I found this article in the NYT very interesting. Is it ethical or fair to take prescription drugs to enhance academic performance. One scientist says a daily regimen of three 20-milligram doses of Adderall transformed his career: Im not talking about being able to work longer hours without sleep (although that helps), the posting said. Im talking about being able to take on twice the responsibility, work twice as fast, write more effectively, manage better, be more attentive, devise better and more creative strategies.

Is this what is required to stay ahead in the competitive world of academic science? The article states academic science is not like sports, but I disagree. People working in highly competitive fields like HIV or cell cycle would probably agree that direct competition and "getting scooped" are everyday realities.

What do you think?

Omai

Here is the link:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/09/weekinreview/09carey.html?pagewanted=1