Dr. Joseph Dituri, a former naval officer, is attempting to set a new record by spending 100 days in a habitat 30 feet (9 meters) beneath a Florida lagoon to study the effects of prolonged exposure to high pressure. But after a month of the experiment, his team might have discovered something unexpectedly scientific.
It is a completely novel species to science "Via video chat, Dr. Dituri spoke with The Independent. "Thousands of people have scuba dived here; it's been here, we just didn't look for it,"
Microbiologists will keep examining the sample to make sure it is indeed a novel species. He hopes to make many more discoveries by diving beneath the waves, carrying out research in an underwater lab set up in a 100-square-foot container, and spending a considerable amount of time underwater.
Despite scientists' estimates that Dr. Dituri may lose about an inch of height during that time due to the pressure placed on his body, Dr. Dituri says he "feels wonderful" one month into the record attempt, just as astronauts grow about 3 percent taller after experiencing time in weightlessness.
Dr. Dituri is being closely monitored by medical professionals, who are returning his blood and urine samples to the surface for analysis. Along with ultrasound, electrocardiogram, and stem cell tests, they are also subjecting him to psychological and psychosocial tests. One theory is that the higher pressure, which is roughly 1.6 times that of atmospheric pressure, could enhance well-being while also potentially affecting important indicators of sickness and life expectancy.
You have twice as many circulating stem cells when you are under half the pressure I am. When I'm down here, I'll have longer telomeres, which could potentially reverse aging, and I'll also gain bone density and muscle." Dr. Dituri claims that the increased pressure underwater has made it more difficult for some bodily processes, like urination.
Rapid decompression under extreme conditions can result in serious lung damage, paralysis, and even death upon resurfacing. While we hope it will, we are unsure. Dr. Dituri must stay in the habitat until May 14 to beat the 73-day world record.
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