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What are the geographical boundaries of the pronunciation of “us” as “uz” in British English, and what is the history of it? And is the volume of gas at the top of a beer bottle the same for all beers, and how is it optimised?

5 February 2025

Signs for the bus stations; Shutterstock ID 110688266; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

ltummy/Shutterstock

What are the geographical boundaries of the pronunciation of “us” as “uz” in British English, and what is the history of it?

Danielle Jacobs,

Heemstede, The Netherlands

Mass Product of Beer Bottles, Rows of glass production alcohol on industrial conveyor belt, top view.; Shutterstock ID 2416496749; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

Parilov/Shutterstock

Is the volume of gas at the top of a beer bottle the same for all beers, and how is it optimised?

Stan Stancliffe,

Calgary, Canada

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…

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