Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Study Paves Way for 'Entrepreneur Pill'

Start-up bosses seen to make tough calls under stress; researchers see hormone link

By Ambreen Ali, Newser User

Posted Nov 13, 2008 10:59 AM CST

(Newser) – A study that links entrepreneurial success to risky decision-making, a trait less prevalent among buttoned-up business managers, has scientists pondering whether a pill could boost enterprising behavior. Riskiness is associated with the hormone dopamine, which could inject chutzpah into hesitant managers, the Telegraph reports. Critics doubt chemicals are solely responsible, pointing out that older entrepreneurs—whose dopamine is depleting—remain risk-takers.

[Images (1)]

[Quotes (1)]

Entrepreneurs seem more content to take risks than business managers. (Shutter stock)

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

This study has shown that not all risk-taking is disadvantageous, particularly when combined with enhanced flexible problem solving. ... An essential part of the entrepreneurial process. - Barbara Sahakian, lead study author

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

To report an error on this story, notify our editors.

More Newser Stories

Reckless Teens Have More Mature Brains

Study links risky behavior to a better crop of white matter

(NEWSER) - Conventional wisdom says that teens who experiment with drugs, sex, and other risky behaviors do so because their brains—specifically the frontal-lobe areas responsible for decision making—are immature. But a new study turns that notion upside down, suggesting that risky teens have more mature brains than teens who play it safe, reports Time. More»

Corporate America Tries to Chip Away at Lawyer Bills

With first $1B legal charge on horizon, companies create new fee structure

(NEWSER) - With corporate legal fees skyrocketing to unprecedented heights—the median amount big companies forked over per outside lawyer in 2007 was more than $600,000—firms are moving to exert some measure of control, Portfolio reports. Some of America’s biggest businesses are taking dramatic steps, like trading long-term agreements for lower fees or creating entirely new billing systems. More»

Energy Drinks Linked to Risk-Taking

Two studies find increased incidence of risky sexual behavior, binge drinking

(NEWSER) - Beside nausea and stomach trouble, there’s a new reason to be concerned when you see your teen slamming four Red Bulls in an afternoon, the New York Times reports: risky behavior. A study in the Journal of American College Health links use of energy drinks with risky behavior such as violence, unprotected sex and binge drinking. More»

NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS

What is Newser?

Face it: there's too much news. At Newser, we choose the most thought-provoking and entertaining stories from hundreds of US and international sources and reduce them to a headline, picture, and two paragraphs. And we do it 24/7—you can come back morning, noon, night (and in between) for something new that matters. Read less, know more.

Learn more »

Partnering with: Slate

View Newser on the mobile website

Study Paves Way for 'Entrepreneur Pill'