Fingers

I saw an article in the Sunday paper saying that a typical male hand has a ring finger longer than the index finger, while on women's hands these fingers are more likely to be of equal length.

Professor John Manning, an evolutionary psychologist at the University of Central Lancashire, forwarded the theory that the two fingers are an anatomical record of what went on in the womb in the critical first three months.

A long ring finger is a sign that the developing heart and brain were exposed to higher levels of testosterone, while a relatively long index finger is a marker of oestrogen exposure.

Manning said that "High testosterone before birth, as indicated by digit ratio, can produce behavioural problems in children, like temper tantrums, bullying, fights with other children, being hyperactive or being easily distracted"

Children with long index fingers, by contrast, are more likely to be neurotic and sensitive.

He said "The other very strong relationship to digit ratio is found in running speeds - there is a pretty good chance of predicting who is going to win a race."

So have a look at your man or boy's hands - I don't have either so can't check it out. Is it true?

Oh, and PTB about Richard Hammond - the younger one in Top Gear.