Âé¶¹´«Ã½

Life

Harnessing science to create the ultimate warrior

By Linda Geddes

20 May 2009

Âé¶¹´«Ã½. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

Ready for battle? Battalions of super-soldiers could result from the US army’s relationship with novel neurotechnology research

(Image: Richard Mattox / US Army)

Editorial: Is this the dawn of the super-soldier?

BATALLIONS of super-soldiers could be selected for specific duties on the basis of their genetic make-up and then constantly monitored for signs of weakness. So says a report by the US National Academies of Science (NAS).

If a soldier is struggling, a digital “buddy” might step in and warn them about nearby threats, or advise comrades to zap them with an electromagnet to increase their alertness. If…

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