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

Ripples in the pond; Shutterstock ID 356810405; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

Last Word

What would happen if water had no meniscus or surface tension?

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I want to warm up fast, should I put on my trousers or my top first?

Last Word

I want to warm up fast, should I put on my trousers or my top first?

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Exposures of clocks, watches, Time-Pieces of various kinds and periods. Photograph ?? Santosh Verma

Last Word

Why are there 60 seconds in a minute and 60 minutes in an hour? part 2

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BCM7JY Rainbow above rolling farmland on the edges of Dartmoor National Park Devon England Spring April 2009. Image shot 2009. Exact date unknown.

Last Word

This week’s new questions

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Issue no. 3563 published 4 October 2025

91av issue 3563 cover
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