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flag Doctors test "butt breathing" — oxygen delivery via rectal enema — as a potential ventilator alternative, showing promise in early trials.

flag Doctors are testing a new method called "butt breathing" that delivers oxygen through the rectum using an oxygen-rich enema, inspired by animals that absorb oxygen through their digestive tracts. flag Developed by Dr. Takanori Takebe, the technique aims to provide a less invasive alternative to ventilators for patients with severe respiratory issues. flag Early trials in mice and pigs showed increased oxygen levels, and initial human tests on 27 Japanese men found the procedure tolerable with only mild discomfort. flag The research earned the 2024 Ig Nobel Prize, and further studies will determine if oxygen actually enters the bloodstream. flag If successful, it could serve as a temporary lifeline during critical moments before traditional ventilation is possible.

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