Science & technology | Shuttle shock

Physics reveals the best design for a badminton arena

The key is minimising the disruptive effects of ventilation

Annie Xu of United States and Kerry Xu of United States in action.
Ready to ruffle some feathersPhotograph: Reuters

ANYONE WHO has tried to play badminton at the beach will be familiar with the problem of wind blowing their feathered shuttlecocks off-course. On anything other than a completely calm day, playing even a half-serious game outside is a hopeless endeavour.

Explore more

This article appeared in the Science & technology section of the print edition under the headline “Shuttle shock”

From the November 16th 2024 edition

Discover stories from this section and more in the list of contents

Explore the edition

More from Science & technology

A person blowing about a pattern in the shape of a brain

Can you breathe stress away?

It won’t hurt to try. But scientists are only beginning to understand the links between the breath and the mind

The Economist’s science and technology internship

We invite applications for the 2025 Richard Casement internship


A man sits inside a pixelated pink brain while examining a clipboard, with colored squares falling from the brain

A better understanding of Huntington’s disease brings hope

Previous research seems to have misinterpreted what is going on


Is obesity a disease?

It wasn’t. But it is now

Volunteers with Down’s syndrome could help find Alzheimer’s drugs

Those with the syndrome have more of a protein implicated in dementia

Should you start lifting weights?

You’ll stay healthier for longer if you’re strong