Letters archive

I appreciated your overview of the current frontiers in quantum theory ( 28 August, p 34 ). One recurrent problem seems to be the lack of success in harmonising the classical, dichotomous logic of the macro world with the unusual logic that seems to "run" the quantum realm. In fact, different varieties of logic have …

When it comes to actively sucking carbon out of the atmosphere, the genetic modification of crops and trees may be a key technology ( 21 August, p 41 ). Any such change to crops ought to aim to increase yield and resistance to disease and insects, as well as improve adaptation to a changing climate. …

In his review of the book Atlas of Forecasts , Simon Ings rightly questions the value of increasingly complex mathematical models that shape public policy, and hence our lives, but that only experts can understand ( 21 August, p 32 ). Worse still, those outside the teams that build and run these models have limited …

Talk of solar panels in space is one of those ideas that won't die, but should ( 28 August, p 17 ). The only reason to use a space-based system is to ensure uninterrupted supply. It would be far cheaper and much less dangerous to instead invest in terrestrial solar with energy storage that could …

If we are to beam down 2 gigawatts of power from solar panels in space, I propose that the receiver for this high-energy beam is put next to the house of the person who approves the systems that keep it pointing at the right spot.

Your special issue on quantum frontiers alludes to the question of whether an observer is necessary for a wave function to collapse ( 28 August, p 34 ). Some people think this implies a conscious, human observer. However, this leads inevitably to the paradoxical conclusion that if it were true, we couldn't exist. Almost all …

Based on direct (personal and observational) experience, I have to question the idea that spite has any upside ( 4 September, p 40 ). If acting with spite pays off in competition, then you end up with more spiteful people in power. Since acting out of spite helped them get ahead, many may continue to …

Jeff Hecht notes the visual problems that self-driving cars have with identifying missing lane indicators, obscured road signs and so on ( 31 July, p 45 ). But there is another important set of warnings that isn't mentioned: audible signals like train whistles and sirens. These give clues about potential conflicts that a visually oriented …

With great pleasure, I can report to being at one with Richard Webb's piece, "At one with nature". Unlike Webb, however, and to the ongoing dismay of my family, I still don't possess a smartphone (or any portable communications device) ( 28 August, p 44 ). This is despite strenuous efforts on their part to …

Clare Wilson asked at the start of the vegetable gardening season if chitting seed potatoes made any difference to the crop ( 2 January, p 51 ). My results – two bags of each – are in. Chitted bags: 20 and 12 potatoes. Not chitted: 10 and 21. While not reaching statistical significance, if other …