Twins Research

Identical twins

I have an identical twin and my twin sister, Tina and I have been part of a twin-research program, since we were small. In all these years we have, together with other identical twins, been followed by the "Twin Research Centre" in London. The research can be quite intensive. Besides a series of physical tests and DNA analysis, we have taken many computer tests, registration of habits and eating habits - as well as a comprehensive test of our psychological behavior.

The Department of Twin Research & Genetic Epidemiology (DTR) is, with its 11,000 registered twin pairs, the most extensive twin register in the UK, and it's purpose is to study the genetic and environmental ætiology about age-related therapies and diseases. DTR has been one of the major departments at King's College London, Division of Genetics & Molecular Medicine since 2006, with a 40-man strong team.

DTR was started by the rheumatologist, Professor Tim Spector, 1992 at St. Thomas' Hospital in London. Its first focus was back then, to look at the number of osteoporosis and rheumatoid diseases in several hundred monozygotic twins. Since ten, DTR is becoming much more extensive, both in the number of areas studied and in the number of twins taking part. As mentioned, there is now a volunteer twin base of around ten thousand twins between 16 and 85 years - with an average age of 48. It is now Britain's only adult registry of twins and has the most detailed clinical research in the world.

DTR has a good international reputation when it comes to research of genetic diseases - with special reference to age-related diseases. The main area is the genetics of metabolic disease and Cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal system and aging, and there are also studies of overall vision and other areas such as dermatology, immunology, Gastroenterology and behavior.

Read more here. http://www.twinsuk.ac.uk/

Research April 2010

On 1st April, 2010 Tina and I, had a full day at St. Thomas' Hospital in Enlgand where we participated in a myriad of different studies. Among other things, blood / urine / DNA samples for various purposes, bone scans and various tests and examinations of blood circulation and lung, heart and kidney studies. We also had to find out how good we were to endure pain! We had examinations of eyes and ears and how good we were at hearing musical tones. Funny photos were taken of us too, where we are accepted to be published in scientific magazines publishing reports about similarities and differences of identical twins.

"World Twin Day"

Here is professor Tim Spector, who is the leader of the Twins Research Center - he is extremely popular with all us twins. Here at the party at World Twin Day.

I paricited together with my twin Tina in the "World Twin Day" in London on 3rd July 2006. My twin sister, Tina Marden, lives in England, and we've both participated in various scientific studies, since we were four years old. We were also filmed for the BBC which made a program about the twins event later that year.

It was very surrealistic to meet so many identical twins - there was a lot of laughter!.

Guy’s & St. Thomas’ Hospital hoped, that on the "World Twin Day" that they could gather the most sets of twins in one place for a record - We ended up with 700 twins... I dont recall if it were a record or not..

It was quite a task to get us together that day for the photo just outside St. Thomas' Hospital.

In my lecture “Making a change" -I talk about what it is like being a twin. More about my lectures at foredrag.net - click here

Twin Research & Genetic Epidemiology Unit - is always looking for twins (between 18-80 years) to take part in their studies, and if you know someone who would like to participate, you should contact:
Professor Tim Spector, King's College London, St. Thomas' Camput, Lampeth Palace Road, London SE1 7EH - Center Recruitment Tel No. + 44 207 188 5555 email: twin recruitment@gstt.nhs.uk

Or read more about it here www.twinsuk.ac.uk

"Osteoporosis"

In 2004 we participated in a scientific study on osteoporosis, arthritis, and age - here we are cheking out our bones!