BBC Knowledge April 2017

Just two. The most common, wet earwax,

evolved as a way to remove dead skin cells

from your ear canal. Earwax is 60 per cent

skin, with various different oils binding it

together in a brown lump. But there is

a recessive gene mutation that results in

a different mix of oils, giving grey and flaky

earwax. This dry earwax is common among

the Japanese and Native Americans.

Coincidentally, having dry earwax also

means you produce less armpit odour. LV

Are there

different types

of earwax?

The genes we inherit from our parents

influence our psychological characteristics –

things like our intelligence and memory ability

• and our chances of developing conditions
  that affect the way we think, such as autism
  and schizophrenia. In that sense, identical
  twins – who share all the same genes –
  do think more alike than unrelated people

or even non-identical twins and other

siblings. Brain-imaging research has

shown that, during mental tasks, such

as memorising numbers, the patterns

of brain activity (which can be considered

a physical correlate of thought) are

more similar among identical twins

than non-identical twins. CJ

Do identical twins think alike?

1

TIMING

‘Safely’ is unrealistic. However, you can

make it survivable with a little bit of planning.

If you are sitting in the left seat, wait until

the car is travelling around a bend to the right,

so you will be thrown clear of the car. Make sure

there are no oncoming signposts.

2

ANGLE

To protect your elbows, stuff your sleeves

with paper or cloth. Crouch in the footwell,

facing the door. Push the door open and jump

out at a 45° angle. Pull your elbows in and put

your fists under your chin. Keep your legs

together and don’t try to land on your feet.

3

IMPACT

Aim to land on your back. This is the widest

part of the body and will spread the impact force

most evenly. Keep your limbs and neck tensed

to prevent them flailing, and allow your body

to roll. Resist the urge to put your hands out,

otherwise you will break your wrists.

THE THOUGHT EXPERIMENT

How can I jump safely from a moving car?

| & ANSWERS

QUESTIONS

ISTOCK,3XGETTY IMAGES, ILLUSTRATIONS: ACUTE GRAPHICS

10 April 2017