Department of Twin Research, London UK (DTR)

Department of Twin Research, London UK (DTR) TwinsUK, based at the Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, is the UK's largest adul

A twin story at the heart of Rome!According to ancient Roman tradition, twin brothers Romulus and Remus were abandoned a...
25/08/2026

A twin story at the heart of Rome!

According to ancient Roman tradition, twin brothers Romulus and Remus were abandoned as infants and famously rescued and raised by a she-wolf.

The story goes that Romulus later founded Rome on the site where the twins had been saved, giving the city one of the most famous origin stories in history.

Whether legend or history, twins have certainly made their mark!

A hug that made history 💜Born 12 weeks premature, twins Brielle and Kyrie Jackson faced a difficult start to life.When B...
21/08/2026

A hug that made history 💜

Born 12 weeks premature, twins Brielle and Kyrie Jackson faced a difficult start to life.

When Brielle became critically unwell, a nurse placed the twins together in the same incubator. Kyrie instinctively reached out and embraced her sister, and Brielle's condition began to stabilise.

The photograph of their embrace became known as the “rescuing hug” and helped bring attention to the practice of co-bedding premature twins.

A beautiful reminder of the unique bond between twins 💜🥹

Research should include people at every stage of life.Older participants provide valuable insights into ageing, resilien...
19/08/2026

Research should include people at every stage of life.

Older participants provide valuable insights into ageing, resilience and long-term health, but travelling to research visits can become difficult.

The Twinclusion study helps eligible TwinsUK participants continue contributing to research from home, using a postal kit to collect samples and complete questionnaires.

If you are over 60, have previously taken part in TwinsUK research, and are no longer able to travel for research visits, you may be eligible to take part.

📧 Interested? Email [email protected] to find out more.

Thank you to all our participants who continue to make research possible 💜

One of the most interesting parts of TwinsUK is going through the study visits together. We move through different asses...
17/08/2026

One of the most interesting parts of TwinsUK is going through the study visits together. We move through different assessments and tests, and in between, we naturally compare experiences and reflect on what we’re learning. It often sparks conversations about health, family, and how even twins can experience things differently. It’s a really unique way to learn more about ourselves while contributing to important research ☺

Identical twins don’t always share a placenta!When one fertilised egg splits to form identical (monozygotic) twins, the ...
14/08/2026

Identical twins don’t always share a placenta!

When one fertilised egg splits to form identical (monozygotic) twins, the timing of that split can determine whether they have:

🧬 Two placentas and two amniotic sacs
👯 One shared placenta and two amniotic sacs
👯‍♀️ One shared placenta and one shared amniotic sac

So, having separate placentas doesn't necessarily mean twins are non-identical.

Twins are fascinating, and their biology can be more complex than you might think! 💜

Every TwinsUK participant has a story, and every contribution makes a difference.One of our long-standing participants r...
07/08/2026

Every TwinsUK participant has a story, and every contribution makes a difference.

One of our long-standing participants recently shared their TwinsUK journey:

"My first experience with TwinsUK was many years ago when we were in our 30s, taking part in mole counting. Later, we were invited to Guy's Hospital for further health assessments. We always felt that by taking part, we were helping medical science for the benefit of our children and grandchildren.

The research helped us too. During one of our visits, we discovered we had osteopenia, allowing us to better understand and manage our own health.

It's fun as well! Twins are naturally competitive, so we loved comparing our scores in the memory and balance tests. One of my favourite memories was the Twins party – seeing so many twins together in one place was incredible!"

A huge thank you to all our participants for your continued support. Your generosity is helping shape the future of health research for generations to come 🥰

New research has identified 26 genetic risk factors linked to fibromyalgia, providing important new insights into the bi...
05/08/2026

New research has identified 26 genetic risk factors linked to fibromyalgia, providing important new insights into the biology of this often misunderstood condition.

Published in Nature Medicine, the largest genetic study of its kind analysed data from more than 2.5 million people, including over 55,000 individuals with fibromyalgia.

The findings suggest that the nervous system plays a key role in the development of fibromyalgia and help explain why the condition often occurs alongside other chronic pain disorders.

While more research is needed before these findings lead to new treatments, they represent an important step towards better understanding, diagnosing and treating fibromyalgia in the future.

Congratulations to Professor Frances Williams and the international team of researchers on this significant achievement.

Read more via the link here: https://twinsuk.ac.uk/genetic-risk-factors-of-fibromyalgia-identified-in-largest-study-of-its-kind/

What does it mean to be a twin?In our latest TwinsUK Male Twin Stories, one participant shares his honest reflections on...
03/08/2026

What does it mean to be a twin?

In our latest TwinsUK Male Twin Stories, one participant shares his honest reflections on growing up as an identical twin, from the lifelong bond with his brother to the challenges of being seen as part of a pair rather than as an individual.

He shares how being a twin has shaped his life, relationships and sense of identity — while also highlighting the importance of taking part in research to help create a more complete understanding of twin health and experiences.

“Being a twin is complex; it has good and bad parts.”

His message to other male twins considering research participation is simple:

“Take part, it may help you, your friends and family.”

Read the full story here: https://twinsuk.ac.uk/twinsuk-male-twin-stories-reflections-on-identity-individuality-and-life-as-a-twin/

Address

Department Of Twin Research, St Thomas' Hospital, Westminster Bridge Road
London
SE17EH

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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+442071885555

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