#Diving - Diving with an oxygen tank might soon be a thing of the past thanks to a new material that could allow divers to breathe underwater without bulky gear.

According to Discovery News, the crystalline material is made from cobalt and acts like a sponge, sucking up oxygen from the air - or water - around it and releasing it when needed.

The so-called 'Aquaman crystal' is being researched by scientists at the University of Southern Denmark, who explain that just a few grains of the substance contain enough oxygen for one breath.

"As the material can absorb oxygen from the water around the diver and supply the diver with it, the diver will not need to bring more than these few grains," said Prof Christine McKenzie.

But the revolutionary new material has applications beyond diving, such as in medicine for patients who require oxygen tanks to assist their breathing.

Discovery News has more on the story HERE.