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This week’s new questions

What is the difference between magnetic and electric fields, and can you make decaf tea with ordinary tea bags? Send your thoughts and observations to Almost the Last Word, all contributions appreciated

Homebrew decaf

I heard that if you discard the first brew made from a teabag, the next one will be decaffeinated. How true is this?

Cormac Byrne, London, UK

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Fields apart

Apart from their origin, what is the difference between a magnetic field and an electric one?

Des Whetter, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, UK

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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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You can also submit answers by post to: The Last Word, ¿ìè¶ÌÊÓÆµ, 25 Bedford Street, London WC2E 9ES.

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Topics: Last Word

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