https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/science_society/sports/ Science of sports. Read the latest scientific research on sports, including performance enhancement through feedback systems, effect of various drugs and more. en-us Sun, 19 Apr 2026 09:46:26 EDT Sun, 19 Apr 2026 09:46:26 EDT 60 https://www.sciencedaily.com/images/scidaily-logo-rss.png https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/science_society/sports/ For more science news, visit ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260407193911.htm A new international study is shaking up how we think about elite sprinting, arguing there’s no single “perfect” running style behind the world’s fastest athletes. Instead, speed emerges from a complex mix of an individual’s body, coordination, strength, and training—meaning every top sprinter moves differently. Using examples like rising Australian star Gout Gout, researchers show that unique physical traits can produce world-class speed without copying anyone else’s technique. Wed, 08 Apr 2026 09:17:58 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260407193911.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260209211229.htm Satellite imagery reveals how the 2026 Winter Olympics are spread across northern Italy, from alpine valleys to historic cities. Events are hosted in mountain resorts, while Milan and Verona frame the Games with opening and closing ceremonies. The view includes iconic features like Lake Garda and the Venetian lagoon. Together, they show the vast scale and unique setting of this year’s Olympics. Mon, 09 Feb 2026 21:12:29 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260209211229.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260111214447.htm A new study warns that war in Gaza has pushed children to the edge, leaving many too hungry, weak, or traumatized to learn. Education has nearly collapsed, with years of schooling lost to conflict, hunger, and fear. Researchers say children are losing faith in the future and in basic ideas like peace and human rights. Without urgent aid, Gaza faces the risk of a lost generation. Sun, 11 Jan 2026 22:45:42 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260111214447.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260105165811.htm Nearly all women in STEM graduate programs report feeling like impostors, despite strong evidence of success. This mindset leads many to dismiss their achievements as luck and fear being “found out.” Research links impostorism to worse mental health, higher burnout, and increased thoughts of dropping out. Supportive environments and shifting beliefs about intelligence may help break the cycle. Mon, 05 Jan 2026 20:01:59 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260105165811.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251221043218.htm A major international review has upended long-held ideas about how top performers are made. By analyzing nearly 35,000 elite achievers across science, music, chess, and sports, researchers found that early stars rarely become adult superstars. Most world-class performers developed slowly and explored multiple fields before specializing. The message is clear: talent grows through variety, not narrow focus. Sun, 21 Dec 2025 10:05:31 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251221043218.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250923021204.htm NASA has chosen 10 new astronaut candidates who will train for missions to the Moon and Mars. Their selection represents a powerful blend of talent and ambition, fueling humanity’s next great leaps into space. Tue, 23 Sep 2025 10:10:07 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250923021204.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250922075000.htm Meditation apps are revolutionizing mental health, providing easy access to mindfulness practices and new opportunities for scientific research. With the help of wearables and AI, these tools can now deliver personalized training tailored to individual needs. Mon, 22 Sep 2025 23:44:09 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250922075000.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250915085344.htm A groundbreaking project is piecing together Leonardo da Vinci’s genetic profile by tracing his lineage across 21 generations and comparing DNA from living descendants with remains in a Da Vinci family tomb. If successful, the effort could reveal new insights into Leonardo’s health, creativity, and even help confirm the authenticity of his works. Mon, 15 Sep 2025 09:07:55 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250915085344.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250828002359.htm Whale sharks in Indonesia are suffering widespread injuries, with a majority scarred by human activity. Researchers found bagans and boats to be the biggest threats, especially as shark tourism grows. Protecting these gentle giants may be as simple as redesigning fishing gear and boat equipment. Thu, 28 Aug 2025 04:01:37 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250828002359.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250826081915.htm Knee osteoarthritis is a major cause of pain and disability, but routine X-rays often do more harm than good. New research shows that being shown an X-ray can increase anxiety, make people fear exercise, and lead them to believe surgery is the only option, even when less invasive treatments could help. By focusing on clinical diagnosis instead, patients may avoid unnecessary scans, reduce health costs, and make better choices about their care. Tue, 26 Aug 2025 09:27:09 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250826081915.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250713031443.htm Movement helps your mood, but it's not one-size-fits-all. Exercising for fun, with friends, or in enjoyable settings brings greater mental health benefits than simply moving for chores or obligations. Researchers emphasize that context — who you're with, why you're exercising, and even the weather — can make or break the mood-boosting effects. Sun, 13 Jul 2025 09:56:27 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250713031443.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250708045651.htm Less than a quarter of us hit WHO activity targets, but a new UCL study suggests the trick may be matching workouts to our personalities: extroverts thrive in high-energy group sports, neurotics prefer private bursts with breaks, and everyone sees stress levels drop when they find exercise they enjoy. Wed, 09 Jul 2025 10:36:34 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250708045651.