Cloning, DNA researcher Robert Foote dies

ITHACA, N.Y., Nov. 7 (UPI) -- Robert H. Foote, the Cornell University researcher who laid the groundwork for animal cloning, died of lung failure in Ithaca, N.Y. He was 86.

Foote, who died Oct. 27, was also among the first to use radioisotopes to label DNA during the sperm maturation process, providing insights into reproduction and leading to better sperm harvesting methods, the Los Angeles Times reported Friday. His work served as the foundation for cloning of animals.

Foote was, however, an opponent of efforts to clone humans.

"We are not ready technically or ethically to go ahead with these studies in humans," he said after the cloning of Dolly the sheep in 1996.

Among his agricultural reproduction achievements, Foote also was among the earliest researchers to harvest sperm for the in vitro breeding of agricultural animals, the Times reported.

After earning his doctorate from Cornell in 1950, Foote joined the university, where he remained his entire career, publishing more than 500 papers.

Foote also was the last surviving officer of World War II's 442nd Regimental Combat Team of Japanese-Americans, commemorated in the 1951 film "Go for Broke!". He was assigned to the team because Japanese-Americans weren't allowed to be officers.

Foote was preceded in death by his first wife, Ruth. He is survived by his second wife, Barbara, and two sons.