I don't think I would have gone into science had I not been influenced by gender programming via the many exciting ranges of scientist action figure toys ("Where is Physics Barbie?", 25 August).
Ultra Power Battle Theoretical Physicist was the playground favourite, if I remember correctly. He had a novel feature whereby if you left him in a darkened room filled with tiny plastic Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council funding forms, he'd sob quietly and hold his hands aloft, as if watching his tiny plastic life trickling away between his fingers. Also, if you left him out, all the other toys would beat him up.
Keyl mac Thorliot, Norwich