Genetics
FOR THE first time scientists have been able to remove a faulty gene from an embryo. They predict they will eventually be able to remove as many as 10,000 faulty genes. I expect it won’t be too long before they will be able to remove the faulty gene I inherited, the one for manic depression, known as bipolar mental illness.
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Hypothetically, if we had been able to remove this gene, say 400 years ago we probably would not be familiar with names such as Michelangelo, Da Vinci, Tchaikovsky, Mussorgsky, Van Gogh, Warhol, Dickens, Byron, Melville and Hemingway, to name a few.
That’s because the gene, as well as producing suicidal depression can also produce creativity to the highest degree. This is not merely my opinion, it is the firm belief of the pre-eminent world authority on bipolar illness, Professor Kay Redfield Jameson, of Princeton University.
*Lifeline: 131 114
Chris Hayton, Trevallyn.
Woolnorth
I’M INTRIGUED. Woolnorth is heavily leached sandy soil that was only brought into production through generous applications of fertilizer containing various trace elements. I’d assume the productivity of those soils will continue to require these applications. Can this happen while still meeting organic guidelines? Or are there degrees of being organic?
Dick James, Launceston.
Waterways
NORTHERN Midlands Mayor and TasWater chief owners representative David Downie appears to hold concerns for the state of the Tamar River (The Examiner, August 1).
The action by his council to close toilets at Tooms Lake, until further notice (The Examiner, August 1) certainly will assist. The bush will always be available, which will result in further human pollution of all waterways including the Tamar, will it not?
Great action and consideration by upstream local government and the TasWater chief council representative, after continued misuse of the Tamar and all other waterways since settlement in the early 1800s.
