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This week’s new questions

How many cyclists is optimal for an efficient bike ride? And how are sea vents colonised? Send your answers and we’ll publish the best in the Last Word

1 July 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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A triplet bike is lighter and has less resistance per person, so is more efficient than a tandem, which is more efficient than a regular bike. Does this trend hold however long the bike?

Simon Aldridge, 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.

Georgette Douwma/Science Photo Library

Hydrothermal vents teem with life on a lifeless seabed. How are they colonised?

Howard Watkins, Reading, UK

To answer this question – 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.

New Scientist Ltd retains total editorial control over the published content and reserves all rights to reuse question and answer material that has been submitted by readers in any medium or in any format.

You can also submit answers by post to: The Last Word, New Scientist, 25 Bedford Street, London WC2E 9ES.

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