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This week’s new questions

Why does the cold make your fingers fumble, and if you have something bad to say, should you start with a compliment? Send us your thoughts
fingers
Why do cold temperatures stop our fingers from working effectively?
Libby Welch/Alamy Stock Photo

Fumbling fingers

Given that the muscles that work our fingers are in our forearms, why do we fumble when we have cold, bare hands, but warm, clothed arms?

Adrian Bowyer, Foxham, Wiltshire, UK

Room for improvement

When giving negative feedback, is it better to start with the admonition and end with a compliment, or vice versa?

Trudy Rancessa, Evelith, Shropshire, UK

To answer these questions – 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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