The Sherman Annex on the South Campus houses an unusual piece of research equipment: an annular pool. In an annular pool, the swimmer moves through the water as they would in open water. In place at UB since the 1970s, the annular pool has been part of numerous research projects, including testing of diver thermal-protection systems, respiratory muscle training and the efficiency of small boat motor props. It's currently being used for research looking at human responses to diving in very warm water while wearing the thick diving equipment required for contaminated water. Photo: Douglas Levere