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Why does it feel like I’m going uphill when I drive north and downhill when I travel south? And why is it so painful for babies to get their first teeth, when children’s new teeth don’t hurt when they come through?

12 April 2023

Aerial view of car driving on beautiful steep curved road (look like number 3) on the high mountain in Nan province, Thailand.; Shutterstock ID 1815816242; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

Boyloso/Shutterstock

When travelling by car, why does it feel like I am going uphill when I go north and downhill when I am heading south?

Joseph Main

Bexhill, East Sussex, UK

2DHCKHY High angle view of smiling boy with gap toothed in park

Maskot/Alamy

Why is it so painful for babies to get their first teeth, but when children’s teeth fall out, the new ones don’t hurt when they arrive?

Catherine de Lange

London, 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…

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