
Last Word
Why do we speak to babies and pets in cute, silly voices?
Regulars
New ¾«¶«´«Ã½'s popular Last Word series gives readers the opportunity to answer each other's questions about everyday science phenomena, from the shape of scones to the evolutionary history of toenails. To answer a question or ask a new one, email lastword@newscientist.com
Issue no. 3562 published 27 September 2025