Oophorectomy is the surgical removal of the ovaries of a female animal. In the case of non-human animals, this is also called spaying. It is a form of sterilization.
The removal of the ovaries together with the Fallopian tubes is called salpingo-oophorectomy. Oophorectomy and salpingo-oophorectomy are not common forms of birth control in humans; more usual is tubal ligation, in which the Fallopian tubes are blocked but the ovaries remain intact.
In humans, oophorectomy is most usually performed together with a hysterectomy - the removal of the uterus. Its use in a hysterectomy when there are no other health problems is somewhat controversial.
In animals, spaying involves an invasive removal of the ovaries, but rarely has major complications; the superstition that it causes weight gain is not based on fact. Spaying is especially important for certain animals that require the ovum to be released at a certain interval (called estrus or "heat"), such as cats and dogs. If the cell is not released during these animal's heat, it can cause severe medical problems that can be averted by spaying or partnering the animal with a male.
Oophorectomy is sometimes referred to as castration, but that term is most often used to mean the removal of a male animal's testicles.
Thomas Dolby was born Thomas Morgan Robertson on October 14, 1958, and is a British musician. His father was a professor of history. The "Dolby" nickname comes from the name Dolby Laboratories, and was given to him by friends impressed with his studio tinkering. Dolby Laboratories was reportedly very displeased with Robertson's using the company name as his own stage name.
He is associated with synth pop, a pop music form incorporating electronic instruments. His most recognized song is "She Blinded Me With Science" with sound samples from Magnus Pyke. In 1996, he founded Beatnik, a technology company specializing in mobile digital audio formats, such as polyphonic ringtones for mobile phones.
Dolby performed at the Live Aid concert in London as part of David Bowie's band.
He has also worked as a producer and a soundtrack composer.
The following artists have worked with Thomas Dolby: