http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/matter_energy/sports_science/ Science of sports. Read about new body sensors to monitor and improve athletic performance, methods of selecting sports teams, and more in our sports science section. en-us Thu, 16 Feb 2012 04:05:01 EST Thu, 16 Feb 2012 04:05:01 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/matter_energy/sports_science/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120120182431.htm A handheld tactile imaging sensor could aid doctors in early identification of cancerous lesions or tumors. Fri, 20 Jan 2012 18:24:24 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120120182431.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120119133757.htm The northern goshawk is one of nature's diehard thrill-seekers. The formidable raptor preys on birds and small mammals, speeding through tree canopies and underbrush to catch its quarry. While speed is a goshawk's greatest asset, researchers say the bird must observe a theoretical speed limit if it wants to avoid a crash. The researchers found that, given a certain density of obstacles, there exists a speed below which a bird -- and any other flying object -- has a fair chance of flying collision-free. Any faster, and a bird or aircraft is sure to smack into something, no matter how much information it has about its environment. Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:37:37 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120119133757.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120118111216.htm A new patented, ultra-specialized endoscope removes gallstones without the need to remove the gallbladder, too. Wed, 18 Jan 2012 11:12:12 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120118111216.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120113205632.htm The use of heart bracelets connected via ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) to a system of tracking and monitoring could prevent cases of sudden death in sports activities. It could also enable an early detection of cardiac abnormalities, the prevention of certain muscle injuries and the improvement in health care times to the athlete. Fri, 13 Jan 2012 20:56:56 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120113205632.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120110132414.htm New research by a sports economist shows restricting improving technology does not always have the expected outcome. His study suggests that understanding how people react to regulations can aid in policy-making. Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:24:24 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120110132414.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120110102054.htm For handball players, ankle sprains are just part of life. But this may be about to change: Researchers have now undertaken a detailed analysis of the three most important ligaments in the ankle. The group investigated the ligaments' movements and the strains to which they are subjected during the jump shot, the most frequent shot at goal. Tue, 10 Jan 2012 10:20:20 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120110102054.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104111725.htm A relay reaction of hydrogen atoms at a single-molecule level has been observed in real-space. This way of manipulating matter could open up new ways to exchange information between novel molecular devices in future electronics. Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:17:17 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104111725.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111213092138.htm Superstar swimmers and certain comic book superheroes have something unusual in common -- when they wear special suits, they gain phenomenal abilities. A first-of-its-kind study shows how now-banned technical swimsuits artificially enhanced athlete performance in 2009. Tue, 13 Dec 2011 09:21:21 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111213092138.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111201112653.htm They should prove a challenge for the athletes, but not put them in danger: bobsled runs have to be simulated before being built. This simulation is based on the friction levels of the runners on the ice. Now it has become possible to measure these levels accurately. These results will help build the run for the 2014 Olympic Winter Games. Thu, 01 Dec 2011 11:26:26 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111201112653.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111109125745.htm People attempting to lose weight won't need to track their daily food intake anymore, thanks to a wearable, picture-taking device. eButton -- a device worn on the chest (like a pin) that contains a miniature camera, accelerometer, GPS, and other sensors -- captures data and information of health activities, eliminating the need for daily self-reporting. Wed, 09 Nov 2011 12:57:57 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111109125745.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111010121909.htm A new integrated poly-SiGe-based piezoresistive pressure sensor has been directly fabricated above 0.13 µm copper (Cu) -backend CMOS technology. This represents not only the first integrated poly-SiGe pressure sensor directly fabricated above its readout circuit, but also the first time that a poly-SiGe MEMS device is processed on top of Cu-backend CMOS. Mon, 10 Oct 2011 12:19:19 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111010121909.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110929122932.htm A new analysis found hitting accounts for more than 45 percent of Major League Baseball teams' winning records, fielding for 25 percent and pitching for 25 percent. And, the impact of stolen bases is greatly overestimated. Thu, 29 Sep 2011 12:29:29 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110929122932.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110910132419.htm An idea with its origins in ballistic prey catching -- the way toads and chameleons snatch food with their tongues -- may change fundamental views of muscle movement while powering a new approach to prosthetics. Sat, 10 Sep 2011 13:24:24 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110910132419.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110818132152.htm Computer scientists in the field of artificial intelligence have made an important advance that blends computer vision, machine learning and automated planning, and created a new system that may improve everything from factory efficiency to airport operation or nursing care. And it's based on watching the Oregon State University Beavers play football. Thu, 18 Aug 2011 13:21:21 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110818132152.