Science Fiction
Dictionary
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
 |
RISUG Male Birth Control Almost Ready
RISUG (Reversible Inhibition of Sperm Under Guidance) is similar to a vasectomy but is more easily reversible. Here's how it works:
Within minutes of insertion, the gel solidifies and anchors itself to the microscopic folds of the inner walls of the vas deferens. As sperm come into contact with the polymer, the combination of positive and negative charges on the polymer surface causes the membranes of the sperm to burst. The sperm are thus immotile (unable to travel) and unable to fertilize an egg.
This chemical effect has another advantage: unlike a vasectomy, RISUG is effective almost immediately. This compares to a time to infertility for vasectomy of up to three months, the time it takes to reliably clear sperm out of the system (Barone 2003).
This technology is in advanced human trials in India.
Researchers achieve this feature by injecting a polymer (a gel) into the vas deferens, rather than cutting the vas (as is done in vasectomy). The polymer then coats the inside walls of the vas deferens and kills sperm as they go by. If a man wishes to restore fertility, whether after months or years, the polymer is flushed out of the vas with another injection.
(Sisko and Kasidy)
Science fiction fans are prepared for this future, thanks to Star Trek DS9 episode The Dogs of War. After just completing a marathon planning session for a major offensive against the Dominion’s Defence perimeter with Admiral Ross, Romulan Subcommander Velal, and Klingon Chancellor Martok – an exhausted Captain Sisko returns to his quarters – where he gets some unexpected news from his wife Kassidy:
SISKO - You're up late. Waiting for me?
SISKO - What's wrong?
KASIDY - I'm pregnant.
SISKO - Are you sure?
KASIDY - Of course I'm sure.
SISKO - I didn't mean... it's just... a baby! You and me... wow. I hadn't even... a baby?
KASIDY- Surprise.
SISKO - Surprise is right -- how did... ?
KASIDY - I think somebody forgot to get their injection last month...
SISKO - (realizing) And Julian even reminded me. But with everything that's been going on...
KASIDY - You don't have to apologize.
SISKO - I'm not. Are you kidding? This is great!
KASIDY - I'm glad you think so.
So, guys, I'm curious: would you use this technology?
From New Male Contraception and Trekcore via Dvice. Thanks to Moira for doing a great job submitting a tip and great references!
Scroll down for more stories in the same category. (Story submitted 1/20/2012)
Follow this kind of news @Technovelgy.| Email | RSS | Blog It | Stumble | del.icio.us | Digg | Reddit |
Would
you like to contribute a story tip?
It's easy:
Get the URL of the story, and the related sf author, and add
it here.
Comment/Join discussion ( 3 )
Related News Stories - (" Medical ")
Natural Gait With Prosthetic Connected To Nervous System
'The leg was to function, in a way, as a servo-mechanism operated by Larry’s brain...' - Charles Recour, 1949.
Brain Implant Is Able To Capture Your Inner Dialogue
'So you see, you can hide nothing from me.'
'Pregnancy Humanoids' From China Replace Moms
'A great many of these synthetic babies were made...' - David H. Keller, 1928.
Bacteria Turns Plastic Into Pain Relief? That Gives Me An Idea.
'I guess there's nobody round this table who doesn't have a Crosswell [tapeworm] working for him in the small intestine.'
Technovelgy (that's tech-novel-gee!) is devoted to the creative science inventions and ideas of sf authors. Look for the Invention Category that interests you, the Glossary, the Invention Timeline, or see what's New.
Science Fiction
Timeline
1600-1899
1900-1939
1940's 1950's
1960's 1970's
1980's 1990's
2000's 2010's
Current News
Natural Gait With Prosthetic Connected To Nervous System
'The leg was to function, in a way, as a servo-mechanism operated by Larry’s brain...'
Woman Marries Computer, Vonnegut's Dream Comes True
'Men are made of protoplasm... Lasts forever.'
Spidery 'Walk Me' Toyota Autonomous Wheel Chair Like Star Wars
Walk along with the emperor.
Dancing Robots Taught Dance Moves
'A clockwork figure would be the thing for you...'
Proof Of Robothood - Not A Person
'Who are you people? - Show 'em.'
Indonesian Clans Battle
'The observation vehicle was of that peculiar variety used in conveying a large number of people across rough terrain.'
The 'Last Mile' In China Crowded With Delivery Robots
Yes, it's a delivery robot. On wheels.
Tornyol Microdrone Kills Mosquitoes
'The real border was defended by... a swarm of quasi-independent aerostats.'
PLATO Spacecraft, Hunter Of Habitable Planets, Now Ready
'I ... set my automatic astronomical instruments to searching for a habitable planet.'
Factory Humanoid Robots Built By Humanoid Robots
'...haven't you a section of the factory where only robot labor is employed?'
iPhone Air Fulfils Jobs' Promise From 2007 - A Giant Screen!
'... oblongs were all over the floor and surfaces.'
ChatGPT Now Participates in Group Chats
'...the city was their laboratory in human psychology.'
iPhone Pocket All Sold Out!
'A long, strong, slender net...'
Did The Yautja Have These First?
What a marvel of ingenuity the little device was!
Jetson ONE Air Races Begin, Can Air Polo Be Far Behind?
'If you're one of those rarities who haven't attended a rocket-polo "carnage", let me tell you it's a colorful affair.'
Will Space Stations Have Large Interior Spaces Again?
'They filed clumsily into the battleroom, like children in a swimming pool for the first time, clinging to the handholds along the side.'
