this post was submitted on 26 Sep 2024
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Science Memes

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[–] Maalus@lemmy.world 22 points 2 days ago (4 children)

Wait, 0.3mm is huge, you should be able to see that. I don't think this is right.

[–] Robust_Mirror@aussie.zone 1 points 22 hours ago

Combine the size with the fact that they are semi transparent and live in hair follicles and sebaceous glands, both of which are essentially under the skin, and that's why you don't generally see them.

[–] MeowZedong@lemmygrad.ml 8 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago)

0.3mm in length, not diameter. Yes, you can see them, but they just look like dead skin/gunk to our eyes.

Image1

Image2

Image3

Gallery with visible accumulation of mites on hairs

[–] jabathekek@sopuli.xyz 4 points 1 day ago

Maybe we do see them, but mistake them for bits of skin or dirt.

[–] Krackalot@discuss.tchncs.de 2 points 1 day ago

Agreed. 1/64th of an inch is .016". An average human hair is .003" in diameter, that would be as long as five hairs wide. You wouldn't even need a magnifier to see the largest ones.