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Australian researchers test shark bite-resistant wetsuit
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Bonnethead shark with silhouette of scuba diver in beautiful deep water blue. (Shutterstock/File)
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n Australian university is testing new materials designed to lessen the impact of shark bites, researchers said yesterday, in a project aimed at reducing fatalities and easing the nerves of swimmers.
Researchers at Flinders University in Adelaide have received government funding to test a new neoprene – a synthetic rubber commonly used in wetsuits – against the force of a bite from several species, including the great white shark.
The new material aims to reduce cuts and punctures from a shark attack, thus lessening blood loss for victims.
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“We are cognisant that it will not prevent all injuries as it will not prevent fractures or crushing injuries,” associate professor Charlie Huveneers told AFP.
“However, most shark-bite fatalities are due to blood loss, and the ability to reduce such blood loss along with rapid emergency responses will hopefully decrease fatalities and injuries due to shark bites.”
