Reasons to doubt that space-time remembers
Florian Neukart argues that a form of memory is “baked into” cells of space-time in such a way that is more or less permanent. This seems to imply that those cells are of the one-and-done variety. They can’t be reused and overwritten, per se. That also implies there is an unlimited supply of new, unused cells available everywhere, just waiting to soak up new information(21 June, p 32).
Neither of those concepts fits well with our current understanding of how reality works. Neukart also talks of a paradox concerning the destruction of information, but there is no paradox. If we ever show that information can be destroyed, it just means that the belief that it couldn’t was wrong!
Shocking difference in static electricity effects
I learned a lot from your article on static electricity, but not why my husband has always been more affected by it than me. For example, there used to be a department store called Schofields in Leeds, UK, that he avoided because touching the banisters on any of its staircases gave him a painful shock. I, on the other hand, never felt a thing(5 July, p 34).
Maybe this is why fasting diets work
In your look at the small intestine, you mention that overnight fasting causes the valve between its last section, the ileum, and the colon to close, leading to partially digested food being retained in the ileum. This results in a surge in microbial numbers and in the production of short-chain fatty acids, created by fermentation of fibre, that help shield the ileum’s relatively thin lining from penetration by bacteria, cutting the risk of inflammation(21 June, p 40).
I wonder if an extended version of this occurs in intermittent fasting, where food is consumed during a very restricted period each day. Could this possibly explain some of its health benefits?
Why some believe in the anthropic principle
You seem to have omitted the religious connotation usually associated with the “strong” anthropic principle. Those who believe in these things tend to assert that, as the universe was clearly designed to such an exquisite degree to permit life, it therefore follows that there must have been an omniscient designer(28 June, p 32).
Weebles would be just right for wobbly landing
I can’t see that self-righting shape being of use in re-orienting moon landers. It would work only on a smooth and level surface. A design reminiscent of Weebles (self-righting toys) would be better. A weighted sphere floating in oil in a hollow sphere would be better still(5 July, p 11).
Da Vinci's flying machine has already taken to the air
I was interested in your piece on Leonardo da Vinci’s “aerial screw” design for a helicopter. The story focused on theoretical modelling showing it could have flown with modern materials and motors. Readers might be interested to learn that in 2022, Austin Prete at the University of Maryland developed a quadcopter in which each rotor was based on da Vinci’s design. , fly in different directions and land(5 July, p 18).
Questions over AMOC geoengineering idea
The idea you report on to possibly reinforce the vital AMOC ocean current in the Atlantic raises a question: could this only be done using sailing ships or kites? The problem is that a standard ship’s propellers push it along by creating a stream of water in the opposite direction. Adding northwards momentum to AMOC by dragging parachutes through the water would seem to be countered by momentum added in the opposite direction from propellers(5 July, p 11).
More advice on tick bites and their aftermath (1)
It was great to see your article on ticks, as I live in a hotbed area. I can add some more advice on avoiding bites. Spray insect repellent on your outer clothing, especially on socks pulled up over your trousers. Remove all outer clothing after going for a walk and either leave it outside or put it in a hot dryer for 10 minutes 鈥� even better, follow that with a shower or swim. and your body for many hours before settling on a place to bite(21 June, p 36).
Also be aware that dogs are tick magnets. They may be vaccinated against Lyme disease where I live, but they bring ticks inside that bite people. We are counting the days until we have a vaccine for people.
More advice on tick bites and their aftermath (2)
Your story mentions that lone star ticks are spreading and are triggering allergies in people to red meat. Perhaps becoming allergic to animal-derived ingredients is a blessing. Many folks know they should go vegan, and itching and blotches can be powerful incentives. PETA published to help.
Lost ancient humans may hold a message for Mars
The fate of small, isolated bands of ancient Homo sapiens who died out during harsh conditions as they tried to establish a presence in Europe millennia ago reminded me of proposals for colonies on Mars. It seems any foothold there would need a continuous resupply of people, as well as essential supplies, to keep the population dynamic and viable(5 July, p 30).
Is the mystery of Yeti and Bigfoot solved?
So new research finds Denisovans had very impressive physiques(28 June, p 10). Isn’t this proof that sightings of abominable snowpeople and the like are, in fact, remnants of Denisovan communities living happy, untroubled lives away from so-called civilisation?
For the record
Lori Marino at New York University featured in our story on orca gifts (12 July, p 19).