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 …