Huge Leap Forward for U.S. Navy Scuba Diving Research

The U.S Navy’s research team are working on a project that examines how cells work at pressures deep below the ocean’s surface. Researchers at the Navy Experimental Diving Unit (NEDU) and the Office of Naval Research (ONR) have been working on the joint ONR-NEDU project to explore advances that will protect Navy divers who are scuba diving to depths of 1,000 feet.

The NEDU has designed, built and validated a hyperbaric environment in order to study cellular behaviour at greater depths in the ocean.

Cmdr. Matthew Swiergosz, the programme officer for ONR's Undersea Medicine Program, said: "This is a huge leap forward in our ability to understand cellular function at pressurised depths. This capability will bridge a gap in our understanding of identifying potential applications for diving operations."

Researchers are using a laboratory technique called patch clamping which involves electrodes being attached to a cell membrane and clamped. Scientists are then able to monitor and record the cell’s electrical activity in a pressurised environment during scuba diving.

Scientists have been trying to find a solution for diving disorders such as decompression sickness and the new patch clamping technique could help address the underlying molecular mechanisms. The method could also help divers within the commercial diving industry who often have to endure great depths to carry out difficult underwater work.

If the results of the studies are successful, the diving world could see a change to the design of diving equipment which would enable divers to travel to greater depths. Scuba diving is becoming an increasingly popular sport as tourists seek thrilling adventure activities during their travels. Before travellers can head off to exotic scuba diving destinations to explore the depths of the underwater world, they will have to become certified scuba divers.

PADI is the worldwide-recognised award for a wide range of scuba diving hotspots. Open water diving courses are amongst the most popular choice for divers looking to explore the thriving ocean waters during scuba diving holidays and professional trips. Many underwater photographers take this course to allow them access into the stunning marine world.

Popular scuba diving destinations include the Caribbean; Florida; Australia’s Great Barrier Reef; Indian Ocean islands including the Maldives and Seychelles; Red Sea resorts such as Egypt, Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada; Malaysia; as well as Italy, Spain and Cyprus in the Mediterranean.