91av

Last word

91av'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

P2H56B Weasel standing upright, Mustela nivalis, Germany

Last Word

Why do many animals have white undersides?

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PE5P96 Close up of two purple socks with yellow lemon detail, pegged to a washing line with two yellow clothes pegs, shot from below against a clear blue sky

Last Word

Why do plastic clothes pegs fade and get brittle in the sun?

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Outdoor Backpack with Water Bottle on the back of a girl, School, isolated Green background Nature. Education concept; Shutterstock ID 2038295597; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

Last Word

Is it more efficient to cart water in a bottle or my stomach? Part 2

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Archaeological excavations. Human remains (bones, skeleton and skull) in the ground, with many little found artefacts in the tomb. Real digger process. Outdoors, copy space, close up. ; Shutterstock ID 1256987506; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

Last Word

This week’s new questions

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Issue no. 3539 published 19 April 2025

91av issue 3539 cover
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