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ICE is co-opting ‘Halo’ to demonize immigrants

ICE is co-opting ‘Halo’ to demonize immigrants

Tech-news

Xbox can’t seem to stay out of the news lately, with the announcement that Halo: Combat Evolved is coming to PlayStation next year and, in response, a detente called in the console wars. Things took a darker turn on Sunday night when President Trump launched into an AI slop meme war with GameStop that has now spiraled into the Department of Homeland Security using Halo imagery to compare undocumented immigrants to parasitic aliens.

Early Monday morning, the official DHS X account — already infamous for its cruel, brain-rotting posting history — shared an image of Xbox’s iconic mascot, Master Chief, standing on a Warthog with the Halo ring world in the background. The caption read, “Finishing this fight,” a nod to the final line of Halo 2 and the marketing tagline for Halo 3. The image itself included the phrase “Destroy the Flood,” alongside a link to an ICE recruitment page.

SEE ALSO:

For Trump officials, social media is war

The post is problematic on several levels — the most glaring being that DHS appears to be equating the Flood, the main antagonists of the Halo series, with immigrants. For context, the Flood are a parasitic alien species that infect and consume sentient life across the galaxy.

This isn’t the first time ICE has co-opted video game imagery for its recruitment posts on social media. Just last month, the agency used the “Gotta catch ’em all” Pokémon theme for videos of arrests, complete with custom-made cards of individuals captured by ICE. That’s on top of the many crass, bizarre, and meme-heavy “Dark MAGA” posts the agency has shared — including ones featuring Trump with laser eyes or reposts originating from neo-Nazi accounts.

Mashable Top Stories

SEE ALSO:

President of Xbox Sarah Bond talks Ally X, next-gen console, and recent price increases

It’s not clear why Trump and DHS are fixated on Halo as of late. It is worth noting that Microsoft, which owns Xbox, is one of several tech giants that reportedly helped fund construction of Trump’s $300 million ballroom — a project that has already required the demolition of the East Wing. Critics say the investment is part of a broader push by major tech firms to stay in favor with the administration as they compete for lucrative federal contracts.

ICE’s goal seems to be grabbing the attention of younger audiences — ostensibly for recruiting — but also to continue dehumanizing undocumented immigrants and other groups targeted by the administration.

It’s a bold strategy for an agency hoping to look heroic, but it seems ICE missed the part where the good guys fight to protect all of humanity.

Mashable has contacted Xbox for comment, but has yet to receive a response as of this writing.

This article reflects the opinion of the writer.



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The humble cockroach: depending on where you live, they’re variously the bane of apartment dwellers, a tasty snacc, or a source of political inspiration. The cliché is that they’d be the only creatures to survive a nuclear apocalypse, and whether or not that’s true, you probably wouldn’t put them first in line for further enhancements to their already legendary ability to survive.

However, it seems that no one’s told that to the folks at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, because a group of researchers from the university’s School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering recently published a paper describing the process of fitting a cockroach with a diving suit. As the paper’s abstract explains, “The suit integrates a miniaturized oxygen generation module with a flexible waterproof shell, enabling continuous oxygen supply and isolation from surrounding water.”

Or, in other words, the suit successfully allowed the insect to breathe underwater, turning it into a sort of nightmarish amphibious cyborg. If this sounds like a terrible idea at face value, console yourself with the knowledge that these cyber-roaches are designed to be used for benevolent purposes. As per the paper, said purposes include pipe inspections, “object transportation,” and, apparently, search-and-rescue missions. (Smash cut to 2031 and Elon Musk ranting about a “pedo roach”.)

Research into the creation of cyborg insects has been a thing for some time, both in academia and in the world of tech. On the latter point, readers may remember the RoboRoach, a $200 DIY kit for creating your own cyborg cockroach that was funded via Kickstarter in 2013. The kit is still available, and these days it seems to be marketed as a fun activity for kids—on the manufacturer’s website, it’s labelled as being for “Grade 9+” and “[Requiring] supervision.” If the idea of a bunch of 15-year-olds performing surgery on cockroaches makes you kinda queasy—supervision or not—well, you’re not alone.

Let’s get back to the Nanyang Technological University, where the experiments are presumably not being conducted by middle-schoolers. If you’ve ever wondered how a cockroach breathes, the paper explains that “like most terrestrial insects, [they] breathe through thoracic spiracles that take in oxygen directly from the air.” The “diving suit” is basically a flexible waterproof shell into which a miniature oxygen generator pumps oxygen, effectively creating a tiny breathing bubble around the insect’s air-intake thingamajigs.