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110808152421.htm A new tactile technology called Surround Haptics makes it possible for video game players and film viewers to feel a wide variety of sensations, from the smoothness of a finger being drawn against skin to the jolt of a collision. The technology is based on rigorous psychophysical experiments and new models of tactile perception. Mon, 08 Aug 2011 15:24:24 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110808152421.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110729175404.htm When it comes to hitting a golf ball hard, researchers have identified several biomechanical factors that appear to separate the duffers from the pros. Fri, 29 Jul 2011 17:54:54 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110729175404.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110725091443.htm Engineers are developing bio-inspired integrated circuit technology which mimics the neuron structure and operation of the brain. Mon, 25 Jul 2011 09:14:14 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110725091443.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110705123627.htm The FAA has mandated that by 2020, all aircrafts must be equipped with a new tracking system that broadcasts GPS data, providing more accurate location information than ground-based radar. Researchers now have early result of an investigation, a new algorithm that uses data from the tracking system to predict and prevent collisions between small aircraft. Tue, 05 Jul 2011 12:36:36 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110705123627.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110628113147.htm Some baseball superstitions are accepted as cold, hard truth. But in the world of physics, the most accepted verities are subject to experimentation. A corked bat hits the ball further? Not in Lloyd Smith's lab. Baseballs today are livelier than in the past? See above. A humidor can curb home run production? Yes, but only because Smith has fired the balls through a cannon and measured their bounciness as they hit a bat. Tue, 28 Jun 2011 11:31:31 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110628113147.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110628112804.htm A new, cost-effective process for coloring titanium can be used in manufacturing products from sporting equipment to color-coded nuclear waste containers. Tue, 28 Jun 2011 11:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110628112804.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110526103008.htm Engineers have created a "spongy" silicon biosensor that shows promise not only for medical diagnostics, but also for the detection of dangerous toxins and other tiny molecules in the environment. This innovation was originally designed to detect the presence of particular DNA sequences, which can be extremely helpful in identifying a person's predisposition to heart disease or cancer. Thu, 26 May 2011 10:30:30 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110526103008.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110525110440.htm Groundbreaking research has shown a quantum atom has been tracked inside a living human cell and may lead to improvements in the testing and development of new drugs. Wed, 25 May 2011 11:04:04 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110525110440.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110523145058.htm Game-worn football faceshields are more susceptible to breaking when subjected to high-velocity impact than are new faceshields, according to new research. Researchers shot baseballs at new and used polycarbonate faceshields. All of the new shields withstood the strongest impact tested, which was designed to match the force of a kick to the face. More than a third of the game-worn faceshields fractured in response to the testing, which included lower forces of impact as well. Mon, 23 May 2011 14:50:50 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110523145058.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110513112246.htm Move your arm and the robot imitates your movement. This type of intuitive handling is now possible thanks to a new input device that will simplify the control of industrial robots in the future. But that is not all: The sensor system can also help regulate the movements of active prostheses. Fri, 13 May 2011 11:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110513112246.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110310151224.htm New research show that, from many areas of the basketball court within 12 feet of the basket, you have a better chance of scoring with a bank shot than with a direct shot. The study also shows the optimal aim points to convert a bank shot from most areas of the court. Thu, 10 Mar 2011 15:12:12 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110310151224.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110310131051.htm Researchers are using a new model to learn more about how toe strength can determine how far people can lean while keeping their balance. The results could help in building robotic body parts that will closely imitate human movement, and might lead to a new generation of advanced prosthetics. Thu, 10 Mar 2011 13:10:10 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110310131051.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110307161857.htm Middle school-aged children who participated in interactive digital gaming activities that feature player movement (exergaming), such as dancing or boxing, increased their energy expenditure to a level of moderate or vigorous intensity, according to a new article. Mon, 07 Mar 2011 16:18:18 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110307161857.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110301111259.htm By examining historical data, statisticians have quantified biases that play a role in granting Division I at-large basketball teams inclusion in the NCAA March Madness Tournament. Tue, 01 Mar 2011 11:12:12 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110301111259.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110301091115.htm Why is it that the same teams seem to dominate the annual men's collegiate basketball tournament? For that matter, why does the same small group of institutions seem to top annual best-college rankings? Tue, 01 Mar 2011 09:11:11 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110301091115.