University of Texas gets 5 Million Dollar Grant to search for the Bill Wilson "Alcoholic" gene DNA sequence

Although this endowment of 5 million dollars to the University of Texas by J. Virgil and M. June Waggoner through the Waggoners Foundation in 1997 did not produce any traces of the Alcoholic gene DNA sequence, it does show that funds are available for this research in the DNA labeling of the Alcoholic in the Texas University system and that this money can be found. It just takes the right AA members to solicit the right person to get a grant to further the the search for the Bill Wilson Alcoholic DNA gene sequence to aid the Hazelden Foundation in identifying and cataloging the lifetime customers they want at birth.

Alcoholism Research and the Genetic Equation
Alcoholism has plagued human societies since ancient times. Long misunderstood as a moral or social problem, it was recognized in the 20th century as a disease. More recently, accumulating evidence from molecular biology and population studies has taught us that this disease has a genetic basis. A major gift to The University of Texas at Austin seeks to clarify that genetic basis at the molecular level.

In September 1997, J. Virgil and M. June Waggoner began funding a $5 million pledge from their Waggoners Foundation to establish an alcoholism research program in the Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology. This generous contribution will establish an endowed chair and two professorships, as well as a permanent endowment for the research initiative. To augment established alcoholism-related programs at The University, UT will seek to match the Waggoners' gift through fundraising from private sources during the Capital Campaign.

Read More: http://txtell.lib.utexas.edu/stories/a0001-full.html

becket's picture

So this was 15 years ago. Any word on how fast the money was spent? Results? Continuing studies? Any confirmation that Hazelden now has the technology to identify a drunk before birth and can begin their rigorous campaigning to suck up their resources even before they are born? NO?

“The essence of the independent mind lies not in what it thinks, but in how it thinks.”
― Christopher Hitchens, Letters to a Young Contrarian

JR Harris's picture

Each of us carries about 100,000 genes located in our cells on structures called chromosomes. And each gene directs the body to produce a specific protein (a process that's influenced by the action of neurotransmitters). The production of these proteins creates a chemical blueprint that shapes every aspect of a human being, from height and weight to personality and behavior.

Unfortunately, the genetic blueprint is not fail safe; chance mutations in genes can produce hereditary diseases. A few of these--such as cystic fibrosis and Huntington's disease--result from a change in a single gene. Researchers have had some success in pinpointing the exact location of those genes and designing specific treatments in response.

In contrast, alcoholism and other forms of addiction result from changes in many genes. What's more, the genes that are involved can vary from person to person. These facts make the effort to locate the genes that influence addiction (gene markers) a task of overwhelming complexity.

Still, we have abundant evidence that the predisposition to alcoholism is inherited. Identical twins born to alcoholic parents are more likely to become alcoholic than fraternal twins born to alcoholic parents. (Identical twins share identical genes; fraternal twins do not.) And, adopted children of alcoholic parents show higher rates of alcoholism than adopted children of non-alcoholic parents. This is true even when children of alcoholics are raised by non-alcoholic foster parents.

Source: http://www.hazelden.org/web/public/vcwin1braindisease.page

"Tradition 10 - Alcoholics Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the AA name ought never be drawn into public controversy." Please follow orders from the Interchurch Center if you are an AA member and don't comment.

Orange's picture

Just by chance, did they have any luck finding the Bill Wilson Narcissistic Personality Disorder DNA gene sequence?

live_free_or_die's picture

Now they have named a gene sequence after him? Fucking 2 hatters.

Alcoholics Anonymous: MyNotGodHasItCovered®
http://www.expaa.org/
http://bereanresearch.com/
http://badrecovery.blogspot.com/
NOT AA:
Rational Recovery, SOS, HAMS
http://alcoholabusesolutions.com/

Correct me if I am wrong Orange, but isn't Bill Wilson's ENTIRE LIFE, THE "clinical definition" of Narcissistic Personality Disorder? ;)

Dr. Lance Doddes, Harvard Medical School reveals most accurately in the "12 Stepping" episode of Penn and Teller's "Bullshit" series (aired in 2004!), that: "There has been 40 years of genetic research, and NO "gene" for alcoholism or other addiction has been found"! IT DOESN'T FUCKING EXIST! These "scientists" looking for "genetic predisposition" may as also be looking for the lost city of Atlantis, AND unicorns! The outcome will be the same!

Trisha K.'s picture

@istjo4, I was thinking if you threw in a few more "fucks and bullshits" you may have me convinced.
Simma down now!!

“The more I traveled the more I realized that fear makes strangers of people who should be friends.”
Shirley MacLaine

Because a person uses profanity to describe that which is OBSCENELY profane, you think "simma down" is going to change the writer of the adjectives? Perhaps a non-English language where there are NO PROFANE ADJECTIVES IN IT is more your speed. . . .