A new study from researchers at the University of Illinois suggests that some men may be able to think more creatively after consuming alcohol. For the study, the researchers tested 40 adults who consider themselves social drinkers by giving them a few drinks and then testing their ability to solve puzzles and brain teasers.
The test group was given just enough alcohol to be under the legal mark of .08 percent blood alcohol level. Men who had consumed alcohol answered an average of nine questions correctly as compared to six correct questions for men who had not been drinking. The drinkers also answered their questions in an average of 11.5 seconds, compared to 15.2 seconds for non-drinkers.
"We have this assumption, that being able to focus on one part of a problem or having a lot of expertise is better for problem solving," says lead researcher Jennifer Wiley. "But that's not necessarily true. Innovation may happen when people are not so focused."
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June 05, 2026 16:18 ET A busy week for economic news flow saw a slew of reports being released that reflected the trends in the U.S. labor market. In Europe, economic growth and inflation data gained attention as the European Central Bank and Bank of England head for policy session later in the month. In Asia, the monetary policy session of the Indian central bank was in focus as the country, a major oil importer, reels under the pressures of a weaker rupee and rising inflation.