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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

Open dishwasher with clean utensils in it; Shutterstock ID 218515030; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

Last Word

Is there a correct way to fill a dishwasher to maximise cleanliness?

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The Supermoon rises over houses in Olvera, in the southern Spanish province of Cadiz, July 12, 2014. Occurring when a full moon or new moon coincides with the closest approach the moon makes to the Earth, the Supermoon results in a larger-than-usual appearance of the lunar disk. REUTERS/Jon Nazca (SPAIN - Tags: SOCIETY CITYSCAPE TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY) - GM1EA7D0FC401

Last Word

This week’s new questions

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Could land-dwelling octopuses develop technology? (part 2)

Last Word

Could land-dwelling octopuses develop technology? (part 2)

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Hot dogs closeup; Shutterstock ID 373080193; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

Last Word

How much tea must I drink to counter the effect of eating a hot dog?

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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 actually know how the ancient Romans pronounced Latin words?

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2A65AYC Woman stroking her Pet dumbo rat

Last Word

This week’s new questions

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HMHHEF TOMMY IGOES GROOVE CONSPIRACY plays on the Garden Stage at the 59th MONTEREY JAZZ FESTIVAL - CALIFORNIA

Last Word

Why is the left hand used for intricate violin fingerwork? (part 2)

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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: -

Last Word

Travelling by car, why does it feel I am going uphill when I go north?

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detail of bee or honeybee in Latin Apis Mellifera, european or western honey bee; Shutterstock ID 1544424374; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

Last Word

If an ant or bee ends up far from its colony, what will happen to it?

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2AFPK7B Cyclist and Runner on Trail

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?

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Human kidney cross section. 3d illustration; Shutterstock ID 759443860; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

Last Word

Why do some of our organs come in pairs, but we only have one heart?

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