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Scientists Produce Fearless Mice
Dotnaught writes "According to New Scientist, a Rutgers University geneticist has found that turning off a specific gene for the protein stathmin makes mice fearless. The story speculates that this research might improve treatment for phobias. It does not mention obvious military applications for the discovery. As noted in this Naval Officer's guide for managing fatigue, the use of amphetamines to stay alert, followed by sedatives to sleep, has a long tradition. Genetic treatments may offer an alternative to pharmaceuticals."
That's because there is no military applications. You don't want the soldiers to become fearless, because if they do, they might say: "This war is wrong. I used to be too afraid to do anything about it, but now I suddenly feel fearless, and will get the heck away from here !" Basically, fearless soldiers will refuse to obey when given orders that they think are wrong, and cannot be forced to obey by fear of punishment.
What you want is soldiers that are more afraid of their commanding officers than the enemy; that way they'll follow orders.
Forget magic. Any technology distinguishable from divine power is insufficiently advanced.
We've got a 25 yr old Mexican Red-headed parrot that's a holy terror. He's not big, a little larger than a cockatiel, but he's a mean bastard. The thing loves my wife, gets all cudly and shit, but anyone else that comes near the cage, and he's out trying to tear you apart. Took a chunk out of the cat once, and the cat won't go near that room anymore.