Genetic modifications

I am the first to admit that genetically modified foodstuffs have not been sufficiently tested before being released into the market. I also agree that these foods should at a minimum be labelled as being genetically modified. Any commercial argument to the contrary seems more likely based on greed rather than on scientific rigour.

 Still, I find the term "alien genes" used by Dr. Irwin Bross in last week's correspondence to be equally troubling ["Biotechnology is indigestible," Jan. 27]. No public debate over scientific issues can be had if the public remains uninformed or misinformed about the science involved. Dr. Bross, for example, discussed the case of Jesse Gelsinger. Mr. Gelsinger's tragic death was due to his participation in a gene-therapy trial, but was not due to the gene which was being delivered to correct his condition (a disorder of protein metabolism). In fact, the gene delivered was the human gene for the enzyme he lacked (ornithine transcarbamylase) and not a foreign gene at all.

 What caused his death was an immune response against the vector being used to deliver the corrective gene to his liver. The researchers used a crippled (i.e. unable to replicate) virus to carry the gene to Gelsinger's liver. This virus, however, is known to cause immune responses in humans and the dose given to Gelsinger was too high. Indeed, errors were made by the team conducting the research, which have been widely reported, and efforts continue to develop safer vectors for gene therapy.

 The debate over these issues should be a public one and people should be concerned about the uses to which science and technology are put. It remains one of our responsibilities as scientists and as members of our own communities to help people understand the science, what it can and can't do, what it should and shouldn't do, and how to make informed decisions about these issues.

--Terry Hebert, Montreal Heart Institute

Deconstructing bridges

Your discussion of the Jacques-Cartier Bridge ["Bridge beauty," Jan. 27] left me craving real answers to the question posed: why does this familiar superstructure look the way it does?

 Truss structures, like the Victoria Bridge, are box-like. Suspension bridges, which are very light, are built over much longer spans. Why does the Jacques-Cartier have a suspension-bridge profile but heavier, rigid truss construction? I have always had a suspicion that this was due to our climate, either extremes of temperature or heavy snowfall. Is the concrete deck heavier for these reasons? Was a real suspension structure rejected because of wind conditions? Suspension technology was available at the time (the Brooklyn bridge is much earlier). Was local industry able to provide a rigid-frame structure at a better price?

 Improvements in bridge construction have not always led to more beautiful structures. The Jacques-Cartier has a kind of heavy-metal grace. Only the masonry piers suggest how old it really is.

--Jim Kroening, architect

Deconstructing bridges - part II

I was insulted by Philip Preville's statement that Newfoundland lacks modernity. As one of the few people lucky enough to be able to call themselves a Newfoundlander, I suggest that if he were to pay a visit the island, then he would see that yes, Newfoundland does fall behind great metropolises like Montreal in some aspects of modern life. However, the absence of problems like pollution, congestion, urban sprawl, traffic jams, crime and other great modern phenomena is no reason to say that our fair island nation lacks modernity.

 If the bridge is supposed to make us modern, then I say, "Long live the ferry!"

--Ric Stryde

Hotel help

This is long overdue, however, I would like to thank you very much for your annual compilation of New Year's Eve bashes [Dec. 23]. As a concierge at a major downtown hotel, one of my functions is to inform clients of activities and club scenes, etc.

 I've been using your listings to aid my clients for the past three years. It has become an essential tool in providing detailed information to our party-seeking guests. I thank you on behalf of all concierges in Montreal. Keep up the great work.

--Giovanni, Concierge, Omni Mont-Royal

Correction

Rumours of Blue Dog's demise ["Upside/ Downside," Jan. 27] are unfounded. According to management, the club is undergoing renovations but is open for business as usual.