In an extraordinary scientific experiment off the Florida Keys, a Florida man spent 100 consecutive days living 30 feet beneath the surface of the ocean inside a pressurized underwater pod — and returned with results that have drawn global attention.

Joseph Dituri, widely known as “Dr Deep,” completed the mission in 2023 while living inside an underwater habitat located in a lagoon in Key Largo. The project was designed to study how the human body and mind respond to prolonged exposure to an extreme, isolated and high-pressure environment.

During the mission, Dituri remained almost entirely submerged, carrying out daily scientific work, communicating remotely with research teams, and following a tightly controlled schedule designed to simulate long-duration missions in hostile environments.

The feat earned Dituri a Guinness World Record at the time for the longest period spent living underwater without depressurization.

After returning to land, Dituri underwent a series of medical and cognitive tests to assess how the unusual conditions had affected his body. The results, according to the research team, showed several unexpected improvements.

Medical examinations indicated lower cholesterol levels, reduced markers of inflammation, and noticeable improvements in focus and sleep quality. Dituri also reported stronger concentration and improved mental clarity following the mission.

One of the most striking findings involved cellular analysis. Dituri said that tests suggested his cells appeared biologically younger than before the experiment. He described the outcome as a “life glitch,” comparing the changes to a form of temporary de-aging rather than simple recovery from stress.

Researchers involved in the project cautioned that the results do not suggest living underwater is a shortcut to improved health. However, they stressed that the data provides valuable insight into how controlled pressure, isolation, structured routines and environmental stability may influence human physiology.