Abstract
The strong right hand preference in humans remains a riddle; no lateralized behavior other than fine finger dexterity relates to it. The relation between handedness and language dominance may be far weaker than currently judged; after all, both right-handers and non-right-handers utilize the left brain for speech. There is, however, a lateralized motor preference in animals, turning behavior, that is strongly associated with hemispheric dopamine (DA) asymmetries. Turning consistently occurs towards the side with less DA. The authors tested 69 right-handers and 24 non-right-handers with a device recording spontaneous turning behavior for 20 hr within 3 days. Findings indicate that right-handers preferred left-sided turning and non-right-handers preferred right-sided turning. This result suggests a link between handedness and DA asymmetries.
| Translated title of the contribution | Opposite turning behavior in right-handers and non-right-handers suggests a link between handedness and cerebral dopamine asymmetries |
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| Original language | English |
| Pages (from-to) | 1448 - 1452 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Journal | Behavioral Neuroscience |
| Volume | 117 (6) |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Dec 2003 |