Letters.

Chickens plucked?

I was surprised to read about the extensive research in Puerto Rico that has found a link between phthalates in plastics and premature breast development in young girls ("Girls may face risks from phthalates," SN: 9/9/00, p. 165). I was under the impression that a completely different culprit, growth hormones in chickens, was established many years ago. The article indicates that the San Juan researchers even considered pesticides as a possible source of the phthalates that "mimic estrogen." But no mention was made of the widespread use of growth hormones by Puerto Rican chicken farmers to increase productivity of this popular food. Has the Puerto Rican chicken industry been cleared, or are they paying for this study?

Eugene Phillip Great Falls, Va.

The researchers note that a decade ago or more, growth hormones were initially suspected. However, a link could not be established. Consumption of chicken raised on such hormones was no higher in families with girls experiencing premature thelarche than in those where girls developed normally. The Environmental Protection Agency paid for the new study.

--J. Raloff

Some assembly required

I have a real problem with the way that the so-called robot-designed robot is described ("Robots making robots, with some help," SN: 9/16/00, p. 189). I used to do large-scale manufacturing automation, and I consider what is being done a parlor trick. There are only two things that could be called "robotic" in the system: The computer-aided manufacturing machinery that built the parts (conveniently ignored, for the most part) and the final product, which required some hand assembly. It's hype.

Brian Hanley Grenbrae, Calif.

Take a pass

Picture this: The year is 2700. A report is made of an "excavation of an 850-year-old site where butchered human skeletons have yielded evidence of cannibalism." Corprolite discovered at the site contained "the chemical residue of human flesh." A group of nomadic cannibals had briefly occupied an area known as Donner Pass. Perhaps prehistoric Anasazi fell into some unspeakable hardship. The article "Ancient site holds cannibalism clues" (SN: 9/9/00, p. 164) states that "the homes were suddenly abandoned."

Frank Noell Springville, Calif.

Male anxiety, too

In response to "Traumas trip up inner-city girls" ($N: 9/9/00, p. 168), I suggest that at least some inner-city boys are tripped up by violence around them as much as are the girls discussed in the article. Even though women experience shame about mental illness or intense emotional disturbance, it's socially OK to be a woman and have an anxiety illness. It's still largely not OK to be a man and have emotional problems or an anxiety illness, unless it's due to war or some other understandable male trauma. This is still very apparent in the work environment, in our rehabilitation institutions, and across society in general. In my personal experiences, a guy is expected to tough it out, no matter what.

C. Jewel Cochiti Lake, N.M.