This allowed the insect to breathe underwater for up to three hours, although it seems there were some initial, um, design issues to sort out: “Dorsal mounting of the oxygen generator on the cockroach created significant water-resistance during underwater locomotion… causing postural instability and rollover.” Once this issue was resolved, it seems the roaches got on just fine underwater, exhibiting “stable and smooth underwater walking without rollover.” The researchers conclude that the idea is a winner, and that it could be “potentially extended to other terrestrial cyborg insect platforms, such as [other] cockroaches, locusts and beetles.” Amphibious locusts! What could possibly go wrong?

#Scientists #Built #Amphibious #Cyborg #Cockroaches #Regret #Inform #Workcockroaches,cyborgs">Scientists Built Amphibious Cyborg Cockroaches and We Regret to Inform You They Work The humble cockroach: depending on where you live, they’re variously the bane of apartment dwellers, a tasty snacc, or a source of political inspiration. The cliché is that they’d be the only creatures to survive a nuclear apocalypse, and whether or not that’s true, you probably wouldn’t put them first in line for further enhancements to their already legendary ability to survive. However, it seems that no one’s told that to the folks at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, because a group of researchers from the university’s School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering recently published a paper describing the process of fitting a cockroach with a diving suit. As the paper’s abstract explains, “The suit integrates a miniaturized oxygen generation module with a flexible waterproof shell, enabling continuous oxygen supply and isolation from surrounding water.” Or, in other words, the suit successfully allowed the insect to breathe underwater, turning it into a sort of nightmarish amphibious cyborg. If this sounds like a terrible idea at face value, console yourself with the knowledge that these cyber-roaches are designed to be used for benevolent purposes. As per the paper, said purposes include pipe inspections, “object transportation,” and, apparently, search-and-rescue missions. (Smash cut to 2031 and Elon Musk ranting about a “pedo roach”.) Research into the creation of cyborg insects has been a thing for some time, both in academia and in the world of tech. On the latter point, readers may remember the RoboRoach, a 0 DIY kit for creating your own cyborg cockroach that was funded via Kickstarter in 2013. The kit is still available, and these days it seems to be marketed as a fun activity for kids—on the manufacturer’s website, it’s labelled as being for “Grade 9+” and “[Requiring] supervision.” If the idea of a bunch of 15-year-olds performing surgery on cockroaches makes you kinda queasy—supervision or not—well, you’re not alone. Let’s get back to the Nanyang Technological University, where the experiments are presumably not being conducted by middle-schoolers. If you’ve ever wondered how a cockroach breathes, the paper explains that “like most terrestrial insects, [they] breathe through thoracic spiracles that take in oxygen directly from the air.” The “diving suit” is basically a flexible waterproof shell into which a miniature oxygen generator pumps oxygen, effectively creating a tiny breathing bubble around the insect’s air-intake thingamajigs. This allowed the insect to breathe underwater for up to three hours, although it seems there were some initial, um, design issues to sort out: “Dorsal mounting of the oxygen generator on the cockroach created significant water-resistance during underwater locomotion… causing postural instability and rollover.” Once this issue was resolved, it seems the roaches got on just fine underwater, exhibiting “stable and smooth underwater walking without rollover.” The researchers conclude that the idea is a winner, and that it could be “potentially extended to other terrestrial cyborg insect platforms, such as [other] cockroaches, locusts and beetles.” Amphibious locusts! What could possibly go wrong? #Scientists #Built #Amphibious #Cyborg #Cockroaches #Regret #Inform #Workcockroaches,cyborgs

bane of apartment dwellers, a tasty snacc, or a source of political inspiration. The cliché is that they’d be the only creatures to survive a nuclear apocalypse, and whether or not that’s true, you probably wouldn’t put them first in line for further enhancements to their already legendary ability to survive.

However, it seems that no one’s told that to the folks at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, because a group of researchers from the university’s School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering recently published a paper describing the process of fitting a cockroach with a diving suit. As the paper’s abstract explains, “The suit integrates a miniaturized oxygen generation module with a flexible waterproof shell, enabling continuous oxygen supply and isolation from surrounding water.”

Or, in other words, the suit successfully allowed the insect to breathe underwater, turning it into a sort of nightmarish amphibious cyborg. If this sounds like a terrible idea at face value, console yourself with the knowledge that these cyber-roaches are designed to be used for benevolent purposes. As per the paper, said purposes include pipe inspections, “object transportation,” and, apparently, search-and-rescue missions. (Smash cut to 2031 and Elon Musk ranting about a “pedo roach”.)

