Subscribe now

This week’s new questions

Does talking to plants make them grow faster? And why do dogs love rolling in fox poo?

4 August 2021

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.

Shutterstock/A1.VIEWS

Some people believe that talking or singing to plants helps them to grow better and produce more fruit. Is there any truth in this?

Samira Bendjedidi, Reading, Berkshire, 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.

Anna Zisk/Alamy

Why does my dog enjoy rolling in smelly fox or bird faeces?

Shelagh Akbulut, Bristol, 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.

Terms and conditions apply.

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox. We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

Popular articles

Trending New Scientist articles

Piano Exit Overlay Banner Mobile Piano Exit Overlay Banner Desktop