Blog #17 for HONO1397

 This week’s learning consisted of some wiiild things that are both pretty interesting and incredible but scary and worrisome as well. We got the opportunity to dive into yet another field of work which is the military and we focused on the engineering of products, food items, and the pharmaceutical research industry that is working to keep our troops awake in the battle field.

There are multiple studies that were done to see what sort of chemical or food/drink could keep our military troops alert as much and for as long as possible. It was found that caffeine (duhh) reigned supreme and was added to nearly every food item troops would be given. From apple sauce with caffeine to caffeinated gum and beef jerky, there have been a lot of items which are being manufactured to boost troops wakefulness. Another research is beginning to test out pharmaceuticals that boost endurance by increasing red blood cell productions. There is also pills that help fight off insomnia as well as the effects of it. There is this idea of sleep modification which will give our troops the newly gained ability to not have to sleep more, nearly 2 hours which, was stated that it is the same amount of sleep a giraffe takes on a daily basis. All of these researches that are being put into place, are some among the various other programs that are working towards an advanced superhuman sort of army. 

But the ride doesn’t stop at the physical capabilities of mere men but there is now also the enhancement of it through technological advances of high tech equipment such as exosuits, curving bullets, heat temperature tracking radars which can pinpoint enemies just off of their breath, and so many other gadgets as well. What was first seen in only movies and video games is now finally coming to life, and the feeling of excitement and awe we once felt as kids seeing these awesome gadgets while playing Call Of Duty will probably not be the same emotions we feel when we see them in real life. Behind that breath taking experience will be a subtle breath of worry and fear when we realize the game of war is changing rapidly. Too rapid for our minds to catch up to.