Research into the creation of cyborg insects has been a thing for some time, both in academia and in the world of tech. On the latter point, readers may remember the RoboRoach, a $200 DIY kit for creating your own cyborg cockroach that was funded via Kickstarter in 2013. The kit is still available, and these days it seems to be marketed as a fun activity for kids—on the manufacturer’s website, it’s labelled as being for “Grade 9+” and “[Requiring] supervision.” If the idea of a bunch of 15-year-olds performing surgery on cockroaches makes you kinda queasy—supervision or not—well, you’re not alone.

Let’s get back to the Nanyang Technological University, where the experiments are presumably not being conducted by middle-schoolers. If you’ve ever wondered how a cockroach breathes, the paper explains that “like most terrestrial insects, [they] breathe through thoracic spiracles that take in oxygen directly from the air.” The “diving suit” is basically a flexible waterproof shell into which a miniature oxygen generator pumps oxygen, effectively creating a tiny breathing bubble around the insect’s air-intake thingamajigs.

This allowed the insect to breathe underwater for up to three hours, although it seems there were some initial, um, design issues to sort out: “Dorsal mounting of the oxygen generator on the cockroach created significant water-resistance during underwater locomotion… causing postural instability and rollover.” Once this issue was resolved, it seems the roaches got on just fine underwater, exhibiting “stable and smooth underwater walking without rollover.” The researchers conclude that the idea is a winner, and that it could be “potentially extended to other terrestrial cyborg insect platforms, such as [other] cockroaches, locusts and beetles.” Amphibious locusts! What could possibly go wrong?

#Scientists #Built #Amphibious #Cyborg #Cockroaches #Regret #Inform #Workcockroaches,cyborgs">Scientists Built Amphibious Cyborg Cockroaches and We Regret to Inform You They WorkScientists Built Amphibious Cyborg Cockroaches and We Regret to Inform You They Work The humble cockroach: depending on where you live, they’re variously the bane of apartment dwellers, a tasty snacc, or a source of political inspiration. The cliché is that they’d be the only creatures to survive a nuclear apocalypse, and whether or not that’s true, you probably wouldn’t put them first in line for further enhancements to their already legendary ability to survive. However, it seems that no one’s told that to the folks at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, because a group of researchers from the university’s School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering recently published a paper describing the process of fitting a cockroach with a diving suit. As the paper’s abstract explains, “The suit integrates a miniaturized oxygen generation module with a flexible waterproof shell, enabling continuous oxygen supply and isolation from surrounding water.” Or, in other words, the suit successfully allowed the insect to breathe underwater, turning it into a sort of nightmarish amphibious cyborg. If this sounds like a terrible idea at face value, console yourself with the knowledge that these cyber-roaches are designed to be used for benevolent purposes. As per the paper, said purposes include pipe inspections, “object transportation,” and, apparently, search-and-rescue missions. (Smash cut to 2031 and Elon Musk ranting about a “pedo roach”.) Research into the creation of cyborg insects has been a thing for some time, both in academia and in the world of tech. On the latter point, readers may remember the RoboRoach, a $200 DIY kit for creating your own cyborg cockroach that was funded via Kickstarter in 2013. The kit is still available, and these days it seems to be marketed as a fun activity for kids—on the manufacturer’s website, it’s labelled as being for “Grade 9+” and “[Requiring] supervision.” If the idea of a bunch of 15-year-olds performing surgery on cockroaches makes you kinda queasy—supervision or not—well, you’re not alone. Let’s get back to the Nanyang Technological University, where the experiments are presumably not being conducted by middle-schoolers. If you’ve ever wondered how a cockroach breathes, the paper explains that “like most terrestrial insects, [they] breathe through thoracic spiracles that take in oxygen directly from the air.” The “diving suit” is basically a flexible waterproof shell into which a miniature oxygen generator pumps oxygen, effectively creating a tiny breathing bubble around the insect’s air-intake thingamajigs. This allowed the insect to breathe underwater for up to three hours, although it seems there were some initial, um, design issues to sort out: “Dorsal mounting of the oxygen generator on the cockroach created significant water-resistance during underwater locomotion… causing postural instability and rollover.” Once this issue was resolved, it seems the roaches got on just fine underwater, exhibiting “stable and smooth underwater walking without rollover.” The researchers conclude that the idea is a winner, and that it could be “potentially extended to other terrestrial cyborg insect platforms, such as [other] cockroaches, locusts and beetles.” Amphibious locusts! What could possibly go wrong? #Scientists #Built #Amphibious #Cyborg #Cockroaches #Regret #Inform #Workcockroaches,cyborgs

The humble cockroach: depending on where you live, they’re variously the bane of apartment dwellers, a tasty snacc, or a source of political inspiration. The cliché is that they’d be the only creatures to survive a nuclear apocalypse, and whether or not that’s true, you probably wouldn’t put them first in line for further enhancements to their already legendary ability to survive.

