Pharmacy Daily | Dispensary Corner 15 May 14

BEER goggles are real - science. Speaking of important health (or social) research...apparently, beer goggles really do exist. For those not in the know, that means drinking alcohol makes members of the opposite sex seem more attractive. Researchers at Bristol University’s Tobacco and Alcohol Research Group had volunteers drink an alcoholic or placebo drink and then showed them images of 20 male faces, 20 female and 20 landscapes, the Telegraph reported. Apparently, attractiveness ratings were higher for all three image types in the alcohol group - so we guess landscapes get pretty cute after a few drinks too? WHOOPS... Continuing the research bent and onto more important stuff, Bristol University said Dr Benoit Pelopidas of its Global Insecurities Centre co-authored a report which found that there had been at least 13 potentially catastrophic cases of near-use of nuclear weapons worldwide since 1962. Yep, you read that right - the report from the Royal Institute of International Affairs Chatham House said the “disturbing close calls” included miscommunications, a faulty computer chip and an exercise scenario tape which was mistaken for reality. The research paper is a fascinating read and includes examples of worrying nuclear slip ups including the French president leaving the launch codes at home in a dirty suit, reports that Jimmy Carter sent launch codes in a suit to the dry cleaner and concern about “the drinking habits and use of psychotropic substances by heads of state with the authority to launch a nuclear strike, such as Richard Nixon.” Gulp - to read the paper, CLICK HERE.

---

The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 15 May 14
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 15 May 14