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This week’s new questions

When driving in summer, to cool my car, is it a more efficient use of energy to use air conditioning or to open the windows (causing extra drag)? And can ultrasound damage our ears, even though we can’t hear it?

26 July 2023

Four cheerful female friends having fun on summer road trip

Bojanstory/Getty Images

Driving in summer, I can cool my car by using air conditioning or opening the windows. One drains the battery, the other makes the car less aerodynamic. Which is more efficient?

Penny Jackson,

Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, UK

Ultrasound scanner in the hands of a doctor. Diagnostics. Sonography.; Shutterstock ID 340198457; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

Roman Zaiets/Shutterstock

Humans can’t hear ultrasound, but can it damage our hearing?

Peter White,

Cardiff, 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…

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