However, it seems that no one’s told that to the folks at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, because a group of researchers from the university’s School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering recently published a paper describing the process of fitting a cockroach with a diving suit. As the paper’s abstract explains, “The suit integrates a miniaturized oxygen generation module with a flexible waterproof shell, enabling continuous oxygen supply and isolation from surrounding water.”

Or, in other words, the suit successfully allowed the insect to breathe underwater, turning it into a sort of nightmarish amphibious cyborg. If this sounds like a terrible idea at face value, console yourself with the knowledge that these cyber-roaches are designed to be used for benevolent purposes. As per the paper, said purposes include pipe inspections, “object transportation,” and, apparently, search-and-rescue missions. (Smash cut to 2031 and Elon Musk ranting about a “pedo roach”.)

Research into the creation of cyborg insects has been a thing for some time, both in academia and in the world of tech. On the latter point, readers may remember the RoboRoach, a $200 DIY kit for creating your own cyborg cockroach that was funded via Kickstarter in 2013. The kit is still available, and these days it seems to be marketed as a fun activity for kids—on the manufacturer’s website, it’s labelled as being for “Grade 9+” and “[Requiring] supervision.” If the idea of a bunch of 15-year-olds performing surgery on cockroaches makes you kinda queasy—supervision or not—well, you’re not alone.

Let’s get back to the Nanyang Technological University, where the experiments are presumably not being conducted by middle-schoolers. If you’ve ever wondered how a cockroach breathes, the paper explains that “like most terrestrial insects, [they] breathe through thoracic spiracles that take in oxygen directly from the air.” The “diving suit” is basically a flexible waterproof shell into which a miniature oxygen generator pumps oxygen, effectively creating a tiny breathing bubble around the insect’s air-intake thingamajigs.

This allowed the insect to breathe underwater for up to three hours, although it seems there were some initial, um, design issues to sort out: “Dorsal mounting of the oxygen generator on the cockroach created significant water-resistance during underwater locomotion… causing postural instability and rollover.” Once this issue was resolved, it seems the roaches got on just fine underwater, exhibiting “stable and smooth underwater walking without rollover.” The researchers conclude that the idea is a winner, and that it could be “potentially extended to other terrestrial cyborg insect platforms, such as [other] cockroaches, locusts and beetles.” Amphibious locusts! What could possibly go wrong?

#Scientists #Built #Amphibious #Cyborg #Cockroaches #Regret #Inform #Workcockroaches,cyborgs

During this year’s World Cup, one scene repeats itself game after game: Several players take the field with holes in the calves of their socks. Social media is rife with theories about the supposed competitive advantage this might give them. But the practice isn’t new. It has been seen at the European Championships, the Olympic Games, and other international competitions over the past decade. Still, science has yet to find evidence that it improves performance.

Professional soccer socks are, by design, form-fitting. In addition to holding shin guards in place, they provide support to the ankle, the arch of the foot, and the calf; they help manage moisture and reduce foot movement inside the cleat to improve stability. This design principle has been used in professional soccer for decades. Although materials have evolved to become lighter and more durable, they are still primarily based on synthetic fibers such as polyester, nylon, and spandex.

But quite a few players have complained that the socks are too tight and cause a tingling and numb sensation in the calf area. The discomfort is so great that, halfway through a game, they cut several holes in the calf area to “release tension” and run better.

There is a biomechanical component to this sensation. During a sprint or a change of direction, the largest muscle in the calf contracts and increases in thickness to generate the force that propels the athlete forward. This change in shape occurs thousands of times during a game. For some, the repeated expansion of the muscle is enough to create a sensation of pressure when the sock exerts constant compression on the calf.

Over time, the practice of cutting holes in socks has taken on an almost intuitive explanation among the players themselves: splitting open the fabric allows the muscle to “breathe,” relieving pressure and reducing the likelihood of pain or cramps. However, specialists in sports medicine and recovery point out that there are no studies demonstrating that cutting holes in socks provides any benefit. In fact, much of the research on compression garments concludes that, when properly designed and fitted, they can help limit muscle inflammation after intense exertion.

Despite the lack of evidence regarding physiological benefits, the practice continues to spread among professional soccer players. Today, it is considered primarily an anecdotal phenomenon, based on each player’s personal experience rather than scientific evidence. Furthermore, the rules of the game do not prohibit modifying socks, as long as the equipment remains safe and the shin guards remain properly covered. (A soccer player, however, cannot play with a torn jersey.)

