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The average NBA vertical jump is 71 centimetres

JUMPING BIOLOGY

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Dear HIW, As someone who loves basketball, I have been fascinated by how our bodies change in sport and adapt to different ones. I notice my vertical jump seems to be better after weight training. How does strength training impact jumping ability?

Liam Thompson

By keeping consistent with strength training, you’re making it easier to execute the quick and powerful movements that make you a good basketball player. Strength training is great for this sport as it increases muscle power, which is a combination of speed and force. This helps your muscles store more energy and release it quickly, powering you through the air and towards the basket.

When you jump, your muscles carry out a cycle of stretching and shortening. The stretch-shortening cycle has three main stages. The eccentric phase is when you bend your knees in preparation for a basketball jump. This is your muscles preparing to release stored energy. Next, the amortisation phase occurs, which is the short transition from stretching to contracting. This leads to the concentric phase as you jump off the ground and your muscles force you upwards.

The stronger your quadriceps, glutes, calves and core are, which can be built on through exercises like squats and calf raises, the more effective your jumps will be, as the muscle contraction will be more forceful. Core exercises make your whole body more stable, which can help absorb the impact of landing and prevent injuries. In addition, strength training makes your nervous system more efficient at activating muscle fibres quickly.

Sea surface temperatures have been rising since 1880

SEASONALSEA

Dear HIW, How much does ocean temperature change during the year, and what causes this? Markus Li

How much the ocean changes temperature depends largely on the location and water conditions. The nearer you get to the equator, the less drastic water temperature changes become. These tropical waters can remain between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius year-round, as they have consistent sunlight adding heat to the water. Meanwhile, more temperate regions such as the Atlantic coast and the Mediterranean Sea can change by ten degrees Celsius between summer and winter. Close to the poles, the sea may be just above freezing in summer and below freezing in winter. Deeper in the ocean, water temperature is relatively stable and only changes slightly in temperature.

A parrot’s brain-tobody ratio is similar to that of primates

PARROT PARENTING

Dear HIW, I have recently added a parrot to my family. I’m amazed at how smart he seems. Do they have similar cognitive skills to young children? Sofia Rossi

You are right in your observations. Parrots are extremely intelligent. They can solve puzzles, understand simple cause-and-effect actions and mimic humans and other sounds. Their memory is also impressive, as they can remember interactions for years. Like humans, parrots are generally very social in the wild and depend on interaction. Their regular mental stimulation means they share many skills with young children.

Reynaud’s syndrome causes fingers to appear pale

COLD AND CIRCULATION

Dear HIW, When my hands get cold I notice that they go a funny colour – they go pale halfway up my fingers. Does this mean I have bad circulation? Maya O’Neil

If you’re worried about your circulation, it’s best to consult a medical professional as everyone reacts differently to temperature changes. A common condition that causes hands to turn pale at the fingers is called Reynaud’s syndrome, as blood vessels in extremities constrict more than usual in the cold. As a result, fingers turn paler as less blood can flow. Fingers may also feel numb or tingly. To prevent the effects, avoid drastic temperature changes by keeping hands and feet warm in cold conditions.

The time interval between thunder and lightning gets shorter the closer the storm gets to you

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NOT-SO-SCARY STORMS

Dear HIW, My toddler is terrified of storms. Can you explain them in a way to stop him feeling scared?

Jaden Ahmed

It’s common for storms to scare children – the loud sounds can make adults jump, too. One way to help children feel safer around storms is to give them more of an understanding. You could explain to your child that storms are nature’s way of balancing electrical charges in the atmosphere, just like how an electric shock releases the built-up charge on a slide. The noise could be described as nature’s way of telling you the atmosphere has been balanced.

WE ASKED YOU

This month on social media, we asked you:

@NEWCAS TLEMAKEUPBYEMMA

BRIDGE SWING IN ECUADOR

What is the most adrenalinepumping sport or activity you’ve taken part in?

@D00DLENEWS OPEN-WATER SWIMMING IN AN ICY OCEAN

@CYRUS.LAWSON08 POLITICS DEBATES

@DUTYOFMINE TALKING TO PEOPLE

@AESTHETICALLY_AJ SKYDIVING, SURFING AND ZIPLINING @MAIA_H3 BUNGEE JUMPING

@GIINGERBISCUITS

SCUBA DIVING – I’M SCARED OF HEIGHTS