Robert H. Foote, pioneered reproductive studies

Robert H. Foote, shown in 1998, published more than 500 papers while at Cornell. (M. okoniewski/associated press)

LOS ANGELES - Robert H. Foote, the Cornell University researcher who pioneered the study of DNA synthesis in the testes, in-vitro fertilization, and other aspects of reproduction and who was the last surviving officer of World War II's famed "Go For Broke" 442d Regimental Combat Team of Japanese-Americans, died of lung failure in Ithaca, N.Y., on Oct. 27. He was 86.

Among other discoveries, Dr. Foote was the first to show that the rabbit ovary - and subsequently that of all mammals, including humans - contains its full complement of eggs at birth. The eggs are depleted throughout the female's life by ovulation and by degeneration.

Working in rabbits and then in other species, Dr. Foote was among the earliest researchers to study testicular function and to harvest sperm for the in-vitro breeding of agricultural animals.

He discovered that treating bull semen with a mixture of penicillin, streptomycin, and polymyxin could wipe out Vibrio fetus, a disease that causes abortions and had cost the livestock industry hundreds of millions of dollars. Dr. Foote was among the first to use the radioisotopes carbon-14 and tritium to label DNA during spermatogenesis, which gave important insights into reproduction and led to better methods for harvesting sperm. The work led the foundation for animal cloning.

Robert Hutchinson Foote was born on a dairy farm in Gilead, Conn. He majored in animal husbandry, earning his bachelor's degree from the University of Connecticut in 1943.

Commissioned a lieutenant in the Army during World War II, he was assigned to the 442d, a unit composed mostly of Japanese-Americans.

The group was commemorated in the 1951 film "Go for Broke!" starring Van Johnson.

Dr. Foote was awarded a Bronze Start Medal.

In October 1944, a German mortar shell landed near rail tracks and sent him tumbling down a French embankment.

Shrapnel pierced his back and legs, leaving him badly injured.

His unit carried him back to a makeshift tent and administered morphine and penicillin to him for three days while waiting for him to be airlifted out.

His injuries altered his plans to become a farmer, and he used the GI Bill to study animal physiology at Cornell, where he received a master's degree in 1947 and doctorate in 1950. After graduation, he joined the faculty at Cornell and remained there the rest of his career, publishing more than 500 papers.

After researchers announced the cloning of the sheep Dolly in 1996, Dr. Foote became an outspoken opponent of efforts to clone humans.

Dr. Foote leaves his second wife, Barbara Johnson Foote, and two sons, Robert W. of Connecticut and Dale of Philadelphia.