Given the lack of scientific evidence, several specialists believe that part of the phenomenon could be explained by the player’s own perception of comfort. In high-performance sports, the feeling of comfort can influence the confidence with which an athlete competes. If a soccer player believes a piece of clothing is restrictive, eliminating that perceived discomfort can make them feel freer to run, accelerate, or change direction—even if their performance remains objectively unchanged.

Though there is no evidence that cutting the socks provides a competitive advantage or reduces the risk of injury, that does not mean the sensation of discomfort is imaginary. The perception of pressure, restriction, or comfort depends on multiple factors, ranging from anatomy and individual sensitivity to the athlete’s past experiences. In other words, two players may react differently while wearing exactly the same equipment.

For now, it seems the cutting of socks will continue. The available evidence points to a mechanism similar to that of other sports rituals: Its effect is primarily psychological, not necessarily physiological.

#Science #Soccer #Players #World #Cup #Cutting #Socksworld cup 2026,sports,training,health,fashion,soccer">The Science Behind Why Soccer Players at the 2026 World Cup Are Cutting Their SocksDuring this year’s World Cup, one scene repeats itself game after game: Several players take the field with holes in the calves of their socks. Social media is rife with theories about the supposed competitive advantage this might give them. But the practice isn’t new. It has been seen at the European Championships, the Olympic Games, and other international competitions over the past decade. Still, science has yet to find evidence that it improves performance.Professional soccer socks are, by design, form-fitting. In addition to holding shin guards in place, they provide support to the ankle, the arch of the foot, and the calf; they help manage moisture and reduce foot movement inside the cleat to improve stability. This design principle has been used in professional soccer for decades. Although materials have evolved to become lighter and more durable, they are still primarily based on synthetic fibers such as polyester, nylon, and spandex.But quite a few players have complained that the socks are too tight and cause a tingling and numb sensation in the calf area. The discomfort is so great that, halfway through a game, they cut several holes in the calf area to “release tension” and run better.There is a biomechanical component to this sensation. During a sprint or a change of direction, the largest muscle in the calf contracts and increases in thickness to generate the force that propels the athlete forward. This change in shape occurs thousands of times during a game. For some, the repeated expansion of the muscle is enough to create a sensation of pressure when the sock exerts constant compression on the calf.Over time, the practice of cutting holes in socks has taken on an almost intuitive explanation among the players themselves: splitting open the fabric allows the muscle to “breathe,” relieving pressure and reducing the likelihood of pain or cramps. However, specialists in sports medicine and recovery point out that there are no studies demonstrating that cutting holes in socks provides any benefit. In fact, much of the research on compression garments concludes that, when properly designed and fitted, they can help limit muscle inflammation after intense exertion.Despite the lack of evidence regarding physiological benefits, the practice continues to spread among professional soccer players. Today, it is considered primarily an anecdotal phenomenon, based on each player’s personal experience rather than scientific evidence. Furthermore, the rules of the game do not prohibit modifying socks, as long as the equipment remains safe and the shin guards remain properly covered. (A soccer player, however, cannot play with a torn jersey.)Given the lack of scientific evidence, several specialists believe that part of the phenomenon could be explained by the player’s own perception of comfort. In high-performance sports, the feeling of comfort can influence the confidence with which an athlete competes. If a soccer player believes a piece of clothing is restrictive, eliminating that perceived discomfort can make them feel freer to run, accelerate, or change direction—even if their performance remains objectively unchanged.Though there is no evidence that cutting the socks provides a competitive advantage or reduces the risk of injury, that does not mean the sensation of discomfort is imaginary. The perception of pressure, restriction, or comfort depends on multiple factors, ranging from anatomy and individual sensitivity to the athlete’s past experiences. In other words, two players may react differently while wearing exactly the same equipment.For now, it seems the cutting of socks will continue. The available evidence points to a mechanism similar to that of other sports rituals: Its effect is primarily psychological, not necessarily physiological.#Science #Soccer #Players #World #Cup #Cutting #Socksworld cup 2026,sports,training,health,fashion,soccer

World Cup, one scene repeats itself game after game: Several players take the field with holes in the calves of their socks. Social media is rife with theories about the supposed competitive advantage this might give them. But the practice isn’t new. It has been seen at the European Championships, the Olympic Games, and other international competitions over the past decade. Still, science has yet to find evidence that it improves performance.

