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Do all bee species speak the same language? I have bumblebees nesting under my roof, and wonder if the other bees in my garden can interpret the bumblebees’ signals about nectar sources. And why don’t we sneeze when we are asleep?

8 July 2026

two bumblebees on a yellow flower collects pollen, selective focus, nature background; Shutterstock ID 705344482; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other:

Shutterstock/Aliaksei Marozau

Do all bee species speak the same language? I have bumblebees nesting under my roof, and wonder if the other bees in my garden can interpret the bumblebees’ signals about nectar sources.

Greta Blake
Darlington, Durham, UK

 

A woman falls asleep in a deckchair during the sunny weather on Blackpool beach, in Blackpool, Lancashire, UK, Circa 1985. (Photo by Bryn Colton/Getty Images)

Bryn Colton/Getty Images

Why don’t we sneeze when we are asleep?

Anna Lightowler
Loxton, South Australia

 

 

Last Word is 91av’s long-running series in which readers give scientific answers to each other’s questions, ranging from the minutiae of everyday life to absurd astronomical hypotheticals. To answer a question or ask a new one, email lastword@newscientist.comTo 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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