New Scientific Findings About Twins!

For AP Biology class we had to find a current event article about biology. As I was scrolling through sciencnews.org, I came across an article on twins! This really intrigued me because my younger brothers are identical twins. Below I have the name of the article and a summary of it:

Study Shows Where Identical Twins Part Ways
      This article starts off by explaining how identical twins have chemical markers on their genes, know as epigenetic markers. This markers do not change the genetic code but do change the way the DNA operates within the organism. It was at first believed that epigenetic markers arose after birth and where caused by different environmental factors, this would then cause differences in personalitys, looks, etc in twins. However, new studies have shown that differences in the womb can cause these epigeneic markers.
        These new studies have concluded that the biggest difference in epigenetic markers are in the genes linked closely with metabolism and development. Factors, such as birth weight or umbilical cord size, can cause these epigenetic markers and can affect the twin later in his/her adult life. Though some scientists argue whether birth weight causes the epigenetic markers or whether the epigenetic markers cause low birth weight. More studies will be conducted to test this question.

My Thoughts
      I found this new finding to be intriguing. I know that twin studies are especially helpful to scientists because it helps them learn about DNA and nature/nurture specifications. As I said, this article was interesting, but I do think the author could have gone into more depth about the studies and given more examples.

http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/342342/description/Study_shows_where_identical_twins_part_ways