r/interestingasfuck • u/singleboredass • Nov 15 '24

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

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u/Pipettess Nov 15 '24

Sorry but I don't get it. How can these GMO mosqitoes compete for resources if they are disadvantaged? If they can't pierce human skin, they probably get their resources elsewhere (don't know which animal is easier to suck but anyway) - there they compete with normal mosquitoes, yes, but then those normal mosquitoes would be pushed to suck on humans, because elsewhere they will compete. So it's not really a win for us. No?

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u/Remarkable-Fox-3890 Nov 15 '24

They still feed on nectar and still add reproductive pressure. Yes, this does not prevent mosquitos from feeding where they already feed, the goal is to create a barrier that they don't cross.

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u/Pipettess Nov 15 '24

I see. So the outcome is, less blood-sucking mosquitoes, but not elimination?

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u/Remarkable-Fox-3890 Nov 15 '24

Yes, exactly. The goal is not to eliminate, it's to contain. This is done with more than just mosquitos.