SCIENTISTS have identified a gene that regulates alcohol consumption which when damaged can make mice drink to excess.
The study found that while normal mice have little or no interest in alcohol, mice with a specific genetic mutation overwhelmingly chose water containing diluted ethanol to make it have roughly the same potency as wine.
They found these mice would even perform tasks to win an alcohol "reward", and would drink so much they became inebriated.
Dr Delia Bedelli, of the University of Dundee, said the findings "may provide new targets for medicines to treat addictions".
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