Twins Research Australia

29/07/2025

Curious about being fraternal or identical twins? Are unsure of your zygosity (or your twins' zygosity)? And why does it really matter?
Find out why and more about our new partnership with Identilab in this new blog post. You can also take up their discounted zygosity testing offer for TRA members.

Ever wondered what makes twins truly identical - or not? In this blog, we explore zygosity testing, why it matters, and our collaboration with Twins Research Australia

24/06/2025

22/06/2025

This new series features a number of TRA members and two TRA twin researchers, Professors Jeff Craig and Sarah Wilson. As Professor Craig explains, TRA has supported the series to raise awareness of the huge contribution made by twins and twin research to improving the health of all Australians.

Prepare to see double as 100 sets of identical twins hit our screens for a fascinating special event series...

22/05/2025

Thank you to twins around the world for contributing to our understanding of multiple sclerosis 🙏

Researchers studying identical twins and laboratory models have found that certain gut bacteria may be linked to MS development.

13/05/2025

Twins Research Australia's Professor Jeff Craig explains the factors that might lead some twins to speak, gesture - and seemingly think - in unison.

Twins Bridgette and Paula Powers have gone viral for the way they speak in unison, using the same gestures and words.

08/04/2025

01/04/2025

Research with twins indicates that music enjoyment is not just a learned behaviour or shaped by environment – it may be part of our biological design.

A twin study found that about 54% of how much we enjoy music may come from our genes. This pleasure isn't only linked to talent or happiness.

19/03/2025

Twins Research Australia is proud to support Multiple Birth Awareness Week with the focus on how every Australian multiple birth family deserves a good start to their unique journey. "A good start in life is vital for all babies, especially multiples. With the right care and support, we can help them thrive from day one. Let’s work together to give every multiple birth the best possible beginning!" says TRA Deputy Director Jeff Craig.

04/02/2025

If you’ve had twins, your body worked harder during pregnancy than if you had one baby. What does this mean for your heart health? Professor Jeff Craig, Deputy Director of Twins Research Australia explains: https://bit.ly/HeartHealthMultBirth

04/02/2025

Best wishes to multiple-birth families starting or resuming school over coming days 🤗

The Age caught up with twins 11 years after they were first featured on the front page.

31/01/2025

Genetics influence how adventurous or fussy a child is about food, the large study suggests.

20/01/2025

Thank you to Dr Carolyn Lister who explains how twins are contributing to better understanding of multiple sclerosis: "Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking the myelin sheath, a protective coating around nerve fibres. This results in inflammation, which further damages the myelin sheath, as well as the nerve cells themselves and the cells that produce myelin.

"Research has shown that if one twin has MS, the identical sibling has a 25% risk of also developing the condition during his or her lifetime. Scientists can leverage this and examine data from the seemingly healthy twin who may already have some very early signs of MS.

"Researchers have identified a population of immune cells whose early activation and migration into the brain might contribute to MS onset. Ultimately, the scientists believe their findings position CD8 T-cells as a promising therapeutic target for slowing MS progression. They could also be used to facilitate early disease detection, allowing treatment to start before significant nervous system damage has accumulated." Synopsis by Dr Carolyn Lister, International Council of Multiple Birth Organisations (ICOMBO)

A study involving identical twins suggests alterations in immune cells called CD8 T-cells may be early drivers of inflammation in MS.