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 12, 2026 17:14 ET Major central bank action was the focus this week in economic news. The European Central Bank became the first major central bank to move in response to the rising inflationary pressures in the backdrop of the conflict in the Middle East. In North America, the U.S. inflation and trade data as well as Canada’s central bank decision gained attention. The Chinese trade data was the main news in Asia.