Ratto and Bravo on camelids

Today we look back at some too-slightly-celebrated work by Ratto and by Bravo. Ratto on centrifuged artificial llama vagina: “Biochemical isolation and purification of ovulation-inducing factor (OIF) in seminal plasma of llamas,” Marcelo H Ratto [pictured here], Louis TJ Delbaere, Yvonne A Leduc, Roger A Pierson and Gregg P Adams, Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology, 2011; 9: […]

Wake Forest Baptist anal sphincters, and your telephone

“Researchers Use Human Cells to Engineer Functional Anal Sphincters in Lab,” coos the headline on this press release from Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. The announcement goes on to say: Researchers have built the first functional anal sphincters in the laboratory, suggesting a potential future treatment for both fecal and urinary incontinence. Made from muscle […]

Neuticals noticed in San Francisco

The invention honored by the 2005 Ig Nobel Prize in medicine inspire the San Francisco Chronicle‘s “Tails of the City” blogger to do some moral calculus: Nothing prepared me for my recent introduction to Neuticals, the “revolutionary” and patented testicular implant for pets…. Read the entire calculation on the Chronicle site. BONUS: The patent (#5868140) for […]

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