THE DOLPHIN AND MARINE MEDICAL

RESEARCH FOUNDATION

Elizabeth M. Smart, PA-C, MMS Assistant Professor of Medicine Nova Southeastern University

There are ongoing studies being conducted involving dolphin-human interaction. Our foundation is attempting to approach this biological research from several different viewpoints. The intent is to try to understand and possibly explain the remarkable attraction between the dolphins and human beings and attempt to document if the human body is indeed undergoing a physiological change which may or may not be due to a pyschological response.

This study involved 20 children and their parents, 40 adults, over an 8 week period of time. The primary study was to note the interaction and bonding patterns between the parents and the children after a limited amount of time in the water with Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins. All of the participants' blood pressures were monitored before and after each swim and throughout the entire 8 week study.

This investigation will attempt to interpret the data received from the adults as well as the children who have diagnosed medical and psychological conditions.

This data will also be compared to serum hormone studies previously presented and explain the relationship between the data and why the human body may be reacting the way it does.

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