Letters to the Editor
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19868
Osteocalcin may well be the answer to the startling, nearly three-times-stronger glucose control observed in downhill walkers, compared with people walking uphill (SN: 12/11/04, p. 380). The eccentric exertion of downhill walking could be stimulating more osteocalcin release from osteoblasts. Members of our burgeoning prediabetic civilization may be inspired to generate their own osteocalcin by […]
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19867
Based on the Environmental Protection Agency’s Web resources on radon, I find that the decreases in radon levels in the summer are unlikely to be caused by a lack of air currents from less temperature differential in houses. The EPA states that an open window can be effective in reducing radon levels. And when are […]
- Humans
Letters from the August 11, 2007, issue of Science News
Sum kids While testing was done on 5- or 6-year-old children (“Take a Number: Kids show math insights without instruction,” SN: 6/2/07, p. 341), it would be interesting to see if this intuitive skill persists after these students are exposed to standard mathematical instruction in the higher grades. I suspect that the answer will be […]
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19866
Conservation by America is not going to decrease global warming. We need to imitate known global-cooling events, such as the Krakatoa volcano explosion, which spread sunlight-reflecting dust into the stratosphere in 1883. A hydrogen bomb exploded inside a ship full of white clay could be a first step. Daniel ShanefieldHonolulu, Hawaii Recent research suggests that […]
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19865
It’s certainly true that “[T]he most important factor that correlates with success in college is what is done in high school math.” But is the headline true? How about, “More years of team basketball makes kids grow taller”? That’s a strong correlation, too. John M. FlaniganKaneohe, Hawaii While some self-selection certainly happens—the kids who take […]
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19864
A simpler explanation for orangutans walking upright like humans is that this feature evolved in a common ancestor that did not include African apes. In other words, orangutans, not chimpanzees, are our closest living relatives. This would make sense of all the similarities in sexuality, reproduction, physiology, anatomy, and behavior that are unique to humans […]
- Humans
Letters from the August 4, 2007, issue of Science News
Here comes the sun When “Reaching for Rays: Scientists work toward a solar-based energy system” (SN: 5/26/07, p. 328) says that “scientists don’t expect traditional silicon-based solar cells to become competitive with fossil fuels,” one has to ask, “Ever?” Can anyone accurately predict the future price of polysilicon or of fossil fuels? Peter A. KaczowkaLenox, […]
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19863
Oscar the cat possibly does identify dying patients, but this story presents anecdotal rather than scientific evidence and does not belong in a science magazine. Julie EnevoldsenSeattle, Wash. Correlation is not causation. Could it not be that, somehow, Oscar the cat is killing these patients? Jan SteinmanSalt Spring Island, British Columbia
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19862
People don’t need another reason to shun fat people. This group represents the last scapegoat for righteous discrimination in our image-obsessed society. There are myriad reasons a person becomes obese. Friendship is not one of them. Shawn DehneLittleton, Colo. As such studies progress, it will be interesting to learn if the opposite—weight loss—is also influenced […]
- Humans
Letters from the July 28, 2007, issue of Science News
Gyro Q & A Doesn’t “Spinning into Control” (SN: 05/19/07, p. 312) on flywheels leave out a significant aspect: the gyroscope effects of a rotating large mass? Wouldn’t it be a benefit for moving installations (stabilization) and a problem for immobile installations? Lee HukillPalo Alto, Calif. In the article, the flywheels depicted appear to have […]
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19861
I was surprised to find no mention in this article of the possibility that the decline in suicide attempts might be owed merely to the hope generated by beginning a treatment, rather than the treatment itself. I have known depression sufferers to be nearly euphoric after starting a new treatment. Karen AikenSan Francisco, Calif.
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19860
In this article the researchers postulate six reasons for the collapse of the bee colonies. The reason, in my opinion, is evident when considering the extensive use of insecticides throughout the world. Wally McMillanPalo Alto, Calif.
