Why are some people right (or left) handed?
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This episode of 'What's That Rash?' explores the science and culture behind human handedness, focusing on why about 10% of people are left-handed. The hosts discuss the evolutionary advantages of left-handedness in competitive contexts like boxing, where the element of surprise provides an edge, and examine historical and linguistic biases—such as the Latin roots of 'sinister' and 'dexter'—that associate left with untrustworthiness and right with skill. They also address the cultural suppression of left-handedness, particularly in past generations, where children were forced to use their right hand, often causing trauma. The episode debunks the myth that using your non-dominant hand can stave off dementia or boost overall brain function, explaining that cognitive training doesn't transfer across tasks and that forcing ambidexterity may even impair cognitive performance. The hosts conclude that handedness is largely influenced by a mix of genetics and environmental factors, though the exact causes remain unclear. In a lighter segment, they answer a listener question about the Mediterranean diet, clarifying that alcohol isn't essential and that the real benefits come from cooking methods and diverse plant-based foods, not red wine.
Left-handedness provides a competitive advantage in sports like boxing due to the element of surprise.
Cultural and linguistic biases have historically stigmatized left-handedness, linking it to 'sinister' or 'defective' traits.
Forcing children to switch hands can be traumatic and may impair cognitive function rather than improve it.
The benefits of the Mediterranean diet come from cooking techniques and plant diversity, not alcohol.
Handedness is influenced by genetics and environment, but the exact causes remain unknown.
Introduction: A Left-Handed Chook and the Puzzle of Handedness
The episode opens with a humorous anecdote about a left-handed chook inheriting money, leading into a discussion about handedness and a live audience question about using the non-dominant hand to prevent dementia.
The Science of Handedness Across Species
The hosts compare human handedness to other animals, citing a 2013 study showing 51% of 119 species have limb preferences, with humans showing a dramatic 90-10 split. They discuss cats, bees, and elephants, and explore how social species like humans have evolved strong handedness for coordination.
Cultural Bias and the Stigma of Left-Handedness
The episode delves into historical and linguistic stigma, explaining how words like 'sinister' (left) and 'dexter' (right) reflect deep cultural bias. It touches on the Scottish Kerr family myth and the trauma of forced right-handedness in schools.
Ambidextrousness and Brain Function: Myth vs. Reality
“Don't bother. Just stick with the hand that you've got, baby.”
The Mediterranean Diet and Alcohol: Separating Fact from Fiction
A listener question about non-alcoholic red drink alternatives leads to a discussion on the real benefits of the Mediterranean diet—cooking methods and plant diversity—rather than alcohol. The hosts emphasize that wine’s benefits are overstated and that vegetables and preparation matter most.
“Don't bother. Just stick with the hand that you've got, baby.”
“It's not going to make you more brilliant in the rest of your life or stave off dementia.”
“All that happens when you do Sudoku is you get good at Sudoku.”
Hosts
Norman
person
Tegan
person
Cats
other
Tomato
other
Red wine
other
World Science Festival Brisbane
other
Ian
person
Kerr family
other
Olive oil
other
Toilet roll
other
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