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This week’s new questions

Do all languages have the equivalent of “please” and “thank you”? And how would human civilisation differ if the sun, moon, stars and planets were always obscured?

14 May 2025

2CCYRY3 Please Do Not Feed The Horses

Steve Kydd/Alamy

Do all languages have the equivalent of “please” and “thank you”? Why are these words so important to us?

Adrian Moore

Maidenhead, Berkshire, UK

CXE9HA ALBERTA, CANADA - Clouds at sunset near Banff.

Rob Crandall/Alamy

How would human civilisation differ if the sun, moon, stars and planets were always obscured by clouds?

Simon Rockett

Debenham, Suffolk, 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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