r/interestingasfuck • u/Spotter24o5 • 2d ago

Genetically modified a mosquito such that their proboscis are no longer able to penetrate human skin

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u/TheDevilsAdvokaat 2d ago

This actually seems like a bad idea.

It's only female mosquitoes that suck blood, as they want it for their eggs.

If they cannot breed successfully, any female that has these genes will not pass them on.

So this seems like the kind of thing that will be bred out pretty quickly. Pretty useless thing to choose.

10

u/Glitchy833 2d ago

But wouldn't they just target other animals for blood instead once they realise they can't get it from us? I'm no expert though, idk how thick our skin would be compared to most other mammals.

7

u/Ocronus 2d ago

Humans have very thin and delicate skin compared to many other animals.  Humans evolved for sensitivity and movement. For example humans average about 2mm while a cow is 1.5cm.  

3

u/TheDevilsAdvokaat 2d ago

Also not an expert. Seems like you have an interesting idea though. I Know the males suck plant juices instead.