Take a closer look at the materials, molecules, and sports science research that influence how soccer is played and experienced.
Chemistry and soccer might be as odd a pairing as ranch dressing and Scottish football fans. But behind the scenes, the sport is deeply tied to chemistry — from the ball and the pitch to the players’ bodies and the stadiums themselves.
Here are a few items from ACS and C&EN that celebrate the unexpected relationship between chemistry and sports:
Sports science trends: The latest technology transforming football and more
Sports science is continually advancing with new innovations to support athletes’ health and drive better performance — and not just on the football (aka soccer) pitch, but on the court, the rink, and the American football field as well.
Don't sweat it: How moisture-wicking fabrics keep you cool and dry
Sweat-wicking fabrics are designed to keep you cool and dry. Do they really work? Are they worth the cost?
KidZone activity: Soccer ball chemistry
This 5-minute activity offers a practical insight into the daily tasks of a materials scientist. During the activity, kids can analyze and assess the characteristics of various materials found in a soccer ball.
The Buckminsterfullerene molecule
Buckminsterfullerene is noteworthy for its similarity to a soccer ball. The architect Buckminster Fuller popularized geodesic domes in the late 1940s.
Can silver nanoparticles combat your stink?
Some clothing makers try to harness the antibacterial power of silver to combat the smell of sweat from your workouts — now with added nanotechnology. Does it work?
Soccer goalies’ senses and balancing your beverages
Two articles published in ACS journals investigate whether high-level soccer goalies process the world around them differently than the rest of us and how caffeine and alcohol affect performance and sleep.