Mythical, bubble-like scuba suit inspired by underwater bugs

Imagine diving in the ocean while breathing through a bubble enveloping your body -- no tubes, mouthpieces, or bulky oxygen tanks necessary.

This was briefly the vision of Morris Flynn, an assistant professor at the University of Alberta.

During his post-doctoral research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Flynn partnered with his colleague John Bush to study how aquatic insects breathe.They were fascinated by the critters' ability to breathe underwater by forming "plastrons," or bubbles, on their bodies.

When Flynn first embarked upon his research, he toyed with the idea of using his findings to develop a bubble suit that would enable divers to ditch their scuba gear.

He soon realized how implausible such a suit would be, however...[Edmonton Journal]