World | Other World Stories
The 'why' in left-handed humans
Most right-handed children have tried to write with their left hand, as it is often seen in the playground jungle of monkey bars as a "cool" skill.
- By Anupa Kurian, Readers Editor
- Published: 00:31 August 13, 2008
- Measuring tapes designed to aid left-handed workers.
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Most right-handed children have tried to write with their left hand, as it is often seen in the playground jungle of monkey bars as a "cool" skill.
While earnest practice might deliver a few legible words and in some cases a certain level of ambidexterity, true left-handedness will not be achieved.
The reason Dr Hayat Ali, a leading neurosurgeon practising in the UAE for over two decades, explains is "genetics".
The human brain is divided into two hemispheres or halves, the left and right. The two are pretty much the same, processing identical data, with information moving between the two through a common neural corridor.
The left side of the brain works as the engine for the right half of the body; similarly the right hemisphere controls the left.
Dr Ali said: "In 75 per cent of the world's population the left hemisphere is dominant ...these people are right-handed. Meanwhile, in 25 per cent, the right hemisphere dominates, making them left-handed."
Genetics determines if a person is born left-handed, although a scientific theory states that excessive exposure to testosterone while in the womb could make a baby left-handed.
Dr Ali said: "Gender or generation does not restrict the transfer of the trait. It could be passed from father to son or grandparent to grandchild." There is no particular factor that plays a role in determining whether a child is left-handed other than genetics, he said.
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