Misplaced focus

Asudden rise in research interest in areas like robotics and genetics (Robo sapiens, May 16, and The DNA diet, May 23) and diminishing enthusiasm in fields such as renewable energy is deplorable. I wonder why there is so little interest in energetics, though we are depleting fossil fuel reserves rapidly. If satellites can work on solar power, why can’t we make cars or engines run on it? The standard excuse is: they are not cost-effective. Well, the first electric bulb or locomotive engine too were pretty expensive, but now anyone can buy an electric bulb. It is up to the scientists to find out how solar cells can be made small in size and yet cost-effective. Biogas, wind energy etc. must be made handy so that more and more people can avail of them. It may be a long-drawn process, but we have to begin somewhere so that the future generations have no problem in coping with severe energy crisis.

Abhideep Bhattacharjee
Barrackpore

Genetic realm

With reference to The DNA diet (May 23), it is amazing how the food industry is planning to make billions by catering to the special needs of obesity-prone people. It is equally astonishing how insurance companies are planning to vary their premiun rates on the basis of the genetic make-up of their clients. On a more alarming note, people predisposed to obesity-related diseases may not be considered for particular jobs. Are we moving towards a new world order in which everything will be decided by our genes?

Arjun Chaudhuri
Bhowanipur