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Nearly Everyone, Everywhere, Veers Left When Walking

NYT > Science·June 10, 2026

Researchers have observed a universal tendency for people to veer left when walking, regardless of their cultural background or age. This phenomenon is consistent across different populations, with individuals exhibiting a natural bias toward moving in a counterclockwise direction. The reason behind this widespread behavior remains unclear, with researchers unable to pinpoint a specific explanation. The tendency appears to be unrelated to an individual's dominant hand, adding to the mystery surrounding this universal preference.

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