Research by the Divers Alert Network
The international medical organisation Divers Alert Network (DAN) will also be following Lloyd Godson's attempt with a scientific study.
About DAN Europe
DAN is one of the largest organisations in the world that carries out investigations in the area of recreational diving. The aim of the research is to increase the safety of recreational diving. Any findings that are gained benefit the entire diving community. The scientists at DAN have already conducted fundamental studies on the influence of age on diving health and have published medical recommendations for divers with insulin-dependent diabetes.
The investigations carried out by DAN are carried out with the support of normal divers. They precisely record every dive using scientifically correct methods and send them to a worldwide database where they are scientifically analysed. The data obtained provides the basis for further investigations, such as the one being conducted by Lloyd Godson and his underwater house in LEGOLAND® Deutschland.
The scientific study
The scientists at DAN are extremely interested in Lloyd Godson's physiological changes. They want to take an in-depth look at his blood circulation. Due to the restricted freedom of movement in the house, Lloyd Godson's blood circulation may be reduced. Too much or too little air humidity can also have an effect on the viscosity of the liquids in his body. As the air supply in the underwater house will be taken care of by compressors, this means that there will only be a very low level of humidity. This in turn can cause his blood to thicken. Should that happen, it could have significant consequences for longer stays under water. Aquanauts would be exposed to risks such as strokes, embolisms or thrombosis. The DAN scientists can detect possible effects on the fluids in the body based on changes in the body's resistance. They will be testing this with the help of a multi-frequency ohmmeter and will also be using a double sonar to detect whether small gas bubbles have formed in his blood.
From previous studies it is known that a minimal lack of oxygen, as can occur in artificial habitats, leads to an increased production of erythropoetin. This hormone is important for blood production as it stimulates the formation of red blood cells. A longer period of time underwater would lead to an increased level of blood cells, which could be proven by a higher haemoglobin value. A comparable effect occurs with a long period of time at great altitudes. The body compensates for the lack of oxygen through more blood cells which balances this out.
However, there are still no findings about the effects that a higher level of oxygen, which could likewise be possible in Lloyd Godson's habitat, would have on the haemoglobin value. Lloyd's haemoglobin value will therefore be measured before and after his time in the underwater house.
