For commandos, it's in the blood

From StrategyPage, new developments in aptitude testing for elite soldiers:

. . . now blood tests of these elite warriors, compared to regular infantrymen, shows that it's all in the blood. More specifically, the elite warriors have highly elevated levels the hormone neuropeptide-Y (or NPY). Not much is known about NPY, although it appears to be a natural relaxant. Produced in the brain and intestine, NPY is also involved with appetite control, heart function and the quality of ones sleep. If you are one of those people who just naturally have a lot of NPY, you tend to be cool under pressure and very capable of handling stress. . .

Another spin off from this research will probably be an attempt to create drugs that will give all soldiers the same advantages. . .

An effective anti-stress pill would be welcomed on the battlefield, for it would increase chances of survival in an often fatal occupation.

Posted by David on November 12, 2003 9:49 AM