SCIENCE: Science May Soon Give Us Pills That Make Us Exercise. “Swiss researchers have discovered that elevating the amount of erythropoietin, a hormone more commonly known as epo, in the brains of mice led them to be more active. What’s more, it did so without causing the erythropoiesis, or elevated red blood cell counts, that typically occurs when epo is used to boost performance. . . . The discovery raises the possibility of creating a drug that would help people achieve healthier lifestyles and chip away at an epidemic of obesity caused in part by the fact we get half as much exercise as we should. Beyond that, any drugs derived from the research could be used to treat mental illnesses where physical activity is known to improve mood and behavior.”