Quad hands helping hands

In the past, scientists believed that a single gene was responsible for our handedness. Today we know that in addition to many different genes, the environment also has an influence on our dexterity. Sebastian Ocklenburg from the Ruhr University Bochum investigates the handedness and cognitive asymmetries in humans and animals. On International Lefthanders Day we interviewed the biopsychologist about cats, kisses and Leonardo da Vinci. 10 left-handed musicians from Hendrix to Barenboim The best left-handed guitarist Although his dad tried get him to switch, Jimi Hendrix strummed his guitar with his left hand. He was able to play the other way around, though — and ate and wrote with his right hand. He famously played a right-handed Fender Stratocaster flipped over and restrung. For Left-Handers' Day, DW presents other musicians who've made it big — despite being left-handed, or precisely because of it. 10 left-handed musicians from Hendrix to Barenboim Lord of … [Read more...] about Left-handed, left-footed, left-kissing?

The Duke of Cambridge has said that donations and support after the Grenfell Tower fire 'seemed like it wasn't well targeted', during a meeting with victims yesterday.  William and the Duchess of Cambridge spoke with those affected by the 2017 blaze and other recent disasters - including the Manchester arena bombing and Cumbria floods - in central London on Thursday. William said: 'It takes so long to get back to normal again.  'Following Grenfell there was a huge outpouring of support but it seems like it wasn't well targeted.' William, along with his grandmother, the Queen, visited the site in west London in the days following the fire in June 2017. Natasha Elcock, chairwoman of Grenfell United, was one of the last people rescued alive from the fire, and she told William and Kate: 'So many people sent clothes and food, but at the time we had absolutely no place to put them. 'No home, no cupboard, and no fridge.' Kate also demonstrated her support, adding: 'It's not the … [Read more...] about Prince William says financial help for Grenfell Tower survivors ‘seemed like it wasn’t well targeted’ in meeting with families as he and Kate Middleton launch national crisis response trust

Thousands of dog owners are suffering serious hand injuries because they are holding leads incorrectly, surgeons have warned. Experts at the British Society for Surgery of the Hand say they are regularly having to treat fractures, lacerations and dislocated fingers among people injured while walking their dogs. A single hospital - Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust – treated 30 serious hand injuries caused by 'dog lead or collar misuse' in just one year, the society reports. They believe thousands of others across the UK are experiencing similar serious injuries. Dog owners are suffering injuries by holding their dogs the wrong way, as this graphic shows  Around 12million people in the UK - one in four of the the adult population - own a dog. Consultant surgeon Rebecca Dunlop, of the British Society for Surgery of the Hand, said: 'Dogs have a wide range of health benefits for their owners, including reducing stress and helping people stay active. 'But having seen many … [Read more...] about Why thousands of dog owners are suffering serious hand injuries because they’re holding their leads wrong (so how SHOULD you hold them?)

Kirstie's Handmade Christmas viewers asked 'who has the time?' as the TV presenter cut 450 paper snowflakes and strung them by hand to create a 9ft tree.  In last night's episode of the Channel 4 show, the TV presenter, 48, told how she has always been a traditionalist when it comes to Christmas trees, so convincing her to go for an alternative would take something seriously special. But with a helping hand from wizard of all things wire and paper, Zack Mclaughlin, she decided to take on that challenge. However, many who tuned in were quick to mock the idea of making a 'tree' made from hundreds of cut-out paper patterns. '#kirstieshandmadechristmas makes me wish there were 73 hours in a day and none of them needed to be spent sleeping. Or looking after the kids. Or working....' wrote one, while a second penned: 'Love watching but who's got that amount of time?'    In last night's episode of Channel 4's Kirstie's Handmade Christmas, Kirstie Allsopp, 48, … [Read more...] about ‘Who has the time?’ Viewers are left unimpressed as Kirstie Allsopp makes 450 paper snowflakes by HAND for an alternative 9ft tree on Handmade Christmas

Emmerdale star Michelle Hardwick has admitted that she still encounters the threat of homophobia when out and about with her fiancée Kate Brooks. The actress, 42 - who is best known for her role as Vanessa Woodfield on the ITV soap - revealed that she 'lives in fear ever day' and that she believes society is 'going backwards'. She told The Mirror: 'Sometimes if Kate and I see a group of young lads we instinctively let go of each other’s hands because we’re scared they’ll turn on us. We live with that fear every day. Fears: Emmerdale star Michelle Hardwick has admitted that she still encounters the threat of homophobia when out and about with her fiancée Kate Brooks 'I feel like we’re going backwards in society with our attitudes. People who say, “Gay Pride? Why isn’t there a Straight Pride?” I’ll tell you why, because you don’t need it. ‘Because luckily for you, you’re able to be affectionate … [Read more...] about Emmerdale star Michelle Hardwick admits she and fiancée Kate Brooks are often ‘scared’ to hold hands in public and ‘live in fear every day’