Letters to the Editor
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19787
The theory of “nuclear winter” was originally put forward by an Eastern European mathematician in the 1980s. Some months later, it was shown that an error in his original calculations so vastly exaggerated “nuclear winter” as to make it meaningless. Still, the dramatic concept of a “nuclear winter” obviously lives on in the public’s mind […]
- Humans
Letters from the February 3, 2007, issue of Science News
All together now It is not only the scientific literature that documents the unexpected “doughnut” pattern in swarms (“The Mind of the Swarm,” SN: 11/25/06, p. 347). Italo Calvino’s fictional Mr. Palomar observed (rather more lyrically) about the flocking of Roman starlings, “Finally a form emerges from the confused flutter of wings, advances, condenses: it […]
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19786
I went most of my adult life multiple sclerosis-free, with only an occasional symptom. Then in 1981, I quit cold turkey after 35 years of smoking and never went back to it. Shortly after I quit, my MS started full blown. Is it possible that smoking kept the MS in remission all those years? I […]
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19785
Not only is the finding that nanotubes “remained in particular in the liver and spleen” of concern, but there is no indication made or concern expressed over what happens after excretion. What biological activity do these structures have in the open environment, and for how long? Can they become airborne? Do they get removed in […]
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19784
So we shouldn’t cook food in easily cleanable pots because we might release a little bit of maybe-not-even-toxic chemicals into the food? Because a common chemical found worldwide is merely suspected of being linked to worldwide rates of exposure? Why are our U.S. companies being forced to abandon a proven, helpful chemical? Robert CookKennesaw, Ga.
- Humans
Letters from the January 27, 2007, issue of Science News
Circumcision circumspection Concerning “More Evidence of Protection: Circumcision reduces STD risk in men” (SN: 11/18/06, p. 325), I have yet to read a single study regarding the alleged benefits of circumcision that acknowledges that the foreskin is erogenous tissue. Removal of erogenous tissue from a female would be considered barbaric, even if it did offer […]
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19783
Although “almost half” of the individuals came to agree that coerced eating-disorders treatment was justified, I find it irresponsible that the study seemingly ignored the identification of potentially long-lasting negative effects on more than half of coerced clients. Those people may come away with less hope that such treatment can ever be of help to […]
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19782
This article took a wrong turn into Hormesis Swamp. The hormesis thesis has been thoroughly discredited by all major radiation organizations and professional societies, and its past conferences have been sponsored by tobacco companies and the U.S. Air Force. Lynn Howard EhrlePlymouth, Mich.
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19781
Regarding this article, there are also suspected connections between high-impedance commuting and blood pressure, commuting and unhealthy exposure to air pollution, and commuting and back problems and anxiety. Combined with the effects of auto emissions on global warming, one would think that national debates on sprawl and mass transit are long overdue. Julia JorgensenHouston, Texas […]
- Humans
Letters from the January 20, 2007, issue of Science News
Sea tales In “Dashing Rogues” (SN: 11/18/06, p. 328) on rogue waves, you make no mention of the use of satellite data, which is ideal for this sort of study. Two projects, in particular, are of great relevance: the European Union’s MaxWave study and the subsequent WaveAtlas project. The former, with just 3 weeks’ data, […]
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19780
Would it be feasible for the government to require both folate and vitamin B12 in grain products? Nancy PowerAltadena, Calif. Researchers say that such double fortification is theoretically possible. However, vitamin B12 is more expensive than folate, and it turns flour pink. —B. Harder
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19779
Do cows and other domestic-herd animals really emit more methane than bison and other wild-herd animals emitted before people came along? Do grass, alfalfa, and other pasture plants remove less carbon dioxide than do forests? There were open grasslands before pastures replaced some forests. I hope the people who are researching these things take such […]
