Since a mechanical ventilator, in the form of negative-pressure ventilation, first appeared 200 years ago, there have been limited innovations on improving respiratory functions. Inspired by loaches and other organisms that utilize intestinal air breathing, the research team at the Takebe Lab demonstrated the effectiveness of an enteral ventilation approach in attaining systemic oxygenation in both rodent and porcine models. The intra-rectal delivery of a liquid form of O₂ (oxygen) with perfluorocarbon was very well tolerated and efficacious in ameliorating severe respiratory failure. Perfluorocarbon is a compound well-established for use in clinics for liquid ventilation through airway administration.