February 4, 2019
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Scientists are working on a 'shark-proof' swimsuit to save people from life-threatening injuries
Australian scientists are working on a revolutionary new wetsuit to protect people from fatal shark attacks.
Experts at Flinders University, Adelaide, are busy developing a prototype made from strong synthetic fibers, similar to those found in bullet-proof vests. Although it couldn't withstand the force of the predator's jaw, it may help limit tissue damage and reduce blood-loss, which often causes death.
The ambitious project has been supported with a $90,000 government grant.
Charlie Huveneers, associate professor at Flinders University, told 9News :'The majority of fatalities from shark bites is due to blood loss, or the shock from blood loss. We want new technologies, a new way of doing business when it comes to interacting with sharks. If we can reduce that blood loss from minimising injury, and with rapid emergency responses, we can hopefully increase the survival rate of people being bitten by sharks.'
Testing of the material is due to start later this year in a common shark hotspot off the Spencer Gulf, west of Adelaide.
A Great White Shark exerts roughly 4,000 pounds of force through its jaws via 50 razor-sharp teeth, making a suit fit to withstand this is an engineering feat.
Despite tens of millions of trips to the beach taken in Australia every year, shark attacks are extremely rare, but each incident sets off public debate about beach safety. There were 27 shark attacks in Australian waters last year, according to data compiled by Sydney's Taronga Zoo, including one fatal incident in popular tourist destination Whitsunday Islands, near the Great Barrier Reef. Many experts point to the increased number of people going into the water as a reason for any increase in attacks.
Extracted from: www.dailymail.co.uk
