Columbia University Irving Medical Center Sep 18 2025 A brain imaging technique developed by Columbia researchers has identified areas in the brain's cerebral cortex-just behind the forehead-that are most damaged by the repetitive impacts from heading a soccer ball. Their study also found that the damage leads to cognitive deficits seen in soccer players who head the ball frequently.  The study, published Sept. 18 in JAMA Network Open , was conducted in amateur adult soccer players from New