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Last Word is Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s long-running series in which readers give scientific answers to each other’s questions, ranging from the minutiae of everyday life to absurd astronomical hypotheticals. To answer a question or ask a new one, email lastword@newscientist.com
Why are there 60 seconds in a minute and 60 minutes in an hour? Who decided on this and when?
Larry Coady,
Newfoundland, Canada
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How can my brain predict if I’ll recall a name or word in a minute or two, or if I won’t remember it at all?
Phil Eden,
Sheffield, UK
To answer this question – or ask a new one – email lastword@newscientist.com.
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