Simplistic views

With reference to Trashed thesis (January 17) sophisticated brain imaging tools have undoubtedly revolutionised neurology and psychology, but they have also led to a flurry of simplistic findings. Although these ultramodern toys help scientists get an inkling of what goes on inside our brain it?s just a partial vision. Just like those blind men in folklore who proposed superficial ideas of a strange beast after having encountered an elephant, these scientists offer us a reductionist view of the brain.

Sekhar Basu Mallik
Calcutta-42

Double jeopardy

I fully agree with Married to PC (January 17) which says that the Internet is making people unsocial. Young people like me waste too much time surfing, mailing or chatting on the Net. Some of us also get lured to the world of cybersex via hundreds of pornographic portals. Which is why I think that every technological innovation is like a double-edged sword; if you wield it judiciously, it helps you defend yourself from enemies. On the other hand, it can also be used for suicides.

Kathakali Das Bhaumik
Naktala

Cheats at large

T his has reference to Cryptic codes to cheat the buyer (January 17) in which the author has tried to make consumers aware of food safety. Although modernisation has helped introduce several steps to check cheating, manufacturers always find ways to deceive. But consumers, too, are naive enough to allow themselves to be cheated.

Ashutosh Kumar Pandey
Morigaon, Assam

Tension control

The idea of The no-diet diet (January 17) is nothing so great. Moderation and simplicity can help anyone formulate such a personalised diet. The key to a healthy lifestyle is being able to control anxiety.

Harishchandra Jha
Howrah-2