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This week’s new questions

Presumably music is an essential part of human evolution or it wouldn’t be there, but why? And some worms regenerate when cut in half laterally, but what would happen if they were cut in half longitudinally?

16 October 2024

Group of Asian friends having fun enjoying beach camping in summer

Twenty47studio/Getty Images

Presumably music is an essential part of human evolution or it wouldn’t be there, but why?

John Grant,

Caloundra, Queensland, Australia

Many living earthworms for fishing in the soil, background; Shutterstock ID 1932989285; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

Shutterstock/Bukhta Yurii

Some worms regenerate when cut in half laterally, but what would happen if they were cut in half longitudinally?

Keith Marshall,

London, 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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