Like space, the deep sea is as fascinating as it is frightening. In May 2023, Joseph Dituri proved that he did not steal his nickname “Dr Deep Sea”. This professor at the University of South Florida and biomedical researcher broke the underwater world record.
What struck Internet users in his story was that the professor did not want to resurface immediately. Indeed, he had decided to extend his stay underwater to reach the round (and satisfied) number of 100 days.
100 days underwater: the crazy bet of this American researcher
Until May 2023, the underwater world record was held by Bruce Cantrell and Jessica Fain, two professors from Tennessee. On March 1, 2023, Professor Joseph Dituri dove into the deep end to break this record. But not only that. This long-term stay underwater is above all a means for him to advance science.
Not content with having broken the world record, Dr Deep Sea made the fun last a little longer. In the end, Professor Joseph Dituri remained underwater for 100 days, at almost 10 meters deep and without depressurization, as part of his Project Neptune 100 mission.
Away from land, Dr Deep Sea has carried out research into ocean conservation and studies, with his team, the physiological and psychological effects of compression on the human body, over a long period of time and at a high level.
Even more impressive? The American researcher continued to teach by giving courses (online, of course) in marine science and biomedical engineering. In just 74 days, he taught over 2500 students. Something to inspire the youngest.
But how was this professor able to live 100 days underwater? It’s quite simple: near Key Largo, in Florida, there is a strange hotel. Jules’ Undersea Lodge is the only underwater hotel in the United States. Unlike a submarine, this lodge does not use any technology to adapt to increased underwater pressure.
After 100 days spent in the depths of the sea, Professor Joseph Dituri is back on dry land and he is feeling the effects of this rather special stay. The American researcher claims that this scientific experiment slowed down his aging. He explains having lost 10 years of biological age. During an interview on an American showhe explained that his telomeres (the ends of chromosomes) have lengthened and that his extrinsic age has increased from 44 to 34 years old while his “real age” is 57 years old.
Another change caused by this stay underwater for 100 days? An improvement in the researcher’s cognition as well as a reduction in his height by 1.27 cm, a reduction in his cholesterol as well as an increase in his stem cells. Like what…
Today, Professor Dituri continues to study the oceans to advance science. Indeed, they still have a lot to teach us and Dr Deep Sea has not finished with them.
