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To support the free and open dissemination of research findings and information on alcoholism and alcohol-related problems. To encourage open access to peer-reviewed articles free for all to view.

For full versions of posted research articles readers are encouraged to email requests for "electronic reprints" (text file, PDF files, FAX copies) to the corresponding or lead author, who is highlighted in the posting.

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Friday, November 25, 2011

Specific gene tied to abuse of alcohol


Using a pattern of brain waves associated with risk of alcoholism, Texas Biomed researchers and others have identified a gene linked to serotonin, a chemical messenger that plays a role in depression.

By starting with brain waves measured in people given specific tasks — known as event related brain oscillations — researchers first identified patterns common to those at risk of alcohol dependence. “These event-related oscillations are measures of brain activity, and have been shown to be different between people with alcoholism and a random person off the street,” said Laura Almasy, Ph.D., a geneticist at Texas Biomed. “But an important point is that they’ve also been shown to be different in children of alcoholics. These differences in brain activity are not a consequence of someone’s drinking. They’re there beforehand.” > > > > Read More