Professional soccer socks are, by design, form-fitting. In addition to holding shin guards in place, they provide support to the ankle, the arch of the foot, and the calf; they help manage moisture and reduce foot movement inside the cleat to improve stability. This design principle has been used in professional soccer for decades. Although materials have evolved to become lighter and more durable, they are still primarily based on synthetic fibers such as polyester, nylon, and spandex.

But quite a few players have complained that the socks are too tight and cause a tingling and numb sensation in the calf area. The discomfort is so great that, halfway through a game, they cut several holes in the calf area to “release tension” and run better.

There is a biomechanical component to this sensation. During a sprint or a change of direction, the largest muscle in the calf contracts and increases in thickness to generate the force that propels the athlete forward. This change in shape occurs thousands of times during a game. For some, the repeated expansion of the muscle is enough to create a sensation of pressure when the sock exerts constant compression on the calf.

Over time, the practice of cutting holes in socks has taken on an almost intuitive explanation among the players themselves: splitting open the fabric allows the muscle to “breathe,” relieving pressure and reducing the likelihood of pain or cramps. However, specialists in sports medicine and recovery point out that there are no studies demonstrating that cutting holes in socks provides any benefit. In fact, much of the research on compression garments concludes that, when properly designed and fitted, they can help limit muscle inflammation after intense exertion.

Despite the lack of evidence regarding physiological benefits, the practice continues to spread among professional soccer players. Today, it is considered primarily an anecdotal phenomenon, based on each player’s personal experience rather than scientific evidence. Furthermore, the rules of the game do not prohibit modifying socks, as long as the equipment remains safe and the shin guards remain properly covered. (A soccer player, however, cannot play with a torn jersey.)

Given the lack of scientific evidence, several specialists believe that part of the phenomenon could be explained by the player’s own perception of comfort. In high-performance sports, the feeling of comfort can influence the confidence with which an athlete competes. If a soccer player believes a piece of clothing is restrictive, eliminating that perceived discomfort can make them feel freer to run, accelerate, or change direction—even if their performance remains objectively unchanged.

Though there is no evidence that cutting the socks provides a competitive advantage or reduces the risk of injury, that does not mean the sensation of discomfort is imaginary. The perception of pressure, restriction, or comfort depends on multiple factors, ranging from anatomy and individual sensitivity to the athlete’s past experiences. In other words, two players may react differently while wearing exactly the same equipment.

For now, it seems the cutting of socks will continue. The available evidence points to a mechanism similar to that of other sports rituals: Its effect is primarily psychological, not necessarily physiological.

#Science #Soccer #Players #World #Cup #Cutting #Socksworld cup 2026,sports,training,health,fashion,soccer">The Science Behind Why Soccer Players at the 2026 World Cup Are Cutting Their Socks

During this year’s World Cup, one scene repeats itself game after game: Several players take the field with holes in the calves of their socks. Social media is rife with theories about the supposed competitive advantage this might give them. But the practice isn’t new. It has been seen at the European Championships, the Olympic Games, and other international competitions over the past decade. Still, science has yet to find evidence that it improves performance.

Professional soccer socks are, by design, form-fitting. In addition to holding shin guards in place, they provide support to the ankle, the arch of the foot, and the calf; they help manage moisture and reduce foot movement inside the cleat to improve stability. This design principle has been used in professional soccer for decades. Although materials have evolved to become lighter and more durable, they are still primarily based on synthetic fibers such as polyester, nylon, and spandex.

But quite a few players have complained that the socks are too tight and cause a tingling and numb sensation in the calf area. The discomfort is so great that, halfway through a game, they cut several holes in the calf area to “release tension” and run better.

There is a biomechanical component to this sensation. During a sprint or a change of direction, the largest muscle in the calf contracts and increases in thickness to generate the force that propels the athlete forward. This change in shape occurs thousands of times during a game. For some, the repeated expansion of the muscle is enough to create a sensation of pressure when the sock exerts constant compression on the calf.

Over time, the practice of cutting holes in socks has taken on an almost intuitive explanation among the players themselves: splitting open the fabric allows the muscle to “breathe,” relieving pressure and reducing the likelihood of pain or cramps. However, specialists in sports medicine and recovery point out that there are no studies demonstrating that cutting holes in socks provides any benefit. In fact, much of the research on compression garments concludes that, when properly designed and fitted, they can help limit muscle inflammation after intense exertion.

Despite the lack of evidence regarding physiological benefits, the practice continues to spread among professional soccer players. Today, it is considered primarily an anecdotal phenomenon, based on each player’s personal experience rather than scientific evidence. Furthermore, the rules of the game do not prohibit modifying socks, as long as the equipment remains safe and the shin guards remain properly covered. (A soccer player, however, cannot play with a torn jersey.)