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250708045648.htm A new UCL study reveals that aligning workouts with personality boosts fitness and slashes stress—extroverts thrive on HIIT, neurotics favor short, private bursts, and everyone benefits when enjoyment leads the way. Tue, 08 Jul 2025 07:06:54 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250708045648.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250622030429.htm AI is revolutionizing the job landscape, prompting nations worldwide to prepare their workforces for dramatic changes. A University of Georgia study evaluated 50 countries’ national AI strategies and found significant differences in how governments prioritize education and workforce training. While many jobs could disappear in the coming decades, new careers requiring advanced AI skills are emerging. Countries like Germany and Spain are leading with early education and cultural support for AI, but few emphasize developing essential human soft skills like creativity and communication—qualities AI can't replace. Sun, 22 Jun 2025 03:04:29 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250622030429.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250528132509.htm A review of experimental research reveals how VR is best used and why it's struggled to become a megahit with consumers. Wed, 28 May 2025 13:25:09 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250528132509.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250509122301.htm Researchers have developed a system, called ProxiCycle, that logs when a passing car comes too close to a cyclist (four feet or less). A small, inexpensive sensor plugs into bicycle handlebars and tracks the passes, sending them to the rider's phone. The team tested the system for two months with 15 cyclists in Seattle and found a significant correlation between the locations of close passes and other indicators of poor safety, such as collisions. Fri, 09 May 2025 12:23:01 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250509122301.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250507130615.htm Groundbreaking device instantly detects dangerous street drugs, offering hope for harm reduction A portable device that instantly detects illicit street drugs at very low concentrations, thereby highlighting the risks they pose. The device has the potential to address the growing global problem of people unknowingly taking drugs that have been mixed with undeclared substances, including synthetic opioids such as fentanyl and nitazenes. Wed, 07 May 2025 13:06:15 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250507130615.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250429195329.htm About 25% of 7350 patients hospitalized for scooter-related injuries between 2016 and 2021 were using substances such as alcohol, opioids, marijuana and cocaine when injured. The findings underscore the urgent need to strengthen safety regulations, enforce helmet use, and reduce substance use among scooter riders. Tue, 29 Apr 2025 19:53:29 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250429195329.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250424165638.htm A new study finds that presenting the same continuous climate data, such as incremental changes in temperature, in binary form -- such as whether a lake did or did not freeze in the winter -- significantly increases people's ability to see the impact of climate change. Thu, 24 Apr 2025 16:56:38 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250424165638.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250415144020.htm In 2021, Major League Baseball banned the usage of resin, and since batting averages have gone up. A group of researchers set out to reveal the science behind this. Tue, 15 Apr 2025 14:40:20 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250415144020.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250415143641.htm A researcher has analyzed the most frequent situations faced by football goalkeepers. The aim is to compile data to facilitate the design of more effective training. The work stresses the importance of practicing the deflections and first touch shots that are produced. Tue, 15 Apr 2025 14:36:41 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250415143641.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250411110035.htm Police officers are more than twice as likely to have traumatic brain injuries compared to the general population. Fri, 11 Apr 2025 11:00:35 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250411110035.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250325160102.htm A study finds NBA teams that hired more analytics staff, and invested more in data analysis, tended to win more games. Tue, 25 Mar 2025 16:01:02 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250325160102.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250325115836.htm By using geometric shapes in the shock-absorbing material, researchers have developed a bicycle helmet that provides better protection against head injuries. The material absorbs shock by contracting bilaterally. Tue, 25 Mar 2025 11:58:36 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250325115836.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250320144819.htm Americans have long believed that sports are one area in society that offers kids from all backgrounds the chance to succeed to the best of their abilities. But new research suggests that this belief is largely a myth, and that success in high school and college athletics often is influenced by race and gender, as well as socioeconomic status, including family wealth and education. Thu, 20 Mar 2025 14:48:19 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250320144819.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250304113814.htm Nearly 40% of adult Americans say they've experienced some type of sport-related mistreatment in their lives, a new study shows. Mistreatment ranged from psychological and emotional to physical and sexual. But most people who reported mistreatment experienced more than one kind, the research found. Tue, 04 Mar 2025 11:38:14 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250304113814.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250226142219.htm A team of researchers has developed an advanced physics-based AI-driven tool to aid the forensic investigation of traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Wed, 26 Feb 2025 14:22:19 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250226142219.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250131132443.htm Sound plays a significant and often poignant part of skateboarders' relationship with their sport, a new study shows. Fri, 31 Jan 2025 13:24:43 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250131132443.