The new Netflix documentary follows identical twins as they adopt different diets. This is a great example of a twin study – a uniquely useful research tool in science.
While identical twins are seen more as an accidental splitting of a single egg, there could be a good reason mothers produce non-identical twins from two separate eggs.
Interestingly, there are more non-identical twins in Australia now than there have been before. The number of twin pregnancies has grown over the past 30 years.
Hannah Brown, South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute
Semi-identical or sesquizygotic twins occur when two sperm fertilise one egg. A boy and a girl in Brisbane are only the second set of semi-identical twins known in the world.
Successfully separating conjoined twins is a complex operation that depends on how they are joined as well as the experience and skill of the surgical team.
Delivering twins is a balance between preventing pregnancy complications and the dangers of prematurity. New research suggests there is an optimum time.