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This week’s new questions

Why didn’t our offspring evolve to let parents get more rest, and why don’t worms damage plants? Send us your thoughts and we will publish our favourites

Why didn’t we evolve to let parents get more sleep? Wouldn’t offspring with well-rested parents be more likely to survive? Isabelle Chaize, London, UK

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Worms stir up soil. Why don’t they harm plant roots? Mike Griffiths, Croydon, Surrey, 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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Topics: Last Word

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