Left-handedness gene found
Rushda:
August 3rd, 2007
Finally some of the mystery behind left-handedness is being dispelled after scientists from Oxford have found a gene which appears to increase the chances of someone being left-handed. Approximately 10% of all people are left-handed, and now this trait is being attributed to a gene, named LRRTM1, which is said to play a large role in determining which side of the brain performs a certain function.
What is most interesting, however, is how left-handedness is linked to someone’s character or intelligence – indeed, many have speculated in the past that those who are left-handed display different behaviour and skills to those who are right-handed. For example, it has been said that those who are left-handed think more quickly – this certainly doesn’t seem too far out given that many famous thinkers such as Albert Einstein and Isaac Newton were left-handed. Unfortunately, however, the study has shown that those with the gene are more susceptible to developing conditions such as schizophrenia, due to brain imbalance.
At any rate, the study is exciting as the scientists are hoping to find more links between left-handedness and behaviour, as well as links between left-handedness and medical conditions, in the future. As the leading researcher Dr Clyde Francks says:
“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.”
He also points out, however, that left-handers need not be worried about the link as there are a number of different factors which play a part in developing schizophrenia. As Jane Harris, of the mental health charity Rethink, says:
“It is probably a combination of factors, including genetics, problems in childbirth, viral infections, drug use, poverty and urbanisation.”
All in all, it is great to know that research may finally be able to unravel the truth from the myths about those who are left-handed. If it does turn out that mental conditions can be attributed to left-handedness, this is good news as it means we are getting closer to finding a cure for some of the most mysterious illnesses, namely those of the brain.