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I know left-handedness is particularly a male trait; strange considering as this article says there is no specific gene for it. Another question raised there. I wonder if left-handedness can also be a result of brain damage? The mentally retarded also have a higher instance of left-handedness.

I wonder if left-handedness can also be a result of brain damage? The mentally retarded also have a higher instance of left-handedness.

Probably not brain damage. I have read (sorry, I don't have cites handy, but in numerous sources over the years) that left-handers are disproportionately represented among the insane, geniuses and criminals. Interesting mix, there.

The Boston Strangler and Jack the Ripper were left-handed, as were many other infamous criminals. Some years ago (1996? 1992?) all three presidential candidates were left-handed. Of course, politicians might be considered to among the criminal class. Allowing my flexible, left-handed brain to wander a bit with this information, I begin to ponder sexuality preferences. If there's a gene that causes right-handedness, and missing that gene means the person can "go either way," could there also be such a gene for sexuality? I.e., people born with the "straight" gene grow up straight, and those missing it can "go either way."

The article also said that left-handers (those missing the LH gene) tend to have more flexibility between the two sides of the brain; a similar sexuality gene could explain those who "go both ways" sexually.

(No flames, please; I'm not trying to promote any sexual agenda here and am firmly hetero myself, just pondering possiblities.)

I wonder if left-handedness can also be a result of brain damage? The mentally retarded also have a higher instance of left-handedness.

LOL, I'm not sure I like your question but admit I have wondered the same thing. In addition to many left handed people I know that don't know right from left, it seems many of them were breech births also.

I wonder if left-handedness can also be a result of brain damage? The mentally retarded also have a higher instance of left-handedness.

That is news to moi! I do know that my brother's mentor and architecture professor at the Univ of Cincinnati told his entire class that if 'you are not left handed you probably will never achieve greatness in this field' because all of the greatest architects have been left handed-from Leonardo De Vinci or Michealangelo to Frank Loyld Wright and I.M. Pei. Also, this same is true of artists.

I have also read that left handers are more prone to being clumsey and die earlier than the average stats. Bummer. Since I am left handed!