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Last word

New Scientist's popular Last Word series gives readers the opportunity to answer each other's questions about everyday science phenomena, from the shape of scones to the evolutionary history of toenails. To answer a question or ask a new one, email lastword@newscientist.com

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Guy Bell/Shutterstock (9842294ad) Thursday night - a Late-night Concert at the Chiesa di Ognissanti with Soloists: Erica Piccotti (pictured), cello and Itamar Golan (pictured), piano - The New Generation Festival 2018 is inspired by the first ever Corsini festival of 1680. Over 300 years later, the Palazzo Corsini and Gardens welcome you to this year's Renaissance Masque featuring opera, theatre and music to rival the greatest carnivals of the Renaissance. The New Generation Festival, Palazzo Corsini, Florence, Italy - 30 Aug 2018 Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto in D Major, and his Symphony No. 5 with soloist - Charlie Siem, followed by a Late-night Concert at the Chiesa di Ognissanti with Soloists: Erica Piccotti, cello; Charlie Siem, violin; Itamar Golan, piano - The New Generation Festival 2018 is inspired by the first ever Corsini festival of 1680. Over 300 years later, the Palazzo Corsini and Gardens welcome you to this year's Renaissance Masque featuring opera, theatre and music to rival the greatest carnivals of the Renaissance.

Last Word

Why does music evoke emotions, even if it doesn’t have lyrics? part 2

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Common frog (Rana temporaria) leaping into a pond, controlled conditions, UK.

Last Word

If frogs return to breed where they hatched, how do they spread?

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DPDYEE Candles lit by Churchgoers

Last Word

What shape would a candle’s flame be in zero gravity?

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We took Teddy for a walk in Barrington this past weekend. He has been loving this unusually warm weather we've had in November.

Last Word

This week’s new questions

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Is the human brain really the most complex object in the universe?

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Is the human brain really the most complex object in the universe?

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Why do little children run everywhere instead of walking?

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Why do little children run everywhere instead of walking?

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Hand of man inserting a power cord into an electric car for charging ecofriendly vehicle on green landscape

Last Word

This week’s new questions

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healthy toes close up with a human foot with clean nail; Shutterstock ID 2126317208; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

Last Word

How did prehistoric people cut their toenails? (Part 2)

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Runner man with sports running knee injury. Hands holding knee with painful

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Why is pain painful, when it’s just a nerve impulse like many others?

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Colorful clean bed linen and towels after washing are hung on the bars of the dryer and secured with clothespins. General cleaning, Laundry drying, compact dryer for the house. Selective focus; Shutterstock ID 1795609045; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

Last Word

How do I know when to bring washing indoors before dew forms on it?

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Saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) swimming at water surface, split-level, New Guinea, Indo-pacific

Last Word

This week’s new questions

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A senior black couple playing outdoors with their two dachshunds

Last Word

Why do I love my dog when there are no evolutionary benefits? (Part 2)

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