This week’s new questions

How can crocodiles retain muscle strength when they are still for long periods? And how can an infinite universe have come from a finite original state?

15 June 2022

Saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) swimming at water surface, split-level, New Guinea, Indo-pacific — Jurgen Freund / naturepl.com

How do crocodiles maintain their explosive power despite being motionless for long periods, while if I am sedentary, my muscles weaken?

Sarah Shuff, London, UK

The star-forming nebula W51 is one of the largest — NASA/JPL-Caltech

The universe could be infinite in size, but how is it logically possible to attain an infinite size from a finite initial state?

Amir Malik, London, UK

To answer this question – or ask a new one – email lastword@newscientist.com.

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