A caption to a series of computerised tomography (CT) scans of a brain affected by Alzheimer’s used information supplied by the Science Photo Library but was misleading. It said brain atrophy was shown by “enlarged ventrical [sic] cavities”. A ventricle is a cavity, so “ventricle cavity” is tautologous. Pale blue areas in the scans were said to be “widening” but they showed the skull, which does not enlarge in patients with Alzheimer’s. Instead, the brain shrinks or atrophies. (“How Britain plans to lead the race in global science to treat dementia”, News, 18 December, page 12).
Our interview with young actress Bella Ramsey, who stars as Mildred Hubble in a new television adaptation of The Worst Witch, said the last time the books where adapted for TV, Felicity Jones, currently starring in Rogue One, the latest Star Wars film, played Mildred. Jones actually played Mildred’s classroom nemesis, Ethel Hallow. (“Harry Potter for girls? I’m not that kind of Worst Witch says TV’s new Mildred Hubble”, News, 18 December, page 9).
Write to Stephen Pritchard, Readers’ Editor, the Observer, Kings Place, 90 York Way, London N1 9GU, email observer.readers@observer.co.uk tel 020 3353 4656
