News Genetics

Rats offer clues to biology of alcoholism

Hundreds of genes involved in drinking preferences, study finds

rat in a wine glass

DRAWN TO DRINK  A study of rats that drink heavily reveals that hundreds of genes may be involved in alcoholism.

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By Tina Hesman Saey

- More than 2 years ago

Alcoholism may stem from using genes incorrectly, a study of hard-drinking rats suggests.

Rats bred either to drink heavily or to shun alcohol have revealed 930 genes linked to a preference for drinking alcohol, researchers in Indiana report August 4 in PLOS Genetics.