Nanowire array to stop soldiers freezing

Winter has never been the soldier's friend. In ancient times, wars were only fought between spring and autumn; and in campaigns from Napoleon's time onwards, the onset of winter has precipitated catastrophic defeat. At this week’s American Chemical Society meeting, researchers from Stanford University have unveiled a new system which, they believe, will help keep soldiers toasty in even the most arctic conditions.

Most of the US Army's winter gear was designed over 30 years ago, so soldiers often opt to buy winter gloves from outdoor gear retailers. But even this isn't warm enough for paratroopers falling through freezing conditions and landing in cold weather, said researcher Dr Paolo D’Angelo of Stanford’s chemistry department. "That's problematic if soldiers have to operate weapons as soon as they land," he said. "So we want to pursue this fundamental research to see if we can modify hand wear for that extreme cold weather." The team, led by Dr Yi Cui, is working on a system which, unlike conventional insulated clothing, will heat quickly without causing overheating and sweating upon exertion.