Why are people right-handed?
Question
What dictates whether you are left- or right-handed? Both of my sons are right-handed, but one of them is left-footed.
Shaun, Bishop Stortford
Answer
** Definitive **
Name: Simon, Leatherhead
Qualification: Osteopath with a degree in human biology and I did my dissertation on handedness
Answer: Bernard below is correct in saying one side of your brain controls the other side of your body. Genetically, one side of your body is stronger, which will determine whether you are left- or right-handed. But it's not as easy as that, as you can also train your body, so Shaun's son will have trained himself to be left-footed at football. You have a leaning towards one side, but you can overcome that.
Name: Bernard, Wembley
Qualification: Aeronautical scientist
Answer: The left side of your brain controls your right-side movement and the right side of the brain controls your left side. If a woman lies on her right-hand side during intercourse and while pregnant, the baby is more likely to be left-handed and vice versa.
(James O'Brien - That's the most ridiculous answer I've ever heard!)