WWQP Bulletin Board Chat

EXCITING NEWS

While eating breakfast I perused a recent issue of Science News which is a weekly digest with short articles about the latest developments in science. They are no doubt grossly simplified and talk mainly about conclusions or implications and say a little about method. In the 5/26/07 issue there is an item about the positive effects of Viagra(sildenafil) on recovery from jet lag, at least the west to east leg. The work was done on hamsters and the article doesn't mention the gender of the subjects. By habituating the hamsters to fixed cycle of light and dark, injecting the drug, and then abruptly adjusting the light to dark ratios mimicking the effect of flying from Chicago to London they observed that those receiving the highest dose recovered their normal activity level quickest, lower dose next and finally, those that received the saline placebo recovery was at the rate expected with no medication. The problem as I see it, though, isn't that likely to render the behavior of male passengers socially and legally unacceptable during said flights? Can't you just see the headlines?

TRAVELING SALESMAN ARRESTED FOR MOLESTING AIRLINE
ATTENDANT ON FIGHT FROM CHICAGO TO LONDON

And the defense at trial? The Viagra defense of course. I can see the law journals overflowing with legal analysis of the issues now.

Sorry ladies, I just couldn't help myself.

Jane

posted by Jane in NC @ 8:53 AM