Letters to the Editor
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19503
The model for the emergence of a population of “cheaters” out of a population of “cooperators” described in this article gives a fresh viewpoint on existing ecosystems—and much more. Might the evolution of asymmetric modern sex from symmetric DNA exchange (like that practiced by paramecia) have been one special case of this emergence? If so, […]
- Humans
Letters from the January 15, 2005, issue of Science News
Maybe a smoky card game I’m a veterinarian, and, here in west Texas, we see a high occurrence of parvovirus infection in young dogs. It destroys the intestinal villi, allowing gastrointestinal bacteria and their toxins to enter the bloodstream (“Nicotine’s Good Side: Substance curbs sepsis in mice,” SN: 11/6/04, p. 291). I would be very […]
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19502
As an occasional betel nut chewer, I note that this report doesn’t touch on possible positive aspects of the habit. Chewing sapari (coarsely powdered, sweetened, and clove-flavored areca nut) at the end of a meal leads to a sense of satisfaction and well-being, induces salivation, and freshens the mouth. Areca nut also contains lots of […]
- Humans
Letters from the January 8, 2005, issue of Science News
Below the surface I would suggest that the Italian hydrologists cited in “Fighting Water with Water: To lift the city, pump the sea beneath Venice” (SN: 10/30/04, p. 277: Fighting Water with Water: To lift the city, pump the sea beneath Venice) consider the law of unintended consequences. Similar actions begun in 1978 at an […]
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19501
It should be noted that DDT was a poor example to use as an enantiomeric insecticide in this article, since that chemical doesn’t have an asymmetric carbon and therefore can’t exist in “mirror forms.” Gordon W. GribbleHanover, N.H. DDT is a mixture of three forms of the chemical, one of which has enantiomers—not due to […]
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19500
In light of the findings reported in this article, it seems obvious that there’s a need for anthropologists to revisit the records of local “legends” as they study human development in any area. Doesn’t it seem absurd that anyone studying human history would discard actual reports from humans about their own history? Elizabeth BolltPotsdam, N.Y.
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19499
Your article has a graphic that appears to show an area that lifted by up to 5 meters and a vaguely equal area that was depressed by up to 2 m. This suggests an average increase in the distance of mass from the center of Earth. Yet a researcher claims that Earth’s rotation time has […]
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19498
I wonder if the upsurge in alien, invasive species in real estate boom areas is, at least in part, because of careless gardening. Many people introduce non-native plants into their landscape without regard to the potential for domination of these pretty plants over native species. Carol SenskeGreen Lane, Pa.
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19497
I envision a beautifully colorful potato salad utilizing multiple colors of potatoes. But would a cooked mixture be like carrots with potatoes (minimal bleed) or like beets with anything else (maximum bleed)? Lorraine BauderSudbury, Mass. The red and blue pigments in the new potato lines are “water soluble and will leach,” notes USDA’s Charles R. […]
- Humans
Letters from the January 1, 2005, issue of Science News
Just the facts My response as an educator to much of the outrageous science depicted in so many of the recent blockbuster hits is very different from that of many of the scientists quoted (“What’s Wrong with This Picture?” SN: 10/16/04, p. 250: What’s Wrong with This Picture?). The films provide a wonderful source of […]
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19496
This article mentions “ferricyanide, an electron-hungry molecule.” This puzzled me no end. Aren’t ferricyanide molecules, unlike their ions, electrically neutral? I’m trying to visualize ravenous molecules gobbling up innocent electrons. Ernest NussbaumBethesda, Md. Ferricyanide is indeed an ion, with a negative charge of –3. It’s electron hungry because, counterintuitively, it draws an electron from the […]
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19495
Your article reports that between 1973 and 1999, “the total area covered by almost 940 Swiss glaciers fell by 18 percent, an average rate of 1.3 percent per year.” An 18 percent loss over 26 years represents an annual rate of less than 0.8 percent. An annual loss of 1.3 percent would mean a total […]
