Indian military doctors are studying an 82-year-old yogi, who claims to have survived without food and water for 65 years, local media said.
The study may provide a key to the creation of "supersoldiers," who could live in extreme conditions, the scientists involved in the research said.
Prahlad Jani has been held in a hospital in Ahmedabad, in the westernmost state of Gujarat, since April 22. He is being observed day and night by the scientists from the Defense Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences (DIPAS).
Doctors confirm that the ascetic has not eaten or drunk in the latest eight days. He has not lost weight and seems to be healthy as he gets up from his bed, walks and communicates with other people.
"The most surprising fact is that his kidneys produce urine in small amounts, but he does not pass urine, it simply disappears," Professor Anil Gupta said.
Doctor Sudhir Shah said the study could "help in working out strategies for survival during natural calamities, extreme stressful conditions and extra-terrestrial explorations like future missions to the Moon and the Mars."
The research will last for a week and the scientists will need several months to prepare a report.
NEW DELHI, April 30 (RIA Novosti)
