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
