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This week’s new questions

Why is it that people who snore loudly easily wake others, but rarely themselves? And if human brains could be made larger, how much smarter could we become? And is there a practical limit to brain size?

2 October 2024

Handsome young man sleeping in the bed at night in his bedroom. Snoring and having breathing problems.

Urbazon/Getty Images

Why is it that people who snore loudly easily wake others, but rarely themselves?

Ben Walsh,

London, UK

Network of mesh lines forming brains of different sizes in dark background with red and yellow glowing particles. 3D illustration of the concept of artificial intelligence, ideas and creativity; Shutterstock ID 2417477169; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

Dragon Claws/Shutterstock

If human brains could be made larger, how much smarter could we become? And is there a practical limit to brain size?

Ray Carnally,

Christchurch, Dorset, 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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