A new Oxford University research study found that Propranolol,
which works to combat high blood pressure, anxiety, migraines,
and a number of heart ailments, affects the same part of the
central nervous system that regulates subconscious attitudes on
race. "Implicit racial bias can occur even in people with a
sincere belief in equality," said Sylvia Terbeck, lead author of
the study, which was published in the journal
Psychopharmacology. "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." Of course, the study is sure to raise concerns both
over its validity and whether we should rely on prescription
medication to regulate behavior, even for positive outcomes. As
Cardiff University School of Psychology's Dr. Chris Chambers
told the Telegraph: "We don't know whether the drug influenced
racial attitudes only or whether it altered implicit