Letters to the Editor

19034

Phthalates have been subject to significant regulatory scrutiny by governmental agencies. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data show exposure levels well within the safety levels established by federal regulators. Further, a growing body of evidence indicates that studies using rodents may not be relevant to humans. Marian K. StanleyAmerican Chemical CouncilArlington, Va.

19223

The July 8 story about “trilobite farming” states that “these trilobites would be the earliest creatures known to have forged a partnership with another species.” What about the fact that eukaryotes formed a partnership with other single-celled creatures that became mitochondria or chloroplasts? Now, if you mean that this was the first extracellular partnership, then […]

19222

I offer no defense of the sex offenders described in your article. They merited punishment. However, the article emphasizes the reliability of the children’s statements. Did the questioners see the evidence prior to the questioning? Any surveyor of public opinion or interviewer knows that the answers given are greatly influenced by the timing of questions, […]

19221

Your article reports that chemically synthesized erythropoiesis protein (SEP) was more effective than the genetically engineered molecule. Is there speculation on why that is? Ann DershowitzWest Orange, N.J. Chemically constructed SEP molecules are much more consistent in size, shape, and other properties than genetically engineered erythropoietin. The polymer appendages put onto the molecule protect SEP […]

19220

I am puzzled by Shuming Nie’s prognostication that quantum dots will “be the first example of nanotechnology that can really have some practical applications.” Colloidal gold particles of similar size to quantum dots have been used as high-resolution labels in electron microscopy for over 30 years. And due to their light-scattering properties, gold and silver […]

19216

Years of budgetary constraints and compromises have all but destroyed NASA’s ability to deliver on the grand visions of yesteryear. Sadly, I think that the best outcome of this tragedy would be to acknowledge that the shuttles are unsafe at any speed. Perhaps the national embarrassment is just what the U.S. government needs to get […]

19175

This article makes disturbing use of Neal Barnard as a spokesman warning against the high-protein weight-loss diet. Barnard represents Physicians Committee For Responsible Medicine (PCRM). What’s not to love about an outfit with a name like that? PCRM places op-ed pieces condemning animal products, and it advocates a vegan agenda. A more balanced response might […]

19215

I wish the testing described in this article had used airline pilots, policemen, and other people who are accustomed to operating their machines while carrying on a conversation. Cell phones are new, and perhaps all that is needed is time for drivers to train themselves in multitasking. Mike KuzaraWyarno, Wyo. Shortly after reading the article, […]

19174

I scuba dive, and I’ve noticed that when the current is brisk through some coral formations, small swirls behave exactly as dust devils. Would the researchers predict that any magnetic phenomena could be produced by silt in salt water? Lindsey Randal Potts San Antonio, Texas Probably not, says William M. Farrell of NASA. Any charges […]

19214

Your article refers to “the current theory that high intelligence arises from the coating of brain cells with especially large amounts of the fatty substance called myelin.” As a person with multiple sclerosis, anything about myelin interests me greatly, yet I have never heard of this. Marion Leeds Carroll Arlington, Mass. For more, see Daniele […]

19173

Erik Trinkaus argues that fossil evidence shows signs of considerable interbreeding of Neandertals and modern humans. However, I don’t believe that proves we could have Neandertal ancestors. Couldn’t crossbreeding result in sterile offspring, such as is seen in mules? Anne Wittke Flagstaff, Ariz. Sure. Trinkaus argues, however, that the presence of Neandertal traits on the […]

19162

I think that your readers should be aware that this article on beach erosion is based upon a report by the Heinz Center for Science that’s being widely disputed. Susan Halsey’s opinion that nothing can be done to stop these losses is in direct conflict with a National Research Council report, “Beach Nourishment and Protection,” […]