Gene for left-handedness is found
Scientists have discovered the first gene which appears to increase the odds of being left-handed.
Oxford University’s Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, lead by Dr Clyde Francks have identified a gene LRRTM1 which appears to play a key role in controlling which parts of the brain take control of specific functions, such as speech and emotion. They also believe carrying the gene may slightly raise the risk of developing psychotic mental illness such as schizophrenia.
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 controls language and speech and the right side controls emotions. However, in left-handed people the opposite is true, and the researchers believe the LRRTM1 gene is responsible for this flip.
It is anticipated that this study’s findings will help scientists understand the development of asymmetry in the brain which is present in many psychiatric disorders.
Penny
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POSTED IN: Genealogy and DNA, General Genetics and Health, Genetic Future, Genetic Ingenuity, Genetic Testing, Genetics Blogging, Genetics of Disease
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3 opinions for Gene for left-handedness is found
Kasper Pedersen
Aug 2, 2007 at 11:42 pm
haha :) nice - I’m really gonna bully my left-handed friends now!
Interesting article though..!
James
Aug 7, 2007 at 4:23 am
This still does not explain why I use my computer normally with my right hand while I write with my left. Also what if you were forced to learn something on a certain hand, would your genes change?
The Genetic Genealogist - » Gene Genie #13: Into the Future
Aug 12, 2007 at 9:04 am
[…] hand. Penny, the new blogger at Genetics and Health, highlights the discovery of the gene LRRTM1 in Gene for left-handedness is found. Medgaget provides more information on the study in The Leftie […]
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