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250129162531.htm When exercising in gyms, women face barriers across various domains, including physical appearance and body image, gym attire, the physical gym environment, and interactions with others, according to a new study. Wed, 29 Jan 2025 16:25:31 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250129162531.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250122131254.htm A new national survey found that while many Americans use a device to monitor their heart, few share that data with their doctor. Wed, 22 Jan 2025 13:12:54 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250122131254.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250121125915.htm A first-of-its-kind study shows that while teams with differing skill sets and perspectives bring fresh, unique ideas to the table, they often struggle to create practical, workable solutions -- raising important questions for managers and businesses worldwide. Tue, 21 Jan 2025 12:59:15 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250121125915.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250113134318.htm Giving people better data about their energy use, plus some coaching, can help them substantially reduce their consumption and costs, according to a new study. Mon, 13 Jan 2025 13:43:18 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250113134318.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250113134152.htm It's long been known that different positions on the football field fit different body types. A study led by the University of Kansas has gone beyond knowing that linemen are bigger with more body mass than receivers and tested a team of college football starters, finding differences in strength, power, jumping ability and more. The findings could help improve strength training designed to optimize performance for different types of players, researchers argue. Mon, 13 Jan 2025 13:41:52 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250113134152.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250108144151.htm Wearing a red outfit in combat sports has been believed to provide an advantage for athletes, but a new study suggests there is no longer any truth in the claim. Wed, 08 Jan 2025 14:41:51 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250108144151.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250102162516.htm A study underscores the value of physical activity. Researchers found patients who responded in a survey that they are physically active have a statistically significant lower risk of having 19 chronic conditions. Thu, 02 Jan 2025 16:25:16 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250102162516.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241219152500.htm More American cities -- even those seen as affluent -- are home to people living without running water as people are being 'squeezed' by unaffordable housing and the cost-of-living crisis, new research finds. Thu, 19 Dec 2024 15:25:00 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241219152500.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241217131553.htm If the experience of watching a FIFA World Cup soccer final is intense, spare a thought for the players, who are competing at an ever increasing intensity, according to a new study. Tue, 17 Dec 2024 13:15:53 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241217131553.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241212120219.htm Diverse and inclusive teams are not merely a moral imperative but also a catalyst for scientific excellence in robotics, scientists point out in a study. The team has outlined how a scientific community can benefit if its leadership fosters an environment of diversity and inclusion, and propose a leadership guide for roboticists to help reap these benefits. Thu, 12 Dec 2024 12:02:19 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241212120219.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241204114023.htm Undocumented orphaned wells pose hazards to both the environment and the climate. Scientists are building modern tools to help locate, assess, and pave the way for ultimately plugging these forgotten relics. Wed, 04 Dec 2024 11:40:23 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241204114023.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241204113518.htm A large study, of 77 deceased male ice hockey players, has found that the odds of having chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) increased by 34% each year played, and 18 of 19 National Hockey League players had CTE. CTE is a neurodegenerative disease caused by repeated traumatic brain injuries and most frequently found in former contact sport athletes exposed to repetitive head impacts (RHI). While many perceive CTE risk as limited to enforcers, this study makes it clear that all male ice hockey players are at risk. Wed, 04 Dec 2024 11:35:18 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241204113518.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241129120946.htm A recent major review of data shows that Black athletes are approximately five times more likely to experience sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) and sudden cardiac death (SCD) compared to White athletes, despite some evidence of a decline in rates of SCD overall. Fri, 29 Nov 2024 12:09:46 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241129120946.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241126145334.htm Eliminating current physical activity disparities between male and female youth in the United States could save around $780 million for each new cohort of six-to-17-year-olds, according to a new study. In fact, bringing more equity to sports participation could save even more: $1.55 billion. Tue, 26 Nov 2024 14:53:34 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241126145334.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241122172745.htm Parents are much less likely to intervene when their young children are getting dressed or performing other simple chores if those tasks are framed as learning opportunities, according to a new study. Fri, 22 Nov 2024 17:27:45 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241122172745.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241121115653.htm In a polarized nation, there is one thing that nearly all Americans agree on, according to a recent study: sports are good for us. Researchers found that more than 9 out of 10 Americans agreed that sports build character and improved one's health, while 84% agreed playing sports makes one popular in school and 85% said it makes one more well-known in the community. Thu, 21 Nov 2024 11:56:53 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241121115653.