Letters to the editors for the June 2024 issue of Scientific American
BEAR IN MIND "A Grizzly Question," by Benjamin Cassidy, reports on plans to reintroduce grizzly bears to the North Cascades and on concerns people have raised about their communities' safety. The situations presented in the article are common to many reintroduction activities. One part of this is fear of change. Another might be shortsighted self-concern. The reaction is understandable but questionable. I've watched many people going into the Yellowstone backcountry, and the common theme has been trepidation. The environment creates an uncomfortable awareness that one, as a person, is not top dog. To have close encounters with formidable creatures is a serious education in one's position in the wilderness—a lesson that most people cannot abide. This was a factor in the near extinction of grizzlies in the lower 48 states and is a factor in human resistance to their presence. On supporting science journalism If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today. DIRK WINDOLF VIA E-MAIL RNA WORLD "The New Code of Life," by Philip Ball, describes some of the types and functions of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) found in human cells and notes that "ncRNAS seem to point to a fuzzier, more collective, logic to life." One possible connection was not mentioned, however: the "RNA world" hypothesis. Under this concept, an early proto-life-form used RNA both for its enzymatic activities and as its genetic material. Even after evolution replaced this diverse use of RNAs with the specialist molecules of DNA and proteins, RNAs might still retain many functions as a remnant of their earlier roles. So the many ncRNAs that carry out diverse functions could reflect some aspect of an earlier RNA world. SCOTT T. MEISSNER VIA E-MAIL HISTORICAL ELEMENTS "Superheavies," Stephanie Pappas's article…