Video: What Curling Tells Us About the Mystery of Ice

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by Joel Eastwood, Judson Jones, Edward Vega, Gilad Thaler, Joey Sendaydiego and Bernardo Garcia Elguezabal

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

A recent video explores how curling provides insights into the mysterious properties of ice, particularly why it becomes slippery. Meteorologist Judson Jones and multimedia editor Joel Eastwood joined forces to examine this phenomenon, which could have significant implications for athletes competing in the Olympics. By analyzing the physics behind sliding on ice, scientists are uncovering new theories that might help Olympians achieve peak performance. The video delves into the science of ice, focusing on how its molecular structure changes when subjected to pressure and temperature variations. Curling, a sport highly dependent on precise movements across ice surfaces, offers an ideal setting for testing these theories. Jones and Eastwood demonstrate how factors like friction, water molecules, and surface texture influence the slipperiness of ice, which directly impacts the trajectory of curling stones. This research not only benefits athletes but also has broader applications in fields like physics and engineering. Understanding the science of ice could lead to advancements in materials science, transportation, and even medical devices that rely on slippery surfaces. The video highlights how seemingly unrelated disciplines can intersect to uncover meaningful scientific breakthroughs. The exploration of ice's properties through curling not only sheds light on a long-standing scientific mystery but also underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. By combining sports physics with meteorological insights, Jones and Eastwood illustrate how real-world applications can emerge from even the most unexpected sources. This video is a compelling example of how science and journalism can work together to make complex concepts accessible and engaging for the public. Ultimately, this story matters because it connects everyday phenomena—like sliding on ice—to cutting-edge scientific research. It demonstrates how curiosity-driven investigations, even those inspired by Olympic sports, can lead to valuable discoveries. For readers interested in news, science, or sports, this video offers a fresh perspective on a topic that touches many aspects of our lives.

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/20/2026