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Last word

51¶¯Âþ's popular Last Word series gives readers the opportunity to answer each other's questions about everyday science phenomena, from the shape of scones to the evolutionary history of toenails. To answer a question or ask a new one, email lastword@newscientist.com

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Last Word

Why does water never move in straight lines?

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an australopithecus, one of our ancestors; Shutterstock ID 790742188; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

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When did humans first start to sing? Part 2

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I understand why we have two eyes and two ears – but why two nostrils?

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JAPAN. Tokyo. Bank near Tokyo Station. 2002.

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This week’s new questions

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Issue no. 3541 published 3 May 2025

New Scientist issue 3541 cover
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