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This week’s new questions

When you wash a duvet cover, why does other washing end up inside it? Germs accumulate under our nails, but they rarely cause infections, so does a natural antibacterial protect the area?

When you wash a duvet cover, why does other washing end up in it?

John Baruch, Bradford, West Yorkshire, UK

Germs must accumulate under our nails, but they rarely cause infections. Does a natural antibacterial protect the area?

Lyn Williams, Neath, West Glamorgan, UK

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

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