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This week’s new questions

Why didn’t our offspring evolve to let parents get more rest, and why don’t worms damage plants? Send us your thoughts and we will publish our favourites

20 May 2020

New Scientist. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

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Why didn’t we evolve to let parents get more sleep? Wouldn’t offspring with well-rested parents be more likely to survive? Isabelle Chaize, London, UK

 

New Scientist. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

Alex Fieldhouse/Alamy

Worms stir up soil. Why don’t they harm plant roots? Mike Griffiths, Croydon, Surrey, UK

 

To answer these questions – or ask a new one – email lastword@newscientist.com.

Questions should be scientific enquiries about everyday phenomena, and both questions and answers should be concise. We reserve the right to edit items for clarity and style. Please include a postal address, daytime telephone number and email address.

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