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This week’s new questions

Why do we only use 12 notes in Western music? And all life on Earth is based on DNA. If we ever find life on other worlds, are there viable alternatives for coding for life that it may be based on?

A young child has both his thumbs on middle C. There are stickers on each key to guide him through the octaves and notes.

Why do we only use 12 notes in Western music?

John Grant,

Caloundra, Queensland, Australia

GKTGNN Formentera, Balearic Islands: an inflatable balloon in the shape of an alien between bushes

All life on earth is based on DNA. If we ever find life on other worlds, are there viable alternatives for coding for life that it may be based on?

Mike Egan,

Meath, Ireland

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 style. Please include a postal address, daytime telephone number and email address.

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Topics: Last Word

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