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This week’s new questions

How was rhubarb discovered to be edible when it isn’t palatable raw? Why do flames go out when blown?

15 February 2023

Farmer harvesting organic rhubarb from her kitchen garden. Rhubarb can be harvested many times through the year. Photographed at an ???off grid??? home on the island of Moen in Denmark. Colour, horizontal format with some copy space.

ClarkandCompany/Getty Images

How was rhubarb found to be edible? It certainly isn’t palatable raw.

Donald Windsor,

Norwich, New York, US

Happy little kid boy celebrating his birthday and blowing candles on homemade baked cake, indoor. Birthday party for children. Carefree childhood, anniversary, happiness. Five years old; Shutterstock ID 568106428; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

Shutterstock/Irina Wilhauk

Flames go out when their oxygen supply is cut off, so what is happening when you blow a candle out?

Pauline Fothergill,

Pocklington, East Yorkshire, UK

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

Questions should be scientific enquiries about everyday phenomena, and both questions and answers should be concise. We reserve the right to edit items for clarity and style. Please include a postal address, daytime telephone number and email address.

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