Thanks for a balanced and insightful article [November 24]. The appropriate emphasis remains on minimising skin cancer risks. This valuable public health message has partly blindsided the medical profession and the general public to other beneficial aspects of sunlight exposure. As a retired medical eye specialist, I have observed how research over the past two decades has revealed much about the mechanisms by which sunlight exposure influences the normal growth of the eye in childhood. This may have profound significance in addressing the current epidemic growth rate in short-sightedness in young children. We also await the results of the ongoing studies into the role of sunlight in multiple sclerosis. Dr Ross Miller, Wahroonga, NSW

Mark Whittaker clouds the sun-safe message. Sunshine may well have many therapeutic benefits, but questioning long-held, scientifically proven evidence about sunscreen and the link between UV exposure and melanoma is dangerous. And Mark, please use the Sun Smart app. It just may save your life. Professors Georgina Long and Richard Scolyer, Melanoma Institute Australia, Wollstonecraft, NSW

Beyond tears

This heartbreaking story [November 24], paired with such hauntingly beautiful photography, should be compulsory reading for any people who make ill-informed declarations about how refugees should wait in line, why boat people should be turned back, or how overseas aid should be cut. Melissa Parker, Silvan, Vic

Eat

Reading of how the author Pearl S. Buck refused to eat a Korean gujeolpan because of its beauty [November 24] reminded me of a meal we had at Astrance in Paris, where my wife – on receiving her dessert – commented that it was too beautiful to eat. The waitress, in typical French style, replied, "Then don't." David Reid, Artarmon, NSW

Social

T: @MADONNAMKING A superb read ["Here comes the sun", November 24]!

F: KATE RAFTER I used to believe that avoiding the sun was healthy.

F: THERESA CHIVERS What a gut-wrenching article ["Beyond Tears", November 24]. The photos highlight the suffering. The women looked beaten, with no life left. I can't believe I've never heard of this.

F: MICHAEL BOURKE If Penny Wong was opposition leader, I'd vote Labor [Dicey Topics, November 24].

T: @LILI_MUSH One of the few politicians who, every time she speaks, impresses me (even if I don't always agree with her). A fiercely intelligent and incredibly eloquent woman.

T: @DYSHUMAN At the very least, Penny Wong should lead the ALP. She's bloody awesome.

F: GLAUCIA TORRES Even the moon they want to fake ["China's next phase", Spotlight, November 24]? Oh come ooooon!

F: JOHN MOIR Please: not all moons set at full. I'm just not great at those times.

F: LOVENISH BATRA A lunar eclipse would be a problem.

F: BRENDAN SHEEMS Well, that's going to confuse the moths.

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