Is there a way to use the hydrogen in the human body?

In summary, this question is up in the air and would need a lot more research in order to be feasible.
  • #1
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TL;DR Summary
Exploration of a real scientific fact for speculations on the future
I recently read that there is enough hydrogen in the human body to lift 195 lbs off the ground. I know this sounds super-silly but if we ever develop nanites; could they manipulate the hydrogen and allow us to float?
 
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  • #2
Turns out all of that Hydrogen is useful where it is now. My vote would be to leave ALL of my hydrogen alone, regardless of your new Sci-Fi technology.
 
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  • #3
Hydrogen in the form of ions (AKA protons) are deeply involved in cellular energy metabolism.
Without them, you would probably die.
 
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  • #4
The body is ~60% water (H20), so it is probably not a good idea.
 
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  • #5
Maximum7 said:
TL;DR Summary: Exploration of a real scientific fact for speculations on the future

nanites; could they manipulate the hydrogen and allow us to float?
By what mechanism, or physical phenomenon?

Right now, the hydrogen in our bodies is in the form of water, amino acids (proteins), DNA, RNA, and a host of other organic compounds, e.g., ATP, hemoglobin, . . . .

It would be best to use hydrogen gas outside the body in order to float, as in a hydrogen blimp or balloon, perhaps with some He, or one could construct an ultralight flying suit and a propulsion system.
 
  • #6
Maximum7 said:
TL;DR Summary: Exploration of a real scientific fact for speculations on the future

I recently read that there is enough hydrogen in the human body to lift 195 lbs off the ground. I know this sounds super-silly but if we ever develop nanites; could they manipulate the hydrogen and allow us to float?
A truly original conception.
 
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  • #7
Maximum7 said:
if we ever develop nanites; could they manipulate the hydrogen and allow us to float?
Alternatively, get a set of water wings:

1667198509793.png
 
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  • #8
Is that what I saw at the end of Logan's Run?

Yea, sorry for that clip. The movie sucks, as I'm sure you could tell.
 
  • #9
DaveE said:
Is that what I saw at the end of Logan's Run?

Yea, sorry for that clip. The movie sucks, as I'm sure you could tell.
I loved that film.
 
  • #10
"Using" the hydrogen will be a destructive process - it would annihilate the body in the process of tearing all the molecules apart.

So why stop with just the hydrogen? It seems that the nutritional value of the human body is about 125,000kcals - which is 125 million calories if you burn it.

You could lift a lot more than 195 lbs. - but only once.
 
  • #11
Maximum7 said:
TL;DR Summary: Exploration of a real scientific fact for speculations on the future

I recently read that there is enough hydrogen in the human body to lift 195 lbs off the ground. I know this sounds super-silly but if we ever develop nanites; could they manipulate the hydrogen and allow us to float?
I absolutely love this question😂 but I don’t think it would be possible in our lifetime or receive enough research into, if we did find a way what would the benefits be?? And even more so what would the negative effects be?
 
  • #12
PhysicsInterest said:
And even more so what would the negative effects be?
1674694286161.png
 
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1. What is the role of hydrogen in the human body?

Hydrogen plays a crucial role in the human body as it is a key component of water, which makes up around 60% of our body weight. It is also involved in many important biological processes such as energy production, metabolism, and maintaining the body's pH balance.

2. Can hydrogen be used as a source of energy in the human body?

Yes, hydrogen can be used as a source of energy in the human body. When hydrogen is combined with oxygen in a process called cellular respiration, it produces ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is the primary energy currency of our cells.

3. How does the body obtain hydrogen?

The body can obtain hydrogen through the consumption of foods and beverages that contain hydrogen, such as water and certain fruits and vegetables. Hydrogen is also produced in the gut through the fermentation of dietary fiber by bacteria.

4. Is there a way to increase the amount of hydrogen in the body?

Yes, there are several ways to increase the amount of hydrogen in the body. One way is through drinking hydrogen-rich water, which has been shown to have potential health benefits. Another way is by consuming a diet rich in foods that contain hydrogen, such as fruits, vegetables, and legumes.

5. Are there any risks associated with increasing hydrogen levels in the body?

Currently, there are no known risks associated with increasing hydrogen levels in the body through natural means such as diet or drinking hydrogen-rich water. However, more research is needed to fully understand the potential effects of high hydrogen levels and any potential risks that may come with it.

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