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241120122147.htm A recently published meta-analysis reveals an advantage in sports-related information processing compared to non-athletes. The data consisted of 21 studies involving a total of 1455 participants. Athletes had better working memory than non-athletes and this advantage was further enhanced when athletes were compared to sedentary people. Wed, 20 Nov 2024 12:21:47 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241120122147.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241114125612.htm Researchers have found teaching artistic observation to neurology residents contributed to the development of well-rounded physicians with the capacity to be both skilled clinicians and compassionate healers. Thu, 14 Nov 2024 12:56:12 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241114125612.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241111155405.htm Adding an extra hour every week of physical activity may lower the chance of developing the most common type of irregular heartbeat (arrythmia) by 11%, a study shows. Mon, 11 Nov 2024 15:54:05 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241111155405.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241107115150.htm The potential of using compassion as a tool in elite sport is high, both for the individual athlete and in terms of sporting results, a study involving high-performance coaches shows. Thu, 07 Nov 2024 11:51:50 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241107115150.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241106142608.htm Researchers have added a new dimension to the mathematics used to predict the outcomes of all manner of competitions, including sports, games and social hierarchies in both humans and animals. Wed, 06 Nov 2024 14:26:08 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241106142608.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241104150622.htm The unique properties of baseball's famed 'magic' mud, which MLB equipment managers applied to every ball in the World Series, have never been scientifically quantified -- until now. Researchers now reveal what makes the magic mud so special. Mon, 04 Nov 2024 15:06:22 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241104150622.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241031130851.htm Researchers have revealed that the introduction of a new ball made from a small, easy-to-grip material in U15 girls' handball has led to improved attack efficiency compared with the conventional ball. However, the goalkeeper save rate was lower, indicating the need for technical and tactical coaching for goalkeepers. Thu, 31 Oct 2024 13:08:51 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241031130851.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241030150853.htm Men and adolescent boys are increasingly at risk of resorting to the dangerous use of anabolic steroids in a bid to achieve the desired muscular build modeled on social media, warn body image experts. A new review that focused specifically on men found that exposure to social media posts depicting ideal muscular male bodies is directly linked to a negative body image and greater odds of resorting to anabolic-androgenic steroid use. Wed, 30 Oct 2024 15:08:53 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241030150853.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241029203005.htm Military musicians returning from the Napoleonic wars established Britain's first brass bands earlier than previously thought, new research reveals. The study undermines the idea that brass bands were a civilian and exclusively northern creation. Tue, 29 Oct 2024 20:30:05 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241029203005.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241017132318.htm Researchers developed HuBar, a visual analytics tool that summarizes and compares task performance sessions in augmented reality (AR) by analyzing performer behavior and cognitive workload. Using aviation as a case study, the research team demonstrated that HuBar provides insights into pilot behavior and mental states, helping researchers and trainers identify patterns, pinpoint areas of difficulty, and optimize AR-assisted training programs to improve learning outcomes and real-world performance. Thu, 17 Oct 2024 13:23:18 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241017132318.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241017113151.htm In a new study, humans displayed sympathy towards and protected AI bots who were excluded from playtime. Thu, 17 Oct 2024 11:31:51 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241017113151.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241015141618.htm A recent study found that good physical fitness from childhood to adolescence is linked to better mental health in adolescence. These results are significant and timely, as mental health problems are currently a major societal challenge, affecting up to 25%--30% of young people. These findings suggest that improving physical fitness from childhood can help prevent mental health problems. Tue, 15 Oct 2024 14:16:18 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241015141618.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241008201422.htm Countries across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region can overcome major shared environmental challenges such as water scarcity and air pollution by harnessing the power of 'green education' to nurture a new generation of eco-leaders. Tue, 08 Oct 2024 20:14:22 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241008201422.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240930160635.htm To help speed decarbonization, state regulators should reconceive of gas and electric utilities as serving the same purpose, according to a new report. Without coordinated action, the energy transition could become slower, more expensive, and more inequitable, the authors warn. Mon, 30 Sep 2024 16:06:35 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240930160635.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240917125309.htm Sport-related stress may contribute to some NCAA Division One swimmers and runners failing to consume enough calories to fuel their bodies. Tue, 17 Sep 2024 12:53:09 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240917125309.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240904184533.htm Research shows that super spikes, scientifically described as advanced footwear technology (AFT) spikes, can give runners about a 2% edge in middle-distance track races, like the 800- and 1,500-meters. Wed, 04 Sep 2024 18:45:33 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240904184533.htm