Professor Lives Underwater for 100 Days

How long can you hold your breath underwater? Twenty seconds? Thirty? Thankfully Dr. Deep Sea, the man that lived underwater for 100 days, did not have to hold his breath that long. Instead, he lived in a small undersea hotel approximately 22 feet below the water’s surface. Besides the higher pressure and the lack of sunlight, Dr. Jospeh Dituri – or Dr. Deep Sea, as he’s being called – lived a life not all that different from those lived by people on land. His efforts earned him a place in the Guinness Book of World Records by beating the last record of 73 days.

Who Is Dr. Deep Sea?

Dr. Jospeh Dituri is a 55-year-old professor at the University of South Florida. He is pursuing new ways to cure brain injuries and give everyone a better quality of life.

“I believe exploration is the single most essential human activity,” Dr. Dituri said. “That’s why my sole personal and professional mission is to inspire and empower all of humanity to engage in life-long exploration.”

He decided to spend 100 days undersea to learn the effects of the lengthy exposure on the human body, obtain data on ways to conserve ocean waters, and engage kids in learning. As a bonus, he took the lead for most days spent underwater and won a Guinness World Record for his efforts. The previous record holder spent 73 days surrounded by the sea.

What Was Discovered After 100 Days Underwater?

Dituri knew that the pressure would worsen as the water got deeper. He was curious about what effect that would have on his body. Would it be good or bad? Helpful or harmful? Dituri believes that living in an area with more significant pressure can do great things for patients with brain injuries and could extend and improve the quality of life of humans. Jules Undersea Lodge is a hotel in a protected area in Key Largo, Florida. This is where Dr. Deep Sea lived below the surface, and there was about 66% more pressure than on land. The consequences of living under those conditions helped to prove Dituri’s theory.

The doctor stayed active by doing things like exercising, continuing to teach his college classes, holding over 5,000 online chats with people worldwide, and even occasionally having visitors. While beneath the water, he realized he could sleep more soundly, and his cholesterol levels and circulation improved over time. Perhaps the most significant change over the 100 days is that he grew half an inch shorter.

Welcome Back!

Upon returning to life above sea level, he was greeted by several friends, co-workers, and loved ones. Dr. Deep Sea wore a big smile and was quickly checked out by the medical staff awaiting his return. The doctor showed enthusiasm for his accomplishment and what it could mean for the medical sciences.

Dr. Dituri addressed the crowd: “The human body has never been underwater that long. This experience has changed me in an important way, and my greatest hope is that I have inspired a new generation of explorers and researchers to push past all boundaries.” Once he and his team have a chance to analyze all the data, they will present it at the World Extreme Medicine Conference in Scotland.

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