12 Bizarre Science Stories

New Scientist has compiled a list of 12 strange science stories that are still memorable, including the invention of an 'orgasmatron' implant and a study on long-tailed macaques' self-pleasuring behavior.

One of the most notable stories is the 'orgasmatron' implant, invented by surgeon Stuart Meloy to help women who are unable to achieve orgasms in the usual way. The idea for the implant came to Meloy while he was performing a pain-relief operation on a woman's spine, during which the woman experienced intense pleasure.

New Scientist broke the news of the 'orgasmatron' implant in 2001, sparking a frenzy of worldwide media excitement. However, 13 years later, Meloy was still struggling to raise funds for a full clinical trial of the device, and it was never successfully brought to market.

Another unusual story is a study conducted on long-tailed macaques' self-pleasuring behavior. This study is just one example of the many bizarre science stories that have been reported over the years.

## Why it matters These strange science stories may not have changed the course of history, but they are still fascinating and memorable. They highlight the unusual and often unexpected nature of scientific research and discovery. The 'orgasmatron' implant, for example, was intended to help women achieve orgasms, but it never reached a climax due to lack of funding.

The stories also show that scientific research can be unpredictable and often leads to unexpected discoveries. The 'orgasmatron' implant was inspired by a chance event during a pain-relief operation, and the study on long-tailed macaques' self-pleasuring behavior is just one example of the many unusual studies that have been conducted in the name of science.