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110215081920.htm New research from the UK could help athletes train to their maximum potential without putting undue pressure on their muscles. A special wireless device -- called the iSense -- has been devised which is capable of predicting and detecting the status of muscles during training and can be adapted to any sport. Tue, 15 Feb 2011 08:19:19 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110215081920.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110113131444.htm Older drivers could benefit from training programs that put them behind the wheel -- in a driving simulator, with an observer who helps them develop their skills, according to a new article. Thu, 13 Jan 2011 13:14:14 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110113131444.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101201095553.htm In a study of ex-pro athletes, researchers found that a specialized imaging technique called magnetic resonance spectroscopy may help diagnose chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a disorder caused by repetitive head trauma that currently can only be definitively diagnosed at autopsy. Wed, 01 Dec 2010 09:55:55 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101201095553.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101122102802.htm Engineers have developed a new type of microchip muscle stimulator implant that will enable people with paraplegia to exercise their paralyzed leg muscles. It is the first time that researchers have developed a device of this kind that is small enough to be implanted into the spinal canal and incorporates the electrodes and muscle stimulator in one unit. The implant is the size of a child's fingernail. Mon, 22 Nov 2010 10:28:28 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101122102802.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101121195429.htm Engineers have built a robotic jump rope device and used it to study the underlying physics of jumping rope. Sun, 21 Nov 2010 19:54:54 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101121195429.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101116075805.htm Scientists have designed a communication system based on hand movement and position for virtual control of a videogame through a flight time camera, and are investigating applications for this sensor in medicine, biometrics, sports and emotional intelligence. Tue, 16 Nov 2010 07:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101116075805.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101028074037.htm Members of the public could form the backbone of powerful new mobile internet networks by carrying wearable sensors. The novel sensors could create new ultra high bandwidth mobile internet infrastructures and reduce the density of mobile phone base stations, according to researchers. Thu, 28 Oct 2010 07:40:40 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101028074037.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101013173841.htm Curveballs curve gradually, but the perception by some hitters of a sharp "break" or other abrupt change in a curveball's trajectory can be explained as a visual illusion, according to a new study. Wed, 13 Oct 2010 17:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101013173841.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100916073412.htm A new research project in the UK may have important implications for the world of football (soccer) through the use of new technology such as GPS and miniature accelerometers to better assess a player's training load and fitness levels. Thu, 16 Sep 2010 07:34:34 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100916073412.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100913080952.htm The new Premier League season has begun and in Madrid the World Cup celebrations are barely over, yet according to researchers, the world's best players may soon be facing a new challenge from football playing robots, which their creators claim will be able to play and beat a human team. The research reveals how building robots to play football is driving the development of artificial intelligence and robotic technology which can be used for roles including search and rescue and home help. Mon, 13 Sep 2010 08:09:09 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100913080952.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100907071427.htm It’s all in the hips. New research provides concrete evidence of how loading the hips improves the power and length of a golf drive. Tue, 07 Sep 2010 07:14:14 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100907071427.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100902073509.htm Roberto Carlos' free kick goal against France in 1997's Tournoi de France is thought by many to have been the most skillful free kick goal ever scored but by others to have been an incredible fluke. Now a group of French physicists have computed the trajectory and shown that Carlos' goal was no fluke. Thu, 02 Sep 2010 07:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100902073509.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100823193947.htm Computers are everywhere these days -- even on surfboards. Mechanical engineering undergraduates outfitted a surfboard with a computer and accompanying sensors -- one step toward a structural engineering Ph.D. student's quest to develop the science of surfboards. Mon, 23 Aug 2010 19:39:39 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100823193947.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100810151030.htm Scientists are improving the sensitivity of MEMS accelerometers by using an efficient yet simple and manufacturable design, which can be applied in sport, communication, transportation and defense. Amplification techniques developed at his lab can be used for improving the performance of these devices. Tue, 10 Aug 2010 15:10:10 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100810151030.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100722143905.htm The loneliness of the long-distance robot: A robot named Ranger walked 14.3 miles in about 11 hours, setting an unofficial world record. A human -- armed with nothing more than a standard remote control for toys -- steered the untethered robot. Thu, 22 Jul 2010 14:39:39 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100722143905.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100701183605.htm With the attention of sports fans worldwide focused on South Africa and the 2010 FIFA World Cup, US scientist John Eric Goff has made the aerodynamics of the soccer ball a focus of his research. Thu, 01 Jul 2010 18:36:36 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100701183605.