How ticks evolved into stealthy parasites and why climate change is making them a growing threat
A personal and scientific exploration of ticks — their stealthy bites, evolution as blood-feeding parasites, and the growing threat they pose due to climate change expanding their habitats and disease range. The article blends the author's own tick encounter with expert insights from tick researchers, covering tick biology, the anesthetic properties of their saliva, the rise of tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease and alpha-gal syndrome, and the challenges of prevention and public awareness.
Key quotes
As a kid, I would have hundreds of ticks on me, at least several of which would bite, and yet she would never notice until her aunt would pick them off her skin
Their saliva is a secret weapon.
The ticks are winning.
From the article
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