Gene for left-handedness is found

[PeteC]

This is from the BBC. Interesting to say the least. Buksi and others with young kids, are they left or right, and at what age did they finally decide what they would use? I ask as I forget with my first two who are both "right", but my new one here at 2 years this month still uses both when holding a fork or spoon, but favours left. Pete
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Left-handers' brains are set up differently
Scientists have discovered the first gene which appears to increase the odds of being left-handed.
The Oxford University-led team believe carrying the gene may also slightly raise the risk of developing psychotic mental illness such as schizophrenia.

The gene, LRRTM1, appears to play a key role in controlling which parts of the brain take control of specific functions, such as speech and emotion.

The study appears in the journal Molecular Psychiatry.

The brain is set up in an asymmetrical way.

In right-handed people the left side of the brain usually controls speech and language, and the right side controls emotions.

However, in left-handed people the opposite is often true, and the researchers believe the LRRTM1 gene is responsible for this flip.

They also believe people with the LRRTM1 gene may have a raised risk of schizophrenia, a condition often linked to unusual balances of brain function.

Further research

Lead researcher Dr Clyde Francks, from Oxford University's Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, said the next step would be to probe the impact on the development of the brain further.

He said: "We hope this study's findings will help us understand the development of asymmetry in the brain.

"Asymmetry is a fundamental feature of the human brain that is disrupted in many psychiatric conditions."

However, Dr Francks said left-handed people should not be worried by the links between handedness and schizophrenia.

He said: "There are many factors which make individuals more likely to develop schizophrenia and the vast majority of left-handers will never develop a problem.

"We don't yet know the precise role of this gene."

About 10% of people are left-handed.

There is evidence to suggest there are some significant differences between left and right-handed people.

Australian research published last year found left-handed people can think quicker when carrying out tasks such as playing computer games or playing sport.

And French researchers concluded that being left-handed could be an advantage in hand-to-hand combat.

However, being left-handed has also been linked to a greater risk of some diseases, and to having an accident.

[barrys]

Interesting Pete

At last I've found out why I'm so accident-prone

[Vital Spark]

Interesting report, although slightly unnerving (the mental illness bit) - both my parents are left-handed but I (along with my other 3 siblings) am right-handed. I didn't know that it was genetic - so where has the gene gone?

When my parents were young they were 'encouraged' to write right-handed, but continued to write with their left hand. The result is that my father can beat me hands down at tennis - he just swaps his racket to the other hand for a back-hander.

Both of them are pretty much ambidextrous - this includes writing, as well as sports. They appear to be at an advantage rather than a disadvantage when it comes to life in general.

V.S.

[VincentD]

Hmmm.

All the boys in the family - including me - are left-handed, while all my sisters are right-handed.

I find when doing a single-handed activity - like using a screwdriver, or playing badminton - I use the left hand, but for activities which require the use of both hands - like using a fork and spoon, playing the guitar or the organ - I use things in the right-handed way.

The interesting thing is that with some single handed activities - like when using a screwdriver, I just change hands to suit the situation. So I guess in many ways, pretty much ambidextrous...

[Roel]

Now I come to think of it, things are not that straight forward. I am right- handed. My younger brother is left-handed. And my second younger brother is right-handed BUT prefers to shoot with his left foot while playing football. And all other activities involving foots and legs he is left-footed/legged. Strange.