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This week’s new questions

If sitting cross-legged is bad for you, why does it feel so comfortable? And what is the advantage to insect of their bites making us itch, when this triggers us to swat them?

Is sitting with crossed legs bad for you? If so, why does it feel so comfortable (until your leg goes numb)?

Michael Rowley, London, UK

What is the advantage to insects of their bites making us itch? Surely it just triggers us to swat them.

Dave Moore, Sydney, Australia

To answer this question – or ask a new one – email lastword@newscientist.com.

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