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Last word

¿ìè¶ÌÊÓƵ'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

G????mar, Canary Islands, Spain - December 16, 2022: Statue of the Greek Titan Atlas holding the celestial sphere on his shoulders, a symbol of the burden of bearing the weight of the world.; Shutterstock ID 2268827595; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

Last Word

Does Earth’s mass remain constant, or is it slowly rising or falling?

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Illuminated globe from inside spinning, colourful earth globe ; Shutterstock ID 555407242; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

Last Word

Given Earth rotates, can I travel by waiting in midair? Part 3

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Man clicking his heels while mowing a lawn

Last Word

Does my petrol mower emit more carbon than the grass captures? Part 2

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The Garden spider is the UK's most common orb web spider and is abundant in gardens, grassland and woodland

Last Word

This week’s new questions

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Issue no. 3561 published 20 September 2025

New Scientist issue 3561 cover
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