* Illustration: Marc Johns * 1 // They can take you "down" to 164 feet.
When scuba divers ascend too fast, nitrogen and other inert gases accumulated in their blood and tissues (from breathing compressed air) can form bubbles, causing "the bends"—anything from joint pain to paralysis. Hyperbaric chambers re-create the underwater pressure so that the body reabsorbs the bubbles; the excess gas can then be exhaled as the pressure inside the chamber is slowly reduced.
2 // They might help autistic kids.A new study suggests that hyperbaric treatment improves language, eye contact, and social interaction. The authors think that it works by reducing brain inflammation and boosting blood flow.
3 // They're popular with the pros.
Yankees pitcher Brian Bruney traveled with one this season. Bills receiver Terrell Owens keeps one at home. And UFC fighter Rich Franklin sleeps in one. The higher air pressure in the chamber allows more oxygen to dissolve into the blood, which some athletes believe helps them recover faster.
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