"The impact of these drugs is as yet "modest," says Mr Cakic, but more potent versions are in the pipeline. "The possibility of purchasing 'smartness in a bottle' is likely to have broad appeal to students" seeking to gain an advantage in an increasingly competitive world, says Mr Cakic."

" "When I first did my survey in 1983, I was shocked to see that out of 198 world-class athletes, 52 percent would be willing to give up their life for five years of an undefeated run of wins," Goldman told Reuters. "I have since repeated the survey a number of times and the number comes out about the same, which is shocking in that some of the athletes are only 16 years old. To be willing to die at 21 is a serious psychological mindset that must be addressed." "

""Cognitive enhancement" for willing adults is undeniably appealing; so are superpowers and Batmobiles. Let's at least hope that deeper and broader discussions will spread a note of caution and common sense. Fantasies are no basis for public policy."

" We should welcome with open arms the rich possibilities of technologically enhancing our bodies. Just so long as we don't all end up looking, and thinking, and acting the same "

" The European Parliament is set to debate issues surrounding smart drugs, cybernetic body enhancements, cosmetic surgery and more over the coming months to "establish an advisory committee on all aspects of human enhancement, the first committee of its kind." "

"Though a majority said that such drugs should not be made available to children who had no diagnosed medical condition, a third admitted that they would feel pressure to give “smart drugs” to their kids if they learned that other parents were doing so. Such competitive anxieties are already being felt in the workplace."

"Society must respond to the growing demand for cognitive enhancement. That response must start by rejecting the idea that 'enhancement' is a dirty word, argue Henry Greely and colleagues."

"The authors seem to have an unrealistic view about the role and prominence of competition in college. ... Increasing numbers of students are going to graduate school, and it is not uncommon for top programs to admit fewer than 10% of their applicants. Competition for plumb jobs is equally fierce, and the current economic downturn is only making matters worse."

"In this article, we propose actions that will help society accept the benefits of enhancement, given appropriate research and evolved regulation. Prescription drugs are regulated as such not for their enhancing properties but primarily for considerations of safety and potential abuse. Still, cognitive enhancement has much to offer individuals and society, and a proper societal response will involve making enhancements available while managing their risks."

"Now a report entitled "When the Boss Turns Pusher" in last month's issue of the Journal of Medical Ethics warns that some employers may soon pressure workers to take brain boosters as a way to improve their performance. The report argues legislation is urgently needed to protect workers' rights before the practice of healthy people using smart drugs becomes more common."