Catherine Falls Commercial/Getty Images
Why do we only use 12 notes in Western music?
John Grant,
Caloundra, Queensland, Australia
Naeblys/Alamy
All life on earth is based on DNA. If we ever find life on other worlds, are there viable alternatives for coding for life that it may be based on?
Mike Egan,
Meath, Ireland
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.…
