ÒÁÈ˾þÃ

Last word

New ÒÁÈ˾þÃ'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

High five from a cute scruffy dog with a big smile! Cream wall background, shallow depth of field. Clever dog, the Bailey lightbox

Last Word

Do left- and right-handedness exist in animals? part 3

Regulars

2WRG1EA close up of frozen green peas, top view of vegetable food, peas from freezer background

Last Word

What’s the optimal ratio of frozen peas to cold tap water? part 2

Regulars

Two scientists use a massive, illuminated periodic table of elements as they discuss the element holmium in the Lawrence Hall of Science at the University of California, Berkeley. (Photo by ?? Ted Streshinsky/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images)

Last Word

How many elements in the periodic table could we safely remove? part 2

Regulars

2NRWW3F London Colour Walk at Old Spitalfields Market, London, UK

Last Word

Why do people view colours as clashing or complementing each other?

Regulars

E7MK5Y Insectivorous plant Venus fly trap (Dionaea muscipula) digesting a captured mosquito. Plant house, Galveston, Texas, USA.

Last Word

This week’s new questions

Regulars

Issue no. 3595 published 16 May 2026

New ÒÁÈ˾þà issue 3595 cover
Piano Exit Overlay Banner Mobile Piano Exit Overlay Banner Desktop