Whodunnit? A solution that works every time | Letters

The headline "Rivalry is now part of higher education's DNA" (5 August) is an oxymoron. DNA and the features encoded in it are inherited, not added during the lifetime of the organism. So a characteristic that is "now" part of higher education does not come from its DNA, but from the present circumstances. What does the Guardian's style guide say on this topic?
Jan Spencer
Bookham, Surrey

" In your article concerning the allegations against Edward Heath you refer to "Wiltshire police in western England". This is a really helpful development for the geographically challenged or for those living inside the M25. In future, for the benefit of we yokels, please refer to the Metropolitan police as being in "that there London".
Rev David Gray
Chippenham, Wiltshire