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This week’s new questions

If the speed of light were half its actual value, would the universe have developed very differently? Andrew Summer, East Coker, Somerset, UK

If the speed of light were half its actual value, would the universe have developed very differently?

Andrew Summer
,
East Coker, Somerset, UK

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Is it really true that all fingerprints are unique? And do we know how many potential different patterns there are?

Karen Warren,
via email

Last Word is New Scientist’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

To answer this question – or ask a new one – email lastword@newscientist.com.

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