61–70 of 195 posts
If we could quantify that, and the outcome was enticing, we could release a bunch of genetically modified sterile mosquitoes that would quickly erase whole populations.
I wonder what the impact of completely eliminating mosquitoes from the ecosystem would be. If we could quantify that, and the outcome was enticing, we could release a bunch of genetically modified sterile mosquitoes that would quickly erase whole populations.
A scientist has considered that issue, and the conclusion is that we could all live quite happily without any mosquitoes in the world.
I wonder what the impact of completely eliminating mosquitoes from the ecosystem would be. If we could quantify that, and the outcome was enticing, we could release a bunch of genetically modified sterile mosquitoes that would quickly erase whole populations.
I wonder what the impact of completely eliminating mosquitoes from the ecosystem would be. If we could quantify that, and the outcome was enticing, we could release a bunch of genetically modified sterile mosquitoes that would quickly erase whole populations.
Didn't someone come up with a blend of things (poison and flower scents) that claimed to eradicate every mosquito in a X mile radius? Whatever happened of that? Why haven't we been able to make something that'll attract large amounts of them and kill them?
It was fruit juice and boric acid.. not sure what came of it. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/27/health/27mosquito.html
http://www.motherearthnews.com/diy/homemade-mosquito-trap-zm...
I wonder what the impact of completely eliminating mosquitoes from the ecosystem would be. If we could quantify that, and the outcome was enticing, we could release a bunch of genetically modified sterile mosquitoes that would quickly erase whole populations.
How would a GM but sterile mosquito help? It can't pass its unique trait to offspring.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-14422440 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sterile_insect_technique
I wonder what the impact of completely eliminating mosquitoes from the ecosystem would be. If we could quantify that, and the outcome was enticing, we could release a bunch of genetically modified sterile mosquitoes that would quickly erase whole populations.
Why would releasing sterile mosquitoes help erase the population? Do they eat each other or something?
It works better than trapping & killing.
Earlier quoted context omitted.
How would a GM but sterile mosquito help? It can't pass its unique trait to offspring.
The sterile males compete with the rest of the population, which drops off the population as mating produces no offspring. This has been attempted with good results in several cases: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-14422440 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sterile_insect_technique
Then rinse and repeat.
Although it isn't common knowledge, the recommended best practice for avoiding ticks and other bugs is soaking your clothes in Permethrin: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3sGvZE3rh4 It isn't very well absorbed through the skin so it has an extremely low toxicity when used in this way, as long as you don't breathe it in or let it get on your skin while it's still wet. It's much more effective and less toxic than DEET,…
Holy crap. I must know 100 people who regularly wear Permethrin-treated clothes and then spray on DEET repellent. I had no idea it was dangerous.
(FWIW, I avoid them both due to general conservatism when it comes to toxic chemicals, especially when the stakes are low -- i.e., the worst-case is itching and not malaria.)