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And paleo-genetics - of Crocodiles.

According to a recent FBR article British and Japanese researchers have
found the special structure in crocodile hemoglobin that allows them to
stay submerged underwater for hours without drowning.  They have even
transplanted the structure into human hemoglobin in an effort to create
better artificial blood.

Apparently Crocs and related reptiles use a unique physiological method to
hold their breath for long periods.  Bicorbonate ions in their blood attach
themselves to the hemoglobin, allowing the extraction of much more oxygen
than other types of hemoglobin.  Kiyoshi Nagai, of Britain's Medical
Research Center claimed the finding could eventually be applied by the
company Somatogen to engineer artificial human blood.

Wouldn't it be interesting doing a fifteen minute breathhold dive with some
reptile blood pulsing through your veins?  One problem - they would have to
change our California Abalone fishing rules...


Mark L.

"Life is short, art long, opportunity fleeting, experience trecherous, and
judgement difficult." - Hippocrates

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