Advancements in Science - You Need My What?!
filed in Science, random on Oct.14, 2008
Stem cell research, as you know, has long been a source of contention. On the one hand you have the scientific community and people who believe in what it could do for humanity in helping ‘fix’ brain or spinal injuries, and on the other hand you have the people who are upset about the use of human embryos in the scientific process. To me, both very legitimate arguments and I will not take either side here today. No, I’m more concerned this moment about what has recently transpired regarding this issue.
Apparently the good people who serve as scientists over at the Center for Regenerative Biology and Medicine in Tuebingen, Germany, have come up with an alternative for human embryos in their continued stem cell research, and that alternative is… (drumroll, please), human testicles! That’s right, you heard me correctly - the next best solution is hanging in a sack between your legs! (or if you are of the female persuasion, between your partner’s legs…)
Now if this actually does work, I guess it’s great and all, but I have one serious question here… Where the heck do you get the donors?!?! I mean, I have no problem donating blood and do so on a regular basis, but that stuff regenerates itself, you know?! As far as I have so far surmised, testicles do not! And I have to be honest with you, I’ve grown quite attached to my boys down there! I’m not sure I’d know how to act without them, or if I would even have a sense of identity anymore. I’d have to change how I walk and run and everything. Might make me faster tho. Hmmm
So where do they find the guys that are willing to donate? Do they pay for them, because you’ve got to be pretty hard up in order to let go of two-thirds of your manhood. I know these are tough economic times and all, but come on!!! And if they do pay for them, do they pay by the ounce? If so, the guys in AC/DC would do quite well… I guess another source would be men who want a sex change since they need to lop those things off anyway, but that must only cover a very small percentage, at least I think so, but what do I know?
Remember the urban legend about how there were people being abducted, and they’d wake up in a tub full of ice with their kidneys removed to be sold on the black market? You will now hear about the same thing, except instead of kidneys it will be testicles. So be careful who you talk to in the hotel lounge on those business trips, boys. When that attractive, intelligent lady tells you she wants to get her hands on your junk, she’s not kidding! Steer clear!
On the other side of all this is the fortunate (or unfortunate, depending on how you look at it) guy or gal who is the recipient of said rejuvenating surgery. I mean, its great that you have a new brain and all, but dude, part of it is made out of some poor chap’s balls! Good luck with that!
No, I’m not ready to be a eunuch just yet. I think I’ll try to hang onto my complete unit as long as I can…


October 14th, 2008 on 7:07 pm
umm, not to bust your balls, but I think donating cells does not mean giving up your balls all together
I actually collected cord blood when Lukas was born, which pretty much means he won’t have to donate his balls any time soon. lol they are kinda small yet anyway
On second thought, they may be able to “harvest” organ donors. Goin’ to bed before I do more damage…lol
October 15th, 2008 on 6:09 am
I think it’s awesome that scientists and the like are trying to find as many “less controversial” ways as possible to help people who have brain and spinal cord injuries, be able to function with “normal” healthy lives, and frankly, when you’ve lost the use of any or all of your body parts, I don’t think for one second that a person who is handicapped is concerned with what type of tissue or cells were used to help them regain the use of their body, such as their legs, for example.
A dear friend of mine is currently in the hospital with a completely severed spinal cord. He has been told he will never walk again and may not have use of his hands. If necessary, he would give both of his own testicles to regain use of his legs! Unfortunately, right now this stuff is all so new, and he needs the help now, because the more time passes, the more scar tissue builds and the less chance of electrical conduction, or regeneration is possible.
I appreciate your humor, it brings light-heartedness to sadness right now which I bear with my friend, but I am happy to learn how science and technology is always advancing.
Good read Sjaun. Thanks for your amazing humor and silliness… you never cease to surprise me. ;0)
Allie
October 15th, 2008 on 7:07 am
as usual, my timing and attempt at humor is impeccable. Allie, my thoughts are with your friend, and best wishes for the best recovery possible.
October 15th, 2008 on 11:13 am
LOL - Stem *cells*! Only *cells*, not the whole enchilada.
You can take the threat level down a notch or two. Then again, who am I to talk about being overdramatic…
October 31st, 2008 on 7:17 am
So, uh, I saw this and thought of your post.. LOL..
October 31st, 2008 on 7:17 am
Hey! the picture didn’t go through. grr..
October 31st, 2008 on 7:18 am
Gotta try one more time… lol.. you can erase all these .. lol