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Science on the starting blocks
In August, we look at the social impact of mega events such as the Olympic Games, the links between sports and society, the benefits of high-intensity interval training, and how, one day, part of your football boots could have scored a winning goal at the World Cup, if shoemaker adidas gets its way.
Rent in the East End of London has increased since it hosted the Olympics in 2012. Image credit: ‘London Olympic Park - Arcelor Mittal Orbit And Aquatics Centre’ by Bert Seghers is licensed under CC0 1.0

The ever-increasing cost of holding large sporting events like the Olympic Games or the World Cup means host cities are looking for a lasting legacy in their towns as well. But experience shows that this doesn’t always work out as planned.

Marathon runners have increased levels of cardiac troponin, which is linked to heart damage. Image credit: Pixabay/ Unsplash

Just after a race, most amateur marathon runners have increased levels of proteins linked to heart damage, Dutch researchers have found.

New trainers could be made from discarded ones. Image courtesy of adidas

At this year’s Olympics, athletes will compete in tailor-made trainers designed to help them perform better. With a research programme named Sports Infinity, consumers can now design their own sport shoe, one that never has to be thrown away, that is, according to Glenn Bennett, Executive Board Member of adidas AG.

Sports is one area where dedication and talent can take you to the top, researchers say. Image credit: Pixabay/ damonnofar

Top-drawer sports teams that bring together players from all over the world serve as a beacon for an equal-opportunities society, researchers say.

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