Originally posted by Nans DESMICHELS
I don't know if you know this legend about military researchs on DNA, but there was a rumor related about research of a "soldier gene" or "agressivity gene". Is anybody have informations on this ?

Thousands of army recruits will be used in medical experiments to discover the genes responsible for physical excellence, paving the way for new methods of selecting elite soldiers according to The Sunday Times Defence correspondent Hugh McManners (October 5).

An army source told the Sunday Times that genetic testing could soon be used to pinpoint candidates for the SAS or other special forces. "If this research produces results, we would like to be able to identify people with the potential to be in special forces" he said.

Several hundred recruits have volunteered for the programme which is being co-ordinated by civilian scientists at the army's infantry training depot at Bassingbourn, Cambridgeshire. At the start of their basic training, each soldier gives saliva samples to researchers from which DNA, or genetic material, is extracted. During their 12 week training they undergo detailed exercise tests and brain and body scans to assess aerobic fitness and muscle development.

Using conventional measurements of physical fitness, researchers have found that individual recruits respond differently to the army's tough basic training course, despite their regimented lifestyle.

In each batch of recruits, researchers have discovered that most make a 10% improvement in their during basic training. Others, who they label "non-responders" make little or no improvement. But a smaller group of "super" recruits improve their fitness by 20% and more.