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100624112310.htm In the split second before foot meets ball, a soccer player's body betrays whether a penalty kick will go left or right, according to recent research in cognitive science. The findings could explain how some top goalkeepers are able to head off a penalty kick, diving in the correct direction in advance of the kick. It could also point the way to changes in how players kick, and goalies react. Thu, 24 Jun 2010 11:23:23 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100624112310.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100618141629.htm Researchers have developed a multiagent system and motion capture techniques for graphical animation of soccer playing robots. Fri, 18 Jun 2010 14:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100618141629.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100614092536.htm Both recreational skiers and elite ski racers can forget about wax and scrape their skis with a steel tool instead. "Putting wax on modern skis is just as wrong as tarring a plastic boat," says one Swedish researcher, who also points to the unhealthful consequences of ski wax. Mon, 14 Jun 2010 09:25:25 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100614092536.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100608101017.htm Physics experts believe the new ball created for the 2010 World Cup, called the Jabulani, will play "harder and faster," bending more unpredictably than its predecessor. Tue, 08 Jun 2010 10:10:10 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100608101017.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100603091635.htm Robot soccer players are warming up to compete in this month's RoboCup 2010 world championship in Singapore. A new algorithm will help newly created robots to predict the ball's behavior based on physics principles. Thu, 03 Jun 2010 09:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100603091635.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100514101805.htm As athletes strive for perfection, sports scientists need to exploit every technological advance to help them achieve that goal. Researchers in New Zealand have now developed a new type of wearable impact sensor based that can provide much needed information about the stresses and strains on limbs for rugby players, high jumpers and runners. Fri, 14 May 2010 10:18:18 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100514101805.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100510105031.htm Physiological signals can nowadays be easily monitored with measurement devices implanted inside a living body. A Finnish researcher believes that the next tech-savvy generation represents a potential customer base for new applications in the field. They might be interested in monitoring their personal health with implantable electrocardiogram devices. The device could also be used as a diagnostic tool in emergencies, because it gives medical personnel instant access to the patient's EKG data. Mon, 10 May 2010 10:50:50 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100510105031.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100426113106.htm Researchers have developed a program that helps people monitor their normal day-to-day physical activity using an everyday device like a cell phone or MP3 player. Mon, 26 Apr 2010 11:31:31 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100426113106.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100420101344.htm New research helps answer questions about how to be a better skier and have more fun in the process. Tue, 20 Apr 2010 10:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100420101344.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100410160121.htm If you think it's a hassle getting into a sold-out game, imagine trying to get out after a bomb explodes -- or even under a bomb threat, for that matter. In new simulation and training software, thousands of avatars are in motion at once, realistically representing the chaotic mix of sports fans, security staff, emergency responders and vehicles that interplay during a stadium evacuation. Sat, 10 Apr 2010 16:01:01 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100410160121.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100301141852.htm A physicist has developed a new formula to predict baseball success. The basic formula, which has been tweaked over the years, uses the number of runs scored per game (RPG) and runs given up per game to estimate a team's winning percentage. Mon, 01 Mar 2010 14:18:18 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100301141852.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100226093219.htm This is the year in which 3D cinema and 3D TV will make the breakthrough. At CeBIT in Hannover, German researchers are presenting technologies and standards that are hastening the progress. Fri, 26 Feb 2010 09:32:32 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100226093219.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100222082520.htm Friction -- or the lack of it -- in cross-country skiing events at Winter Olympic games in Vancouver is a decisive factor in who wins the gold. Researchers explain the physics behind what makes the best glide. Mon, 22 Feb 2010 08:25:25 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100222082520.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100216113855.htm For winter sports athletes, including Olympians, the altitude of the sports venue can have a significant impact on performance, requiring athletes in skill sports, such as figure skating, ski jumping and snowboarding, to retool highly technical moves to accommodate more or less air resistance. Researchers discuss how altitude can affect balance and timing and can even boost sprint times -- although not this year. Tue, 16 Feb 2010 11:38:38 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100216113855.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100211212120.htm Cross-country skiing is one of the most demanding of all Olympic sports, with skiers propelling themselves at speeds that exceed 20-25 km per hour over distances as long as 50 km. Yet the difference between winners and losers in these grueling races can be decided by just the tip of a ski, as a glance at any recent world-class competition will show. So just what gives top racers the advantage? Thu, 11 Feb 2010 21:21:21 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100211212120.htm