Interesting Twin Facts
Why are Twins so important in research?
Many of the things that affect our health and cause disease are genetic (we inherited them from our parents, and grandparents) and many are also due to things that happen in our environments (for example, how much sun we are exposed to influences our risk of getting melanoma). The purpose of twin studies is to study the relative importance of genetic and environmental influences for behavioural characteristics and health and illness.
Through out the world, twins have participated in projects investigating cancer, migraine and headache, anxiety and depression, eczema, asthma, alcohol and tobacco use, ADHD, endometriosis, weight, glaucoma, reading ability and personality differences.
Twins can help research in a special way that others can’t.
| Famous Parents of Twins |
Twins |
|
Famous Parents of Twins |
Twins |
| Margaret Thatcher (UK Prime Minister) |
Carol & Mark |
|
Denzel Washington (actor) |
Malcolm & Olivia |
| Laura Bush (First Lady of USA) |
Jenna & Barbara |
|
James Taylor (singer) |
Rufus & Henry |
| Julia Roberts (actor) |
Hazel & Phinnaeus |
|
Al Pacino (actor) |
Anton & Olivia |
| Madelaine Albright (US Secretary of State) |
Anne & Alice |
|
Jimmy Steward (actor) |
Kelly & Judy |
| Loretta Lynn (country & western singer) |
Peggy & Patsy |
|
Mel Gibson (actor & director) |
Edward & Christian |
| Cybil Shepherd (actor) |
Ariel & Zack |
|
Ron Howard (actor & director) |
Paige & Jocelyn |
| Donald Sutherland (actor) |
Kiefer & Rachel |
|
Michael J Fox (actor) |
Aquinnah & Schuyler |