From Beth Haigh
I was surprised, and a little disappointed, to see no reference to the Futurama episode “A Big Piece of Garbage” (series 1, episode 8) in the article about the Nasal Ranger (12 February, p 21). I would have thought that at least one person on the team behind New Scientist would be a big enough science-fiction fan to make this connection, as the Nasal Ranger is basically a portable Smelloscope – albeit with a slightly altered function. Professor Hubert J. Farnsworth should be given due credit for his invention.
A technology editor writes:
• I’ve always had a soft spot in my heart for Bender, but sadly never saw the Smelloscope episode. I have failed as a nerd.
Cheddleton, Staffordshire, UK
