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It seems very likely that, to slow the spread of covid-19, many people will be encouraged to self-isolate ( 29 February, p 7 ). This policy poses risks to local food banks and similar aid organisations. Hungry people may go to food banks and come into contact with others who could be in a poor …

The measures we are being encouraged to take to avoid covid-19 are equally effective against influenza. Will there be fewer cases of flu this year?

You report that, in some countries, many new covid-19 cases can't be traced to their source of infection. A test exists for the virus itself, but is it also possible to deploy one for antibodies to the virus? Such a test would help detect transmission chains by revealing those who have recovered from covid-19. It …

Your report on living concrete made with bacteria suggests a product that is comparable to a mortar mix ( 25 January, p 18 ). The BioMason group claims to produce blocks at ambient temperatures, using desert sand as aggregate, with strengths at least equal to industry standard lightweight blocks. Sadly, vital technologies such as these …

A group of astronomers has called for legal action to stop the launch of vast numbers of satellites ( 8 February, p 14 ). They aren't the only people who should be concerned. Thousands of low-orbit satellites are being launched annually to provide universal secure internet services. But the carbon emissions of the rockets used …

You report on spiders' intelligence extending beyond their bodies ( 8 February, p 42 ). I have often wondered about this when watching orb-web spiders spinning their webs: they seem to use a leg to "measure" the distance between strands. I sometimes play hide-and-seek with black-headed jumping spiders – perhaps I have too much free …

Michael Marshall reports that evidence at Shanidar cave in Iraq suggests a Neanderthal corpse, known as Shanidar 4, was buried in a grave ( 29 February, p 19 ). Can we rule out that the burial was conducted by a human, given that archaeologist Emma Pomeroy, who was part of the team behind the discovery, …

• There was some understanding of silver's antibacterial action before work on flagella revealed a new mechanism ( 7 March, p 15 ).

Bond notes that people lost in non-urban spaces tend to keep on the move, making it more difficult to find them. I suggest that the reason for this goes beyond fear. It is difficult to keep warm without a fire – or very good camping gear – in any cooler climate, at night, or when …

I have to take issue with Bond's statement that "millions of years of evolution have taught us that the experience tends not to end well". It may be possible that epigenetics are affected by experiences of this sort, but evolution takes place through creatures that survive and reproduce, not those for whom the experience hasn't …