Letters to the Editor
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19426
Since the hypoxia described in this article isn’t caused directly by the fertilizer, but by the subsequent algae blooms, then perhaps an effective solution is to combat the algae. It might even be profitable to harvest the algae. If the fishing industry is capable of depleting the seas of species that we want there, then […]
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19425
The Japanese researchers who dubbed a pachyderm secretion to be “hipposudoric acid” seem to know more about biochemistry than about etymology. The word hippopotamus is a synthesis of Latin hippo (horse) and potamus (river), apparently because of the resemblance of the face of a submerged hippopotamus to the head of a horse. Hipposudoric implies a […]
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19424
This article seems to use “aspirin” and “acetaminophen” interchangeably. Aspirin is acetyl salicylic acid, not acetaminophen (better known as Tylenol). Tom WarmMustang, Okla.
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19423
I don’t want to downplay genuine discovery, but your story about optically reading old records left me a little underwhelmed. The optical playing of records has been available in the commercial market for several years. Just do an Internet search for “laser turntables.” Jerry BoehmSchenectady, N.Y. This is not an especially new invention. A commercial […]
- Humans
Letters from the May 29, 2004, issue of Science News
Judging by science “Forensics on Trial” (SN: 3/27/04, p. 202: Forensics on Trial) was an eye-opener. Our courts may be accepting many analytical techniques that haven’t been adequately validated. We should be careful, especially where the death penalty is involved, not to be guilty of hubris in the application of scientific knowledge. Bob SauerPrinceton, Mass. […]
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19422
I felt that this article treated the customs and people of Samoa with disrespect and patronized their cultural ways. Robert OliverTucson, Ariz. I must commend you on the article. Its combination of sensitivity and science reminds me of why I studied science in the first place (too long ago). Tom JenkinsSan Francisco, Calif.
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19421
Your article failed to include in the list of oldest dogs the Shiba Inu. This is the most popular dog in Japan today, and many of its qualities make it a much better pet than the other dogs listed in your “oldest breeds” category. Deborah Katz HuntMadison, Wis. The genetic analysis included the Shiba Inu, […]
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19420
It seems to me that the stronger the social pressure against using marijuana in a culture, the more likely it will be that those who use it will be troubled, antisocial, or unusually independent. Hence, any increase in the incidence of mental problems after using marijuana could be attributed to an increased likelihood that those […]
- Humans
Letters from the May 22, 2004, issue of Science News
Further options “Surgical Option: Hysterectomy may top drugs for women with heavy bleeding” (SN: 3/27/04, p. 196: Surgical Option: Hysterectomy may top drugs for women with heavy bleeding) doesn’t mention that 13 to 20 percent of women with heavy menstrual periods have a common but often undiagnosed bleeding disorder called von Willebrand disease. Because this […]
- Humans
Letters from the May 15, 2004, issue of Science News
Drug benefits There are added benefits to methotrexate and etanercept for rheumatoid arthritis patients, such as myself (“Two arthritis drugs work best in tandem,” SN: 3/13/04, p. 174: Two arthritis drugs work best in tandem). After a recent major flare-up, my rheumatologist put me on that therapy. Many people don’t realize that along with inflammation […]
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19419
This article on the spread of Bt pollen ended with the question, “Is this a big deal or a small effect?” The fact that this phenomenon has gone missing from bioengineering papers for 20 years makes one wonder what else hasn’t appeared. Bioengineers saying “we know what we’re doing” should now be humbled. The article […]
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19418
I can pretty easily tell what was going through the kiddo’s mind while trying “in vain to scoot down a miniature slide.” 1. “Slides are fun. Why not pretend to slide on a toy slide to get the feeling you get from the real one?” 2. “Wow, I’m big now. I’ll prove it.” So, perhaps […]
