Scientists create crystal which would allow us to breathe underwater

[Thomas the Tank Engine]

 

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Being able to breathe underwater has long been a fascination for mankind, but the bulky oxygen tanks and face masks take some of the romance out of it.

 

They could soon no longer be needed however, thanks to the creation of the "Aquaman Crystal", or to use its proper name, "[{(bpbp)Co2II(NO3)}2(NH2bdc)](NO3)2 * 2H2O".

 

Just a spoonful of the crystal can absorb all the oxygen from a room.

 

The material is able to store the gas at a much higher concentration than oxygen tanks, meaning it would be far smaller and lighter to carry, and can slowly release oxygen when put under a small amount of heat.

 

Professor Christine McKenzie said the crystal could be valuable for lung cancer patients who must carry heavy tanks around with them, but "also divers may one day be able to leave the oxygen tanks at home and instead get oxygen from this material as it 'filters' and concentrates oxygen from surrounding air or water."

 

"A few grains contain enough oxygen for one breath, and as the material can absorb oxygen from the water around the diver and supply the diver with it, the diver will not need to bring more than these few grains," she added.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/scientists-create-crystal-which-could-allow-us-to-breathe-underwater-9772871.html

[FunkyMike]

 

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Update: A representative for Syddansk University has issued a revised estimate of the compound's efficiency. They told Vice in a statement: "I am just updating our story on our website, because it turns out that Prf McKenzie made a calculation error. Pls note that it is not a SPOONFUL of this stuff, that we need to rid a room of oxygen. It is a bucket (10 litres). We apologize."

 

 

[xrobwx71]

Very interesting. 

[George P Global Moderator]

Still pretty cool, if it can keep absorbing and then releasing air from the water you're in then you can keep going pretty much forever, unless there's a limit to how long it takes/works?

[Jason S. Global Moderator]

absolutely amazing!

[JustGeorge]

What would be cool is if they could bypass the lungs and oxygenate the blood directly.

 

[Unobscured Vision]

I have some questions about this stuff. Like "using it in a room with no ventilation", for starters. "Is it dangerous for people, animals, etc" kind of questions.

 

Sorry but I see this being weaponized, if anything. Call me a bit cynical, but that's the first thing that hit me while reading about it. Loads of uses, sure -- but it's got some nasty, nasty potential.

[Obi-Wan Kenobi]

oh man, HAHAHAHAHA!!!! calculation error? I know from previous life lessons...to ALWAYS rework the equations to see if there might have been a mistake. Thanks, neowin, I needed that laugh. XD *slips back under rock*.....