Letters to the Editor
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19707
Scientists seek environments that are weightless, near-perfect vacuums in which to conduct experiments. If genuine cloaking were achieved, I would expect there would be a host of experiments that might be conducted in “perfect darkness”—environments free of various energy wavelengths. Bernard RiceHinsdale, Ill.
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19706
It seems more likely that a decline of total precipitation and humidity would be the direct cause of both temperature and fire incidence. It is fashionable to blame every weather problem on greenhouse gases and global warming, but in this case doing so may lead to false conclusions. Paul BadeMankato, Minn. Neither the study nor […]
- Humans
Letters from the July 8, 2006, issue of Science News
The grammar gene? While reading that starlings may be capable of discerning grammatical patterns (“Grammar’s for the Birds: Human-only language rule? Tell starlings,” SN: 4/29/06, p. 261), I recalled the FOXP2 gene. The gene seems to be involved in the development of areas of the brain involved in speech in humans. Variants of FOXP2 were […]
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19705
As a malacologist, I enjoyed this article. Although the holes look like what could be made with a stone tool, the Science paper acknowledged that a small percentage of naturally occurring holes look similar. Either the people deliberately selected shells with suitable holes or else they perforated them deliberately. Both options show effort at obtaining […]
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19704
When discussing how polarized light can help clarify our understanding of supernova mechanisms, this article initially quotes Doug Leonard’s explanation that “one does not see deeper into an object using polarimetry.” Later, the story says that “polarization studies viewed deeper and deeper layers of the explosion.” Which is it? Hal HeatonDamascus, Md. Polarization studies don’t […]
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19703
If the estrogenic properties of lavender oil and tea tree oil are actually sufficient to produce these effects in young boys, could they produce potentially more serious negative impacts on women with estrogen-positive breast cancer? I know that some oncologists recommend products containing tea tree oil to help relieve problems experienced by women undergoing chemotherapy. […]
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19702
The photo in this article looks to me more like a solar eclipse, complete with a clear-cut circular blackout in the center and flares. Mike PattersonGrand Rapids, Mich. The similarity is because astronomers used an occulting disk on the telescope to block the glare of the central star .—R. Cowen
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19701
This article makes two questionable assertions. First, Tyrannosaurus rex might well have had excellent binocular vision and been a predator, but still have had a handicap for the detection of motion as my cats do. Second, when Thomas R. Holtz Jr. states that binocular vision “almost certainly was a predatory adaptation,” that puts us binocular […]
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19700
If having biological older brothers correlates to homosexuality, as claimed in your article, then we would expect that in the past, when families were larger, there would be a greater proportion of homosexuals. Is there any evidence for this? Rick NorwoodMountain Home, Tenn. The article concludes with psychologist Daryl Bem inferring that male homosexuals are […]
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19699
Please check the picture in this article. The teeth shown are lower teeth. Theodore BlinderHavertown, Pa. The story and caption misidentified the teeth that had been filed down 4,300 years ago. They were the bottom-front teeth, shown at left in the photo. —B. Bower
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19698
Your article implies that there’s not an available cure for chronic fatigue syndrome. I was amazed to find no mention of vitamin B12. I can attest to the remarkable effect. Earl L. PyeOak Hills, Calif . Limited evidence suggests that vitamin B12 absorption may be impaired in some people with chronic fatigue syndrome. No published […]
- Humans
Letters from the July 1, 2006, issue of Science News
Looking into the future Your article states that farsightedness will be treated with these new electric lenses (“Switch-a-Vision: Electric spectacles could aid aging eyes,” SN: 4/22/06, p. 243). With some tweaking, could nearsightedness and astigmatism be treated as well? Could binoculars, telescopes, and microscopes use this technology? Roger CurnowGrand Rapids, Mich. Yes and yes, says […]
