A recent claim that a single gene predisposes some people to alcoholism was apparently wrong, scientists said this week.
Two new studies -- involving larger groups of people and using different research techniques -- have found no association between the suspect gene and alcoholism.
"The finding is not reproduced," said Dr. David Goldman, chief of the genetics section at the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism in Maryland. "We looked at 40 alcoholics, a large number of controls, over a hundred, and two families," and found no link between the gene and alcoholism.