By Colin Fernandez Science Correspondent For The Daily Mail
Published: 19:14 BST, 4 June 2019 | Updated: 19:15 BST, 4 June 2019
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People with six fingers on each hand may have trouble buying gloves, but new research shows they are better at many tasks than those with just five.
Researchers found makers of robots should consider giving their creations six fingers.
In a study, two people, a German mother and son, both with six fingers on each hand, were given a variety of physical tasks to carry out.
They found that they could carry out many tasks, such as tying a shoelace, with just one hand, rather than two.
In a study, two people, a German mother and son, both with six fingers on each hand, were given a variety of physical tasks to carry out. They found that they could carry out many tasks, such as tying a shoelace (pictured), with just one hand, rather than two
The condition, called polydactyly, is quite common – affecting around one in 700 people and is usually seen as a birth defect, and they are removed.
But the scientists say their findings 'present an argument for keeping the extra toes or fingers…if they are well formed and functional'.
The latest research from the University of Freiburg and Imperial College examined whether having an extra finger imposed an extra burden on the brain.
They found that it did not – and the brain adapted to the extra workload.
Far from being a problem, a series of tests showed that the extra digit meant greater ability at activities such as tying shoelaces, turning pages on books, and playing video games with lots of buttons.
Professor Etienne Burdet, of Imperial's Department of Bioengineering, who carried out the study in Germany
