Scientists at the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) need more volunteers to help with its Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy study.

Last month, TGen and Exesome Diagnostics called on NFL football players as it launched a study on CTE to see if their blood, saliva and urine could show early signs of the degenerative brain disease.

"We're definitely happy with the first round and have had lots of folks come forward," said scientist Matt Huentelman, "however, science is driven by numbers."

Huentelman, a neurogenomics professor with TGen, said the research team now needs volunteers who may have suffered a head injury while playing any sport.

"We are beginning to appreciate that some individuals are at high risk even though they never went on to play professional sports, maybe they had a successful high school and college career for example," he noted.

As with any test, he said the researchers need a baseline to compare the tests against.

From people — who have never played sports or suffered a head injury — to compare the CTE tests against. Volunteers who are 20 years or older can stop by TGen between 8:00am – 1:00pm on Friday, Sept. 7 and again next month on Friday, Oct. 5.

Appointments can be made by emailing [email protected], or calling 602-343-8653.