Grunt

Science writer Mary Roach made a name for herself by examining the hidden, the unappreciated and the forbiddingly unappetizing. For this report, she embedded herself in obscure US Army research labs to learn seemingly mundane yet potentially lifesaving particulars of military science. Roach grants readers an overview of – and appreciation for – the enormous efforts military scientists expend in keeping soldiers alive and well.

Uniform Fabrics 

The US Army Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center comprises specialized laboratories that develop and test “everything a soldier wears, eats, sleeps on or lives in.” Researchers weigh the advantages of potential fabrics for uniforms. Nomex, a flame-resistant material, gives tank and air crews a potentially lifesaving five seconds to take off their clothing before it ignites. Polyester is cheap and strong, but melts and sticks to surfaces, including burn wounds.