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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

Bernini statue detail of Gange with Latin words engraved on a wall Roman Capitol; Shutterstock ID 131482886; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

Last Word

Do we really know how ancient Romans pronounced Latin words? (Part 2)

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Galaxy - Elements of this Image Furnished by NASA; Shutterstock ID 1716207277; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

Last Word

So much in the universe spins. Could the universe itself be spinning?

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Bengal cat washing itself on bed; Shutterstock ID 1123136123; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

Last Word

This week’s new questions

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JMD2WX refreshing lemonade drink with mint lime lemon in garden

Last Word

Why did ice in my drink in Spain take longer to melt than at home?

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This mosaic of Mars is a compilation of images captured by the Viking Orbiter 1. The center of the scene shows the entire Valles Marineris canyon system, more than 2,000 miles (3,000 kilometers) long, 370 miles (600 kilometers) wide and 5 miles (8 kilometers) deep, extending from Noctis Labyrinthus, the arcuate system of graben to the west, to the chaotic terrain to the east.

Last Word

If humans colonised Mars, how would they calculate time?

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T4AEYJ Stellar explosion shining in deep space, cosmic star blast in Universe. High resolution galaxy background.

Last Word

This week’s new questions

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Could land-dwelling octopuses develop technology? (Part 3)

Last Word

Could land-dwelling octopuses develop technology? (Part 3)

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R2YAK1 Professional washer in black uniform and cap wiping with sponge car wheel of a luxury car during the washing process outdoors

Last Word

Why are the front wheels of my car much dirtier than the rear ones?

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MNN37P Illustration comparing the planets of the Solar System and the Sun on the same scale. The planets are shown to scale relative to each other but their distances are not. From left to right the bodies are: the Sun, Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune.

Last Word

Will there ever be a time when all our solar system’s planets align?

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Someone throwing rubbish in bin. rubbish bin. Trash.

Last Word

This week’s new questions

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2FERAXY Crowded groups of people crossing the street at Times Square during rush hour

Last Word

How and when did the North American accent develop? (part 2)

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Aerial View of Mount Everest 8,848 m (29,029 ft), Himalaya, Nepal, Asia.

Last Word

Could a mountain as high as Mars’s Olympus Mons be possible on Earth?

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