Who’d have thunk it? Yet 27 percent admit to using prescription meds for non-medical reasons, according to a survey of 1,427 people who work at scientific institutions in more than 60 countries that was conducted by Nature. Which meds? Ritalin, the Provigil narcolepsy treatment, or beta blockers, which are used for cardia arrhythmia, but also have an anti-anxiety effect.

The survey was triggered by a recent essay by a pair of behavioral neuroscientists who surveyed their colleagues on the use of drugs that purportedly enhance focus and attention. The survey found that one in five take the drugs to improve concentration, improving focus for a specific task and counteracting jet lag, behind ‘other.’ What as listed as other? partying, housecleaning and “to actually see if there was any validity” to the recent essay.

Equally interesting, usage did not differ greatly across age groups, although 57 percent were 35 years old or younger. In any event, 60 percent say they indulge on a daily or weekly basis. About 80 believe healthy adults should be able to take the drugs if they want. About 70 percent reported they would risk mild side effects. More than a third, by the way, say they would feel pressure to give their children such drugs if they knew other kids at school were also taking them. This may give new meaning to keeping up with the Jones.

In discussing the results, Nature writes that neuroscientist Anjan Chatterjee of the University of Pennsylvania predicts a rise in the use of these drugs and other neuroenhancing products and procedures as they become available. Like the rise in cosmetic surgery, use of cognitive enhancers is likely to increase as bioethical and psychological concerns are overcome and as the meds gain cultural acceptance. One difference, Chatterjee says, is that use of cognitive enhancers doesn’t rely on training of medical specialists such as surgeons. Internet availability will also greatly accelerate use, he says.