Athletes' Oral Health Suffers, Tech Advances, and Puzzles Abound

As the world of sports and technology continues to evolve, new findings and innovations are shedding light on the complex relationships between athletic performance, oral health, and technological advancements.

A recent study published in the journal Sport Training has found that elite athletes' oral health is significantly worse than expected, despite having access to top-notch medical and nutritional care. Researchers at European University discovered that 46% of elite athletes have active dental caries, while 70% suffer from periodontal disease. This is a concerning trend, as oral health can have a significant impact on overall athletic performance.

In the world of technology, a new JavaScript compiler is making waves. The JavaScript Oxidation Compiler, or Oxc, is a collection of high-performance JavaScript tools written in Rust. This open-source project aims to provide a foundation for advanced transformations and compilations, making it easier for developers to create efficient and effective code.

Meanwhile, computer science legend Donald Knuth has sparked a conversation about the importance of preserving the history of computer science. In a recent lecture at Stanford University, Knuth emphasized the need to accurately document and preserve the history of computer science, rather than "dumbing it down" for a broader audience.

For those looking for a mental challenge, the New York Times' Strands and Wordle puzzles are providing a fun and engaging way to exercise the brain. Strands, a word-search game with a twist, requires players to find words that can change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Wordle, on the other hand, is a daily word-guessing game that has become a global phenomenon.

As these stories illustrate, the connections between seemingly disparate fields can be fascinating and complex. Whether it's the impact of oral health on athletic performance, the latest advancements in JavaScript compilation, or the importance of preserving computer science history, there's always more to learn and discover.

Sources:

• "Dental Disease May Undermine Elite Athletic Performance" (European University)
• "The JavaScript Oxidation Compiler" (Oxc)
• "The Tears of Donald Knuth" (Stanford University)
• "NYT Strands hints, answers for February 23, 2026" (New York Times)
• "Wordle today: Answer, hints for February 23, 2026" (Mashable)