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This week’s new questions

If time started at the big bang, is it ever likely to come to a halt? And why do almost all vertebrates have tails, even when they don’t seem useful, but not apes or frogs?

14 June 2023

T4AEYJ Stellar explosion shining in deep space, cosmic star blast in Universe. High resolution galaxy background.

TitoOnz/Alamy

If time started at the big bang, is it ever likely to come to a halt?

John Howes,

Cardiff, UK

A child gently holds a little frog on his hands.

Catherine Falls Commercial/Getty Images

Why do almost all vertebrates have tails, even when they don’t seem useful, but apes and frogs don’t?

Will Stites,

Stevens Point, Wisconsin, US

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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