Letters archive

If lockdowns are indeed partially effective in reducing transmission of the coronavirus, as they seem to be, might an unexpected consequence be to selectively support mutant variants with enhanced transmissibility? ( 9 January, p 8 )

Let's not repeat the mistake of potentially creating conditions for the emergence of new variants of the virus as we roll out vaccines. In particular, let's avoid the well-meaning idea of delivering the second dose of vaccine much later than specified, in order to provide twice as many people with a single dose. I see …

The discussion about the medical pros and cons of the low-carb "keto" diet completely ignored the social and environmental aspects of diet ( 9 January, p 32 ). In affluent societies, most people have more choice over what they eat, though this may change as the disastrous environmental consequences of large-scale meat and dairy production …

Your article on the UK's proposed fusion power plant, STEP, gives the impression that once the conditions to enable fusion of deuterium and tritium are met, then a working electricity-generating reactor will quickly follow ( 12 December 2020, p 18 ). However, there are many other challenges. These include the massive problem of dealing with …

Your excellent leader refers to the roll-out of effective coronavirus vaccines as "a stunning tribute to human wisdom" ( Leader, 16 January ). A remarkable achievement it may be, but if humanity possessed even the rudiments of wisdom, it would already be eradicating the dangerous practices in intensive livestock production and wilderness destruction that are …

In your look at whether the UK will hit its vaccine target, you mention reports that Israel gets six doses from each vial of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, whereas in the UK we only get five ( 16 January, p 10 ). Having started as a vaccinator, I can assure you that in the online training …

I have enjoyed your coverage of universal basic income (UBI) and its observed benefits on health and happiness ( 19 December 2020, p 25 ). But I would like to see an analysis of whether its adoption could lead to inflation. It is my understanding that in market-driven economies, supply and demand will govern prices, …

Regarding the idea of encouraging the use of public transport by making it free, the best option for the environment would be to reduce the need to travel at all ( 9 January, p 19 ). The pandemic has shown us that commuting is often unnecessary.

Further to your article on the mixed evidence of the health benefits of low-carb diets, I have yet to see a creditable argument against cutting out processed sugar, limiting carbohydrates and consuming them only with proteins to avoid blood sugar spikes, and limiting or removing animal fats ( 9 January, p 32 ). The resulting …

There is a much cheaper solution than a road tunnel to avoid traffic on the road beside Stonehenge ( 9 January, p 16 ). Just build a fence to act as a sight screen at the edge of the road, and perhaps plant a hedge alongside it to take over the job when it grows …