Update your winter reading list and be sure to add "Free-radical scavenging reverses fructose-induced salt-sensitive hypertension" by Zach Zenner et al.
The Detroit Lions running back will be the lead author on the medical research study undergoing peer review and expected to be published by the end of the year.
Zenner spent months doing the study at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit just over a year ago, between his rookie and sophomore seasons. Zenner received high praise from his former boss, Dr. William Bierwaltes.
"The most important single thing in science is publication. And this, a real research study as opposed to a case study or a review, there’s lots of different things you can publish" said Beierwaltes, according to Michael Rothstein of ESPN.
Beierwaltes refers to Zenner's upcoming publication as "the gold standard" in research achievement while giving his former employee full credit for the work involved.
Zenner, a graduate of South Dakota State University, worked with Dr. Noreen Rossi in the offseason at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Detroit and could also have his work for that published.
“It was very exciting just to have the opportunity to submit something for publication, and it’s really the culmination of the work that you’ve put in - and that, even though the journey was very important and the learning and everything, that’s what you put on the resume, so to speak,” said Zenner.
Entering his third NFL season, Zenner has 105 carries for 394 yards, scoring four touchdowns and losing just one fumble. He's also added 207 yards on 20 career receptions. He's in competition in a crowded Lions' backfield which also includes Ameer Abdullah, Dwayne Washington, Theo Riddick, and Matt Asiata. Zenner is listed third on the team's official depth chart, behind Abdullah and Riddick.
While hoping to continue his NFL career, Zenner has deferred enrolment to the Sanford School of Medicine at the University of South Dakota.
