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Scientists: Here’s why so many of us are righties Jul 23, 2026

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Napoleon Bonaparte, Babe Ruth and Lady Gaga were all lefties.

You might call them “southpaws,” the less-flattering “goofy-handeds” or, if you’re Australian, “mollydookers.”

And while there’s no comparable set of nicknames, throughout the world, roughly nine out of 10 of us have a strong preference for using our right hand for most tasks — whether it’s eating with chopsticks, swinging a baseball bat or texting.

Scientists have long pondered why that is.

Now, a new study from Oxford University suggests that humans overwhelmingly became right-handed thanks to two big changes that happened during our evolution: walking upright and brain growth.

The team analyzed data from 2,025 monkeys and apes representing 41 primate species, using a statistical approach that frames data analysis using probability to represent uncertainty.

They tested several theories about the origins of what is called handedness or, more scientifically, lateralization. They delved into factors like tool use, habitat, body size, social structure, diet, movement and brain size.

Their results found that humans’ early ancestors, such as Australopithecus [Aus·tra·lo·pith·e·cus], likely only had mild right-handedness, more like modern great apes. The stronger preference for using the right hand appears to grow significantly with the emergence of later primate species, species including Homo erectus and Neanderthals.

The researchers still have questions. For one: Why does left-handedness persist? Has human culture played a role?

Other animals, like parrots and kangaroos — both strong lefties — might also shed some light on these curious evolutionary patterns. Perhaps, when it comes to handedness, there is no real right way.

Push-ups might benefit cardiovascular fitness Jul 22, 2026

Show notes

Many of us hated them in gym class. The push-up won’t make anyone’s list of the most enjoyable physical activities … unless you’re a Marine Corps drill instructor. Recruits, no doubt, would prefer a nice walk in the park.

Your heart, however, wants you to drop to the deck and give it 40.

Harvard researchers recently published a study showing that men who could complete at least 40 push-ups had a 96% lower risk of adverse cardiovascular events, such as heart failure, over a decade of follow-up.

The study tracked 1,100 male firefighters in Indiana. So, researchers caution that they cannot say with certainty that the benefit applies to women, older adults or those who are sedentary.

Exercises resembling the modern push-up have been around for centuries. Ancient Greek and Roman warriors used them to strengthen themselves for battle. Jack LaLanne, founder of the modern fitness movement, set a world record in 1956 with 1,033 push-ups finished in 23 minutes. He lived to age 96. And even then, it was pneumonia that ended his life, not his ticker.

The average age of the Indiana firefighters was 40.

The more push-ups they did, the better their hearts fared over the next 10 years. Those who could complete just 21 to 30 push-ups, for example, still had a 75% lower risk of cardiovascular events.

Scientists believe the push-up does more than build thick biceps. It also reflects whole-body health and the cardiovascular system’s ability to sustain effort.

The study does not show cause and effect. This is an association, so keep that in mind if you get the urge to show off to friends at a party. And take it easy.

You’re likely no Jack LaLanne.

What makes you crave protein? Jul 21, 2026

Show notes

The virtual meeting ends and you stretch, shuffling over to the snack cabinet. You see fruit snacks, cookies and raisins. The kitchen counter has a bowl of fruit. But you? You’re in the mood for something savory. Something with protein.

A new study published in Science suggests your body notices when you’re low on amino acids — and lets you know when you need protein. You can thank your gut-brain axis for that.

Like most animals, we can’t make our own amino acids in-house. These compounds act as building blocks throughout the body, making them essential for functions like tissue repair and hormone production. When we’re low on protein, our gut calls on two communication pathways: one through the nervous system, and the second through hormones. The first method is rapid, prompting us to seek protein quickly, while the second lasts longer, sustaining the protein-seeking behavior.

Researchers studied this in fruit flies and in mice. Notably, the behavior did not make flies and mice simply eat more — it decreased interest in sugars, like carbohydrates, while increasing attraction to protein-related nutrients. In fruit flies with unbalanced gut microbiomes, the behavior was stronger, meaning the microbiome itself might be responsible for guiding feeding behavior and nutrient availability.

In short, lacking certain nutrients does not result in a blanket feeling of hunger. Rather, animals are drawn toward foods that contain what their bodies need — and might even prioritize them.

That being said, if you find yourself craving ice cream … you probably just want ice cream.

Mini brains, spinal cords show regeneration Jul 20, 2026

Show notes

Certain kinds of nerve damage have long been considered irreversible. Now, a study from researchers at the University of Cambridge might point toward a way to repair the irreparable.

As we get older, our brains and bodies take longer to heal from injury. This is especially the case with our central nervous system, the lightning rod between the spinal cord and the brain. Axons, the nerve fibers our neurons zip up and down on to carry messages and control muscle, are less likely to be able to recover from damage.

It means an injury to the brain — or spinal cord — has a greater chance of resulting in permanent paralysis.

In the study, researchers grew tiny brains the size of peas from stem cells. Then, they added on to the models, creating miniature versions of the brain-spinal system. Because the parts are separate in the body, scientists kept them apart in the lab, too.

The result? Axons grew from the brain cells to the spinal cord, bridging the gap. It created a working neural circuit that prompted microscopic groups of muscle cells to contract.

The organoids were maintained in the lab for more than 365 days. After the 150th day, however, researchers noticed a difference: the axons were less capable of regrowing. This points to a “biological switch” that flips once neurons begin maturing and creating synapses. When researchers blocked it, the axons went back to regenerating.

Although further research is necessary, scientists note this is a successful instance in which stem cell organoids mimicked real human systems. They may have been miniature, but potential impacts could be larger than life.

ARCHIVE: Beat the Heat: Protecting Pets from Heat Stroke Jul 17, 2026

Show notes

As temperatures rise, so does the risk of heat stroke in our beloved pets. Dr. Ronald Gonçalves, an emergency medicine and critical care specialist at UF, discusses the potentially life-threatening condition. Heat stroke is a serious and often underestimated danger for animals, capable of causing severe organ damage or even death if not promptly addressed. Unlike humans, pets can’t easily regulate their body temperature or tell us when they’re overheating. On this archived episode of Animal Airwaves Live, Dr. Gonçalves explains why certain animals are more susceptible to heat stroke, how to recognize the early warning signs and, most importantly, what steps pet owners can take to prevent this emergency situation.

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