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The Curious Cases of Rutherford & Fry

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Factual: Science & Nature

Factual: Science & Nature: Science & Technology

Science sleuths Dr Adam Rutherford and Dr Hannah Fry investigate everyday mysteries.

Science sleuths Dr Adam Rutherford and Dr Hannah Fry investigate everyday mysteries sent by listeners.

BBC Radio 4 LW

The Curious Cases of Rutherford & Fry: Series 3

The Curious Cases of Rutherford & Fry: Series 3: Episode 1: The Sinister Hand Part 1

Episode 1

Episode 1: The Sinister Hand Part 1

Series 3

The Sinister Hand Part 1

BBC Radio 4 - The Curious Cases of Rutherford & Fry, Series 3, The Sinister Hand Part 1

Dr Adam Rutherford and Dr Hannah Fry investigate everyday mysteries. What causes left-handedness and why are lefties in the minority? Drs Rutherford and Fry investigate.

Neal Shepperson asks, "What determines left or right handedness and why are us lefties in the minority?"

When we started investigating this question it became clear that there were just too many scientific mysteries to squeeze into one episode. So there are two whole episodes devoted to this very Curious Case.

One in ten people are left-handed, but where does this ratio come from and when did it appear in our evolutionary past?

Hannah talks to primatologist Prof Linda Marchant from Miami University about Neanderthal teeth and termite fishing. 

Adam consults handedness expert Prof Chris McManus from University College London. He's been trying to track down the genes responsible for whether we're right or left handed.

If you have any Curious Cases for the team to investigate please email curiouscases@bbc.co.uk

Presenter: Adam Rutherford & Hannah Fry
Producer: Michelle Martin.

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Dr Adam Rutherford and Dr Hannah Fry investigate science mysteries sent by listeners.

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The Curious Cases of Rutherford & Fry

Series 3

Episode 1: The Sinister Hand Part 1

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