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buzzless mosquitoes

genetically modify mosquitoes so they fly without making a sound
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The mosquito's buzz, not its bite, is what generally keeps you awake on summer nights. I propose genetically modifying the mosquito's wings so that they don't produce the buzzing sound. This won't solve any of the world's pressing mosquito problems (like the spread of malaria) but it will give one a better night's sleep.
lepton, Jul 12 2015


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       But how will it fly?
pocmloc, Jul 12 2015
  

       If the wings simply grew a bit longer, they would flap more slowly.
Vernon, Jul 12 2015
  

       So basicaly, we //propose genetically modifying the mosquito// so as to breed mutant mosquitos the size of //Lancaster bomber//s, and then releasing them into the wild.   

       Excellent. Can I watch?
pocmloc, Jul 12 2015
  

       //If the wings simply grew a bit longer, they would flap more slowly.//   

       This has been tried extensively. The result is known as a locust.   

       However, I do think it would be worthwhile to attempt to breed Lancasters.
MaxwellBuchanan, Jul 14 2015
  

       This line of thought is heading with tragic inevitability towards little bedside Flak 88s.
pertinax, Jul 17 2015
  

       this is analogous to the fact that it's not the dripping tap which can keep you awake at night, It'd the tapping drip !!
peter2, Jul 18 2015
  

       How about (if we are talking gm) siting the wings inside the body of the mosquito? The chitin of the exoskeleton should damp out the sound of the wings.
not_morrison_rm, Jul 18 2015
  

       Oh....[lepton]....   

       You've been here long enough. I shouldn't have to point this out.   

       From the help file:   

       magic - the author is using a technology they know very little about as magic. This imparts superpowers, among them the ability to always know where something is (just add GPS or RFID); the ability to make humans or animals do anything (just use Pavlovian conditioning),   

       >>>>>to make any organic matter do anything (just add genetics or, once people complain about the use of genetics as magic, "selective breeding");<<<<<   

       to make inorganic matter do anything (just add nanobots); to quieten any sound (just add noise-cancelling technology); the ability to read minds (just make your device an implant); to levitate any number of objects from any distance (just attach magnets), and the ability to reliably measure someone's mood (just add a galvanic skin response).
normzone, Jul 18 2015
  

       Insect wings actually developed from the insect liver. Evolution, it is widely said, cannot plan ahead - and this is a tragic case in point. Insects cannot tolerate alcohol, and indeed it causes cirrhosis of the wings. This is why flies that land in your drink cannot get out again.
MaxwellBuchanan, Jul 18 2015
  

       You're leaving your drink undrunk for too long. Get it down you.
pocmloc, Jul 19 2015
  


 

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