Âé¶¹´«Ã½

This week’s new questions

There are good and bad bacteria, but are there any good viruses? And what would happen if all viruses suddenly disappeared? And should we be thinking about genetic modifications for the humans that we send to colonise Mars?

1 January 2025

2DAC6P0 Sculpture 'Medics to the World' honouring the health care workers battling Covid-19

Jelena Maximova/Alamy

There are good and bad bacteria, but are there any good viruses? And what would happen if all viruses disappeared?

Beth Morrell,

Raleigh, North Carolina, US

Spaceman walks on the red planet Mars. Space Mission. Astronaut travel in space; Shutterstock ID 532139260; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

Shutterstock/Alones

Should we be thinking about genetic modifications for the humans that we send to colonise Mars?

Fred Zemke,

Grover Beach, California, 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.

New…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox. We'll also keep you up to date with Âé¶¹´«Ã½ events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, today with our introductory offers

or

Existing subscribers

Sign in to your account
Piano Exit Overlay Banner Mobile Piano Exit Overlay Banner Desktop