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Last word

New Å®ÉúСÊÓƵ'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 Å®ÉúСÊÓƵ issue 3561 cover
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