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brain lateralization

This shows a brain, bottle caps, and numbers.

·September 9, 2025·6 min read

Left or Right? Brain’s Split Determines How We Map Numbers

A study in newborn chicks shows that brain lateralisation is essential for the development of a left-to-right mental number line. Chicks with strongly lateralised brains consistently mapped numbers from left to right, while weakly lateralised chicks did not display this pattern.

This shows the endocast of the human brain

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·February 15, 2020·5 min read

Researchers were not right about left brains

Brain imprints on cranial bones from humans and great apes refute the long-standing belief that the human pattern of brain asymmetry is unique. Researchers noted similar patterns of asymmetry in our great ape ancestors. However, there was more variability in this pattern in humans. Findings suggest lateralized and uniquely human cognitive abilities, such as language, evolved by adapting an ancestral brain asymmetry pattern.

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·September 5, 2019·4 min read

Genes associated with left-handedness linked with shape of the brain’s language regions

Four genetic regions have been identified as playing a role in left-handedness. Three of the four genes were associated with proteins involved in brain development and structure. Neuroimaging revealed those who were left-handed had increased functional connectivity between left and right language networks. Researchers also found correlations between the genetic regions associated with left-handedness and slightly reduced Parkinson's risk, but a slightly increased risk for schizophrenia.

This shows a chalk board with a thought bubble and light bulb on the right

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·September 3, 2019·4 min read

The brain processes words placed on the right side of a screen more quickly

The left and right hemispheres of the brain are characterized by different word processing strategies.

This shows someone writing with their left hand

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·August 15, 2019·4 min read

Being left-handed doesn’t mean you are right-brained – so what does it mean?

Researchers look at the myths and the facts about left-handedness.

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·January 7, 2019·2 min read

Long-Term Breastfeeding Sheds Light on Whether an Infant Becomes Left or Right Handed

According to researchers, the prevalence of being left-handed is lower in children who were breastfed compared to those who were bottle fed. The study proposes breastfeeding may optimize brain lateralization towards dominant handedness.