As troops age, Army tries creepy DNA changes, red wine and naked mole rats to keep ‘em young – Hmm, why not just end war?
Top soldiers age, losing their speed and brain power. Leave it to our military to mess with Mother Nature, trying to alter soldiers into SUPER SOLDIERS… And the antidote to aging? Perhaps a combo of red wine and naked mole rats. LOLZ.
WIRED Magazine reports:
the military has tried before to build stronger, longer-lasting soldiers. But, as they point out in their latest request for research proposals, spinach and sit-ups will only get you so far: “At present, individuals attempt to counter their mitochondrial decline with frequent exercise and antioxidants, both of which are crude methods with limited effectiveness.” Now, the army wants to get right to the source, and keep aging soldiers fit for duty with “a more precise methodology to stimulate mitochondrial energy production.” Military researchers liken the process to “replacing zinc carbon batteries with silver oxide batteries – more energy production capacity will enable the warfighter to sustain demanding cognitive or physical activities longer.”
That supercharging could be closer than we think, if the military can combine the potential of resveratrol with the power of the mole rat. In February, biochemists at the University of Texas Science Center expanded the mitochondrial theory, based on a study of the unbreakable proteins in mole rats, who outlive lab mice by around 20 years. Their work suggests that efficient mitochondria and resilient proteins may work in tandem to promote longevity. Scientists are now trying to determine the “protein protectant” that keeps the rats so darn frisky.
How about Global Peace? Then we wouldn’t have to jerry-rig our soldiers’ health…
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