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----------------------------------------------------------------------- Scientists homing in on gene that causes tremor ----------------------------------------------------------------------- WASHINGTON (November 7, 1997 10:59 p.m. EST http://www.nando.net) - U.S. government researchers said on Friday they had found the general location of a gene that causes a tremor disorder affecting millions of people. Essential tremor is the most common human movement disorder and causes an annoying and sometimes debilitating shuddering of the arms, head, neck and voice. It is often mistaken for Parkinson's disease but is much more common. "This is an important advance for a disorder that affects millions of Americans," Zach Hall, director of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, said in a statement. "It will lead the way to discovery of the gene, which should help us better understand the basis for this disabling condition." In looking for a gene, scientists first identify a close general area, then home in on it. A gene is not a clear, discrete object but rather an amorphous collection of amino acids. There is currently no treatment for essential tremor, found in between 1 percent and 6 percent of the population over 40. Actress Katharine Hepburn is one famous victim. Copyright 1997 Nando.net Copyright 1997 Reuters <http://www.nando.net/newsroom/ntn/health/110797/health13_29995_noframes.html> janet [log in to unmask]