Explore Topics:
AIBiotechnologyRoboticsComputingFutureScienceSpaceEnergyTech

TEDMED 2009 David Blaine Holds His Breath for 17 minutes (Video)

Aaron Saenz
Jan 26, 2010
david blaine at tedmed 2009

Share

david blaine at tedmed 2009

I'm a big TEDMED fan, so it seems like magic that the videos of the latest conference are starting to go live on their website for free. The first video available was also a little magical, it's the presentation by David Blaine about his attempt to beat the record for holding one's breath underwater. Now, considering the serious and groundbreaking nature of most of the TEDMED presentations, I was a little disappointed that the first video available wasn't from a major scientific mind. Still, after watching all twenty minutes of Blaine's talk I was really impressed with the scale of his attempt. Officially, I'm still skeptical whether or not he really did what he said or if it was an illusion. Judge for yourself by watching the full presentation after the break.

If you don't have 20 minutes, here are some highlights followed by the video:
4:54 - Blaine discusses several possible ways to perform an illusion instead of really holding his breath. Includes a very graphic image of a re-breathing apparatus.
9:10 - Blaine claims that he dropped his heart rate to 38 bpm.
10:30 - His attempt and failure at Lincoln Center.
12:10 - Using a low-oxygen tent to raise blood cell count.
13:40 - Using magic tricks to get the attention of the New York Times and reputable Science Times coverage.
15:30 - Blaine claims that he can get his heart rate to 12 bpm while holding his breath.
16:45 - Descriptions of the effects of holding one's breath for more than ten minutes.
19:30 - Facing skepticism at the Apple Store.

Be Part of the Future

Sign up to receive top stories about groundbreaking technologies and visionary thinkers from SingularityHub.

100% Free. No Spam. Unsubscribe any time.

Again, I'm not sure Blaine actually held his breath for that long (I've watched too much of Magic's Biggest Secrets Finally Revealed) but I am sure that TEDMED is a great forum for all sorts of advancements in medical technology. Sure this video is about entertainment (and maybe personal triumph) but that's probably just to get people to come to the YouTube channel. Once TEDMED hooks you with the fun talks, you'll stick around for the enlightening ones. I can't wait to see what other videos will be coming out next.

[screen capture and video credit: TEDMED]

Related Articles

A digital render of a reflection like black and white interference pattern

This Week’s Awesome Tech Stories From Around the Web (Through February 15)

SingularityHub Staff
Miniaturized CRISPR Packs a Mighty Gene Editing Punch

Miniaturized CRISPR Packs a Mighty Gene Editing Punch

Shelly Fan
Lightning strike spreads across a stormy sky

DeepSeek Crashed Energy Stocks. Here’s Why It Shouldn’t Have.

Vanessa Bates Ramirez
A digital render of a reflection like black and white interference pattern

This Week’s Awesome Tech Stories From Around the Web (Through February 15)

SingularityHub Staff
Miniaturized CRISPR Packs a Mighty Gene Editing Punch
Biotechnology

Miniaturized CRISPR Packs a Mighty Gene Editing Punch

Shelly Fan
Lightning strike spreads across a stormy sky
Energy

DeepSeek Crashed Energy Stocks. Here’s Why It Shouldn’t Have.

Vanessa Bates Ramirez

What we’re reading

Be Part of the Future

Sign up to receive top stories about groundbreaking technologies and visionary thinkers from SingularityHub.

100% Free. No Spam. Unsubscribe any time.

SingularityHub chronicles the technological frontier with coverage of the breakthroughs, players, and issues shaping the future.

Follow Us On Social

About

  • About Hub
  • About Singularity

Get in Touch

  • Contact Us
  • Pitch Us
  • Brand Partnerships

Legal

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
© 2025 Singularity