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This week’s new questions: Loose screws and brain overload

Why is it that loose screws always loosen further and never the other way round? And is it theoretically possible for our memory to become full to the point where it can no longer record information?

Loosen bolt in daylight close up.; Shutterstock ID 1195047430; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

Why do loose screws only get looser and not the other way round, even if there seems to be no resistance to the latter?

Bob Falconer,

Winchester, Hampshire, UK

KE1WMA Young business man thinking hard how to manage difficult new project isolated on gray wall background. Life work balance concept.

Is it theoretically possible for our memory to become full to the point where it can no longer record information?

Ben Walsh,

London, UK

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

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Topics: Last Word

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