Quote:
Originally Posted by Cheese
so how much do we love Mosquitos?
Enough to genetically eradicate them?
Well they think they have the genetic modification to eradicate the pests that transmit malaria...but, and heres the fun part:
Now that the genetic transport mechanism is sorted out, the big question is exactly what genetic traits the new mutant mosquitoes should pass on.
There are three possible lines of attack, says Crisanti.
The first is to stop the mosquito excreting the parasite when it bites.
The second is to destroy the genes that mosquitoes use to recognize humans to bite.
Crisanti says he knows how to snip out the gene that allows mosquitoes to sniff us out. After that, he says, they will bite animals instead.
The third option is to screw up their reproductive systems so that they produce only males.
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Plan to exterminate all Mosquitos withing 10 years! Wasps too!
Even if we remove their ability to recognize humans as source of blood, nature will adapt and they will likely re-evolve that ability within successive generations as human beings are too plentiful and convenient food source to ignore. Maybe a combination of preventing the spread of parasites and also genetically altering their anesthetizing agent and the chemicals that cause the irritation in bites is an answer.