Gene discovered for left handedness

[Royston]

Please see the BBC article below...

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6923577.stm

 

Scientists have discovered the first gene which appears to increase the odds of being left-handed.

 

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

 

 

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.

[/quote']

 

Further to this, I was wondering about brain assymetry in ambidextrous people...is full ambidexterity actually real, does it have anything to do with brain assymetry, or is there another reason for this ?

[NLN]

You can view the complete article here. It also states that left handed individuals have a slightly increased risk of developing schizophrenia.

[Royston]

Sorry I missed your response NLN, thanks for the link, interesting that apes have almost symmetrical brains, not sure what that says about ambidextrous people