Given the lack of scientific evidence, several specialists believe that part of the phenomenon could be explained by the player’s own perception of comfort. In high-performance sports, the feeling of comfort can influence the confidence with which an athlete competes. If a soccer player believes a piece of clothing is restrictive, eliminating that perceived discomfort can make them feel freer to run, accelerate, or change direction—even if their performance remains objectively unchanged.

Though there is no evidence that cutting the socks provides a competitive advantage or reduces the risk of injury, that does not mean the sensation of discomfort is imaginary. The perception of pressure, restriction, or comfort depends on multiple factors, ranging from anatomy and individual sensitivity to the athlete’s past experiences. In other words, two players may react differently while wearing exactly the same equipment.

For now, it seems the cutting of socks will continue. The available evidence points to a mechanism similar to that of other sports rituals: Its effect is primarily psychological, not necessarily physiological.

#Science #Soccer #Players #World #Cup #Cutting #Socksworld cup 2026,sports,training,health,fashion,soccer

TL;DR: Live stream Wimbledon 2026 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Australian Open, French Open, and U.S. Open would all argue that they’re the biggest tennis event on the schedule, but Wimbledon has that special something.

Maybe it’s the fast-paced tennis on lush green surfaces? Maybe it’s the crisp white outfits? Or maybe it’s the copious amounts of champagne and strawberries consumed by fans? Whatever the reason, Wimbledon is hard to beat.

If you’re interested in watching Wimbledon 2026 for free from anywhere in the world, we’ve got all the information you need.

What is Wimbledon?

Wimbledon is the oldest tennis tournament in the world. It is the third of four Grand Slam tennis events each year.

The defending singles champions are Jannik Sinner and Iga Świątek.

When is Wimbledon in 2026?

The 2026 Wimbledon Championships is the 139th edition of the tournament. This year’s event takes place from June 29 to July 12.

How to watch Wimbledon 2026 for free

Wimbledon 2026 is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock free live streams on sites like BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Wimbledon 2026 for free by following these simple steps:

  1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

  4. Visit BBC iPlayer

  5. Live stream Wimbledon 2026 for free from anywhere in the world

$12.99 only at ExpressVPN

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer money-back guarantees and free trials. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock BBC iPlayer without committing with your cash. This obviously isn’t a long-term solution, but it gives you plenty of time to live stream Wimbledon 2026 before recovering your investment. It’s a sneaky trick, but it works.

ExpressVPN’s regular 30-day money back guarantee is not available for any subscriptions purchased during the FIFA World Cup between June 10 and July 11. ExpressVPN remains our top pick for Wimbledon, but you will need to pay the monthly rate. Alternatively, Proton VPN still offers that all-important money-back guarantee.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for streaming live sport on free platforms like BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including the UK

  • Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

  • Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99. That covers you for the duration of Wimbledon.

Live stream Wimbledon 2026 for free with ExpressVPN.

#Wimbledon #livestream #watch #Wimbledon #free">Wimbledon 2026 livestream: How to watch Wimbledon for free TL;DR: Live stream Wimbledon 2026 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.The Australian Open, French Open, and U.S. Open would all argue that they’re the biggest tennis event on the schedule, but Wimbledon has that special something.Maybe it’s the fast-paced tennis on lush green surfaces? Maybe it’s the crisp white outfits? Or maybe it’s the copious amounts of champagne and strawberries consumed by fans? Whatever the reason, Wimbledon is hard to beat. If you’re interested in watching Wimbledon 2026 for free from anywhere in the world, we’ve got all the information you need.What is Wimbledon?Wimbledon is the oldest tennis tournament in the world. It is the third of four Grand Slam tennis events each year.The defending singles champions are Jannik Sinner and Iga Świątek.When is Wimbledon in 2026?The 2026 Wimbledon Championships is the 139th edition of the tournament. This year’s event takes place from June 29 to July 12. Mashable Top Stories How to watch Wimbledon 2026 for freeWimbledon 2026 is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock free live streams on sites like BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.Live stream Wimbledon 2026 for free by following these simple steps:Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)Open up the app and connect to a server in the UKVisit BBC iPlayerLive stream Wimbledon 2026 for free from anywhere in the world .99 only at ExpressVPN The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer money-back guarantees and free trials. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock BBC iPlayer without committing with your cash. This obviously isn’t a long-term solution, but it gives you plenty of time to live stream Wimbledon 2026 before recovering your investment. It’s a sneaky trick, but it works.ExpressVPN’s regular 30-day money back guarantee is not available for any subscriptions purchased during the FIFA World Cup between June 10 and July 11. ExpressVPN remains our top pick for Wimbledon, but you will need to pay the monthly rate. Alternatively, Proton VPN still offers that all-important money-back guarantee.What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?ExpressVPN is the best choice for streaming live sport on free platforms like BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:Servers in 105 countries including the UKEasy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and moreStrict no-logging policy so your data is always secureFast streaming speeds free from throttlingUp to eight simultaneous connectionsA two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for .40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just .99. That covers you for the duration of Wimbledon.Live stream Wimbledon 2026 for free with ExpressVPN. #Wimbledon #livestream #watch #Wimbledon #free

BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Australian Open, French Open, and U.S. Open would all argue that they’re the biggest tennis event on the schedule, but Wimbledon has that special something.

Maybe it’s the fast-paced tennis on lush green surfaces? Maybe it’s the crisp white outfits? Or maybe it’s the copious amounts of champagne and strawberries consumed by fans? Whatever the reason, Wimbledon is hard to beat.

If you’re interested in watching Wimbledon 2026 for free from anywhere in the world, we’ve got all the information you need.

What is Wimbledon?

Wimbledon is the oldest tennis tournament in the world. It is the third of four Grand Slam tennis events each year.

The defending singles champions are Jannik Sinner and Iga Świątek.

When is Wimbledon in 2026?

The 2026 Wimbledon Championships is the 139th edition of the tournament. This year’s event takes place from June 29 to July 12.

How to watch Wimbledon 2026 for free

Wimbledon 2026 is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock free live streams on sites like BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Wimbledon 2026 for free by following these simple steps:

  1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

  4. Visit BBC iPlayer

  5. Live stream Wimbledon 2026 for free from anywhere in the world

$12.99 only at ExpressVPN

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer money-back guarantees and free trials. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock BBC iPlayer without committing with your cash. This obviously isn’t a long-term solution, but it gives you plenty of time to live stream Wimbledon 2026 before recovering your investment. It’s a sneaky trick, but it works.

ExpressVPN’s regular 30-day money back guarantee is not available for any subscriptions purchased during the FIFA World Cup between June 10 and July 11. ExpressVPN remains our top pick for Wimbledon, but you will need to pay the monthly rate. Alternatively, Proton VPN still offers that all-important money-back guarantee.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for streaming live sport on free platforms like BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including the UK

  • Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

  • Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99. That covers you for the duration of Wimbledon.

Live stream Wimbledon 2026 for free with ExpressVPN.

#Wimbledon #livestream #watch #Wimbledon #free">Wimbledon 2026 livestream: How to watch Wimbledon for free

TL;DR: Live stream Wimbledon 2026 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Australian Open, French Open, and U.S. Open would all argue that they’re the biggest tennis event on the schedule, but Wimbledon has that special something.

Maybe it’s the fast-paced tennis on lush green surfaces? Maybe it’s the crisp white outfits? Or maybe it’s the copious amounts of champagne and strawberries consumed by fans? Whatever the reason, Wimbledon is hard to beat.

If you’re interested in watching Wimbledon 2026 for free from anywhere in the world, we’ve got all the information you need.

What is Wimbledon?

Wimbledon is the oldest tennis tournament in the world. It is the third of four Grand Slam tennis events each year.

The defending singles champions are Jannik Sinner and Iga Świątek.

When is Wimbledon in 2026?

The 2026 Wimbledon Championships is the 139th edition of the tournament. This year’s event takes place from June 29 to July 12.

How to watch Wimbledon 2026 for free

Wimbledon 2026 is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock free live streams on sites like BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Wimbledon 2026 for free by following these simple steps:

  1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

  4. Visit BBC iPlayer

  5. Live stream Wimbledon 2026 for free from anywhere in the world

$12.99 only at ExpressVPN

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer money-back guarantees and free trials. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock BBC iPlayer without committing with your cash. This obviously isn’t a long-term solution, but it gives you plenty of time to live stream Wimbledon 2026 before recovering your investment. It’s a sneaky trick, but it works.

ExpressVPN’s regular 30-day money back guarantee is not available for any subscriptions purchased during the FIFA World Cup between June 10 and July 11. ExpressVPN remains our top pick for Wimbledon, but you will need to pay the monthly rate. Alternatively, Proton VPN still offers that all-important money-back guarantee.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for streaming live sport on free platforms like BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including the UK

  • Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

  • Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99. That covers you for the duration of Wimbledon.

Live stream Wimbledon 2026 for free with ExpressVPN.

#Wimbledon #livestream #watch #Wimbledon #free

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