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Cornell scientists identify rare human genetic disorder in two…

Cornell researchers found the two brothers each carried two altered copies of a gene tied to a connective tissue disorder affecting the eyes, heart and blood vessels; the cats remain unavailable for comment.

On air: Dale Bearman and Hank Ledger on The Bonk-o-Meter
Published 1:26 PM ET, Wednesday, October 14, 2026

Photo: Imrankabirhossain · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Photo: Marfan syndrome — Photo: Imrankabirhossain · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

At a glance

First reported by ScienceDaily: “Cornell scientists identify rare human genetic disorder in two unusually long-legged cats”.
Covered on BBN on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 1:26 PM ET on The Bonk-o-Meter, by Dale Bearman and Hank Ledger.
Topics: Cornell.
BBN covered this story before: Cornell president admits he knew of fraternity assault report (October 14).

The real story

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

ScienceDailyCornell scientists identify rare human genetic disorder in two unusually long-legged cats

What BBN said about it

Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorThe claim under review, from ScienceDaily on October fourteenth, twenty twenty-six: two unusually long-legged cats have produced the first genetically confirmed cases of Marfan syndrome in domestic felines.
Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorCats with a human disorder. First it's the legs, then the eyes, then the heart, and by Friday they're filing taxes.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorResearchers at Cornell University found the two brothers each carried two altered copies of a gene linked to the connective tissue disorder, which can affect the eyes, heart, and blood vessels.
Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorTwo copies.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorThat is what the study says, and nobody there claims the cats are plotting anything.
Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorLonger legs, Hank. Think what they can reach on a shelf. Every glass in the country is already on borrowed time.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorThe facts check out, so the rating is Mildly Bonkers. The cats have been reaching for that glass since long before the study.