Can a Pill Cure Racism?

A popular blood pressure pill Propranolol could possibly be the solution to racism.

There is clinical evidence to show that taking 40 milligrams of the drug significantly lowers “subtle and spontaneous biased behavior” against people of other races, as measured by the Harvard University Implicit Association Test.

Propranolol is beta-blocker that also prescribed to treat anxiety and panic. Researchers of the study are not sure if the improved racial attitudes comes simply because of the subjects' heart rate being slowed down or if it actually affects their brain chemistry.

“Implicit racial bias can occur even in people with a sincere belief in equality,” said Oxford University professor Sylvia Terbeck, lead author of the study. “Given the key role that such implicit attitudes appear to play in discrimination against other ethnic groups, and the widespread use of Propranolol for medical purposes, our findings are also of considerable ethical interest.”

This drug's name sounds so close to 'propofol' doesn't it? Propofol is what Michael Jackson had too much of when he died. I think I want to steer clear of any drugs that start with 'pro' anything.

[via Yahoo]