vascular inflammation, suggesting targets for therapies. Live diagnostics via MRI could soon track progression, impossible until now post-mortem. Collaborators include PhD student Chelsie Osterman, Prof. Russell Snell (geneticist with sheep model experience), Sir Richard Faull, and Prof. Maurice Curtis (NZ Sports Human Brain Bank founders).

Such work underscores UoA's role in higher education's push for translational neuroscience. Aspiring researchers can explore career advice for research assistants, adaptable to NZ contexts.

Virtual Reality Innovations for TBI Rehabilitation

Complementing animal models, UoA's Auckland Bioengineering Institute develops VR systems for TBI rehab. PhD student Riku Otono's Empathic Computing Lab simulates real-life tasks—shopping, driving—in controlled environments, adjusting difficulty based on biosignals like heart rate and brain activity.

Empathetic virtual characters provide personalized feedback, enhancing engagement. This multi-user VR testbed supports remote therapy, reducing risks for patients with cognitive or motor deficits. By practicing safely, survivors rebuild independence step-by-step.

Bioengineering intersects higher ed with clinical impact; see research assistant jobs for entry points.

BIONIC2 Study Reveals Shifting TBI Landscape in NZ

The BIONIC2 study (2021-2022 Waikato data, Lancet Regional Health Western Pacific, Jan 2026) provides crucial epidemiology, involving UoA's Prof. Shanthi Ameratunga, Dr. Braden Te Ao, et al. Incidence stable at 852/100,000 person-years (~40,000 annually NZ-wide), 93% mild. Falls cause 48%, assaults/transport next; rises in elderly (≥65, IRR 2.37), females (1.21), urban (1.18); declines in children, males, rural.

Māori rates higher (aRR 0.68 vs European), reflecting inequities. COVID-19 shifted assaults toward females 15-64. Ties to rams research: highlights need for rmTBI models beyond sports.Lancet BIONIC2 study

Myth 1: Most TBIs Are Severe – Reality: 93% Mild Like Concussions

Contrary to perceptions, BIONIC2 confirms 93% mild TBIs (concussions), often overlooked. Severe cases (Glasgow Coma Scale ≤12) just 7%. Mild rmTBI accumulates, leading to CTE—rams model targets this insidious progression.

• Mild: Brief symptoms, no LOC; repeated risks neurodegeneration.
• Severe: Coma, long-term disability.

UoA's diagnostics aim early intervention.

Photo by Hennie Stander on Unsplash

Myth 2: TBIs from Sports and Car Crashes Only – Falls and Assaults Dominate

Nearly half from falls (home/elderly), assaults significant (esp. family violence, Māori). Sports/transport minor. Rams emulate non-accidental repetition, relevant to violence victims. Prevention: ACC fall classes, home safety.

For NZ uni researchers, NZ higher ed jobs advance such studies.

Myth 3: Only Youth Affected – Elderly Lead Incidence

61% ages 15-64, but ≥65 rising sharply (falls 39%). By 2029, 1M NZ seniors. Rams' longevity mirrors chronic effects.

Myth 4: Uniform Risk – Disparities by Gender, Ethnicity, Location

Males 1.31x, Māori higher, urban 1.57x rural. COVID assault spike females 15-64. Colonisation impacts Māori. Tailored interventions needed.

Myth 5: Unavoidable – Prevention Proven Effective

Govt fall programmes, ACC 'Have a hmmm', Kaupapa Māori initiatives reduce incidence. UoA research informs policy. RNZ myths article

Implications for New Zealand Higher Education and Brain Health

UoA's TBI ecosystem—rams, VR, epidemiology—positions NZ unis as leaders. Collaborations (Ngapouri, brain banks) foster interdisciplinary higher ed. Funds like Horton Fellowship sustain talent.

Stakeholders: ACC, sports bodies, Māori health. Broader: Policy for aging population, inequities.

Photo by Bozhin Karaivanov on Unsplash

Future Outlook: Diagnostics, Treatments, and Careers

Horizon: Blood/MRI CTE tests, astrocyte therapies, rmTBI prevention. UoA invites donations to brain banks. For careers, higher ed jobs, rate my professor, higher ed career advice, research jobs, university jobs NZ offer paths in neuroscience.

Explore postdoc success for thriving in TBI research.