Abstract: Disclosed are sperm cells or embryos comprising a labeled oligonucleotide bound to a gender-specific repeat sequence. Methods for separating sperm cells or embryos containing a labeled oligonucleotide from sperm cells not containing the labeled oligonucleotide produce gender-enriched sperm cell fractions. The separated fractions are useful in producing offspring of a predetermined sex.

Abstract: Disclosed are sperm cells and embryos comprising a labeled locked nucleic acid bound to a gender-specific repeat sequence. Methods for identifying and separating sperm cells or embryos containing a labeled locked nucleic acid from sperm cells or embryos not containing the labeled oligonucleotide produce gender-enriched sperm cell or embryo fractions. The separated fractions are useful in producing offspring of a predetermined sex.

Abstract: A method of cryopreserving sperm cells which may include cooling the quantity of sperm cells to a holding temperature, maintaining the sperm cells substantially at the holding temperature for a period, and supercooling the sperm cells by cooling the sperm cells at a first cooling rate to a temperature that approaches a critical temperature zone at which ice crystal formation and changes in osmotic pressure damage sperm cells and then cooling the sperm at a second cooling rate faster than said first cooling rate through said critical temperature zone.

Abstract: A method of processing animal sperm cells that includes: collecting sperm cells from a male animal; sorting the sperm cells to obtain a quantity of sperm cells having a desired characteristic, the quantity of sorted sperm cells being contained in a first volume of fluid having a first concentration of sperm cells; and subjecting the sperm cells to concentration steps in which the concentration of the sperm cells is increased to a second concentration greater than the first concentration.

Abstract: Disclosed are sperm cells or embryos comprising a labeled oligonucleotide bound to a gender-specific repeat sequence. Methods for separating sperm cells or embryos containing a labeled oligonucleotide from sperm cells not containing the labeled oligonucleotide produce gender-enriched sperm cell fractions. The separated fractions are useful in producing offspring of a predetermined sex.

Abstract: A tool prevents the marring of wood during woodworking operations. The tool includes one or more flat portions with one or more slots and one or more holes. When an operation that might result in marring the wood needs to be performed, a flat portion is brought in proximity to the area where the woodworking operation is to be performed, and is laid atop the wood to protect the wood in the area of the woodworking operation. If a tool slips towards the protected area of wood, the tool will make contact with the tool. The tool disperses the force of the tool, thereby preventing the wood from being marred.

Abstract: Sperm in semen are sorted by fluorescence-activated cell sorting into gender-enriched populations enriched in X-chromosome or Y-chromosome bearing sperm by use of a fluorescent quantitative DNA-binding vital stain.