Sports

Go hard science or go home

In our sports coverage, we focus on physical demands, human performance, statistics, sports medicine, modern equipment and thoughtful analyses of the players, teams and games we love. From baseball to sailing to basketball to golf, from football to tennis to running to obscure sports, we seek the revealing secrets behind these competitions.

Racing later this year could influence which horses will be at their best -- and their chances of winning.
Brian Owens, Contributor
New research reveals how much ads for a toenail fungus medication helped boost sales.
Chris Gorski, Editor
A conversation with Kathleen Bachynski, the author of a new history of youth tackle football.
Chris Gorski, Editor
Are you overconsuming caffeine in the form of energy drinks?
Chris Gorski, Editor
Panel of experts says there is not enough evidence to give solid recommendations on many youth sports safety issues.
Chris Gorski, Editor
Pain, gastrointestinal distress, blisters, chafing, mental fatigue and dehydration. Extreme challenges to a tough sport.
Chris Gorski, Editor
New research finds that shot type, referees and scorekeepers matter -- and that taking more 3-point shots shrinks it.
Marcus Woo, Contributor
Most adults aren't well hydrated, but how much water should we drink per day?
Sofie Bates, Contributor
Baseball fans are quick to think the player is safe, but they're often wrong.
Sofie Bates, Contributor
When it comes to scoring a goal, soccer ball design is crucial to a player's success.
Rodrigo Pérez Ortega, Contributor
Setting up the field for the 'London Series' between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees presents significant technical challenges.
Peter Gwynne, Contributor
Endurance exercise favors the growth of some gut bacteria, which might provide athletes with an extra boost.
Rodrigo Pérez Ortega, Contributor