
Last Word
Why can squirrels run straight down trees? And could my cat do it too?
Regulars
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
Issue no. 3557 published 23 August 2025