The fascinating world of left-handedness

Summary

Gillette Cox, a Brisbane-based artist, overcomes childhood trauma from being punished for being left-handed to create stunning art with her non-dominant hand. The script delves into historical discrimination against left-handers and explores the genetic and environmental factors influencing handedness. Highlighting the work of Professor David Evans, it discusses the largest study on genetic factors of handedness, identifying genes associated with left-handedness and ambidexterity. The narrative also touches on the challenges left-handers face in a right-handed world, featuring Steve mcquirk's business catering to left-handed products and the adaptability of left-handers, exemplified by notable figures like astronauts and artists.

Takeaways

• 🎨 Gillette Cox, an artist in Brisbane Studio D, creates art using her left hand, which was discouraged in her childhood.
• 👧 As a child, she faced physical punishment and humiliation for using her left hand, reflecting a historical stigma against left-handedness.
• 🌏 Historically, left-handedness was considered bad luck or evil, and such treatment was common worldwide until about 50 years ago.
• 🎨 Art history reveals that Eve in the story of Adam and Eve is portrayed with two left hands, symbolizing the negative perception of left-handedness.
• 🧬 Genetic epidemiologist Professor David Evans explains that handedness is linked to brain function, with right-handers having more lateralized language centers.
• 🧠 Left-handed individuals are more likely to have less lateralization in brain function, with language abilities spread across both hemispheres.
• 🧬 In 2020, a study at the University of Queensland identified 41 genes associated with left-handedness and seven with ambidexterity, providing clues to the biology of handedness.
• 🧩 Handedness is predominantly influenced by environmental factors, unlike most traits which are a mix of genetic and environmental influences.
• 🛠 Steve mcquirk, a left-handed man, started an online business, Lefties Australia, after struggling with right-handed designed products.
• ✂️ Left-handed products, such as scissors, are designed to accommodate the different way left-handers push with the thumb and pull with fingers.
• 👨‍🚀 Notable left-handed individuals include astronauts and U.S. presidents, suggesting that left-handedness is associated with creativity and adaptability.

Q & A

What was the treatment of left-handed children like in the past according to the script?

In the past, left-handed children were often punished for using their left hand. The script mentions that the artist, Gillette Cox, was made to stand on her desk and had her legs beaten with a wooden ruler for using her left hand, which was considered a 'heinous hideous evil thing' during her primary school years.

Why was being left-handed historically considered bad luck or wicked?

Historically, left-handedness was considered bad luck or wicked due to its rarity, making up only about 10% of the population. This trait was often associated with negative connotations and superstitions.

What surprising fact about the portrayal of Eve in art was discovered by the script's narrator?

The narrator discovered that Eve, in historical portrayals, is depicted with two left hands, suggesting an extra level of evilness, as having one regular left hand was not considered evil enough.

What does Professor David Evans suggest about the correlation between handedness and brain function?

Professor David Evans suggests that handedness is correlated with brain function. Right-handed individuals are more likely to have lateralized brain function with language centers in the left hemisphere, while left-handed individuals may have less lateralization and language in both hemispheres.

What implications does understanding brain laterality have according to the script?

Understanding brain laterality has implications for developing treatments in cases of stroke, epilepsy, or trauma, where there is damage to a particular part of the brain.

What was the significance of the largest study on genetic factors determining handedness conducted in 2020?

The study was significant because it identified 41 genes associated with being a left-hander and seven genes associated with ambidextrousness, providing clues to the underlying biology of why people become left-handers.

What percentage of the handedness trait is determined by genetics and environment according to the script?

The script states that handedness is predominantly determined by environmental factors, unlike traits like height or diseases which are around 50% genetic and 50% environmental.

Why did Steve mcquirk start his online business 'lefties Australia'?

Steve mcquirk started 'lefties Australia' after a fruitless search for a left-handed can opener when his daughter struggled to open a can of dog food with a standard right-handed can opener.

What is the most popular product group sold by 'lefties Australia' according to the script?

The most popular product group sold by 'lefties Australia' is scissors, which are designed for left-handed individuals to cut effectively.

What challenges do left-handed individuals face in a predominantly right-handed world according to the script?

Left-handed individuals face challenges with everyday items that are not designed for left-handed use, such as turnstile card readers, microwave oven keypads, and various tools like chainsaws, circular saws, and power drills.

What notable figures are mentioned in the script as being left-handed and what message does this convey?

Notable left-handed figures mentioned include astronauts, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and several U.S. presidents. This conveys the message that left-handed individuals are adaptable and can excel in various fields, serving as role models for creativity and success.