MRI Used To Provide Insights into Genetics of Handedness

Researchers are investigating whether being right handed is due to genetics or other factors.

A new study is looking for pairs of twins, both identical and non-identical, to take part in a study looking at whether handedness (i.e., chirality) is linked to genetics and brain asymmetry. "Nearly 25% of identical twins are of opposite handedness, or mirror twins; a higher level than predicted as they carry identical genetic material,” remarked Prof. Michael Corballis of the University of Auckland's (New Zealand) department of psychology. "This study will use brain images to see if there is a link between which hand is preferentially used, brain function and genetics.”

The study will look at identical twins and non-identical twins compared to singly born "controls,” using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to investigate brain asymmetries in twins and how these relate to handedness. The MRI will provide information on both structural (anatomic differences in the brains) and functional (areas of brain activity during language processing) asymmetries that will help determine which side of the brain is used for language and spatial skills.

"It is of particular interest to uncover whether mirror twins also show mirror brain asymmetries,” continued Prof. Michael Corballis. "In addition, comparing identical with non-identical twins will tell us the extent to which handedness and cerebral asymmetries are genetically controlled.”

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University of Auckland