Identical and non-identical twins are urgently needed to join new health studies commencing around Australia. Please join in and help in research that benefits everyone at www.twins.org.au or freecall 1800-037-021.

NAPLAN
A nationwide study of the genetic and environmental factors that influence how well a child performs in the National Assessment Program: Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN). Any twin who has sat a NAPLAN test in the past, or will be completing the test in 2013 or 2014 is eligible to participate.

Impulsive/compulsive behaviours
Most of us have some degree of impulsivity and/or compulsivity and this study aims to gain a greater understanding of the extent to which genetics, shared environment and unique environmental factors explain why people differ in these types of behaviours. All adult twin pairs, aged 18–55 years and able to complete an online questionnaire, are eligible to participate.

Causes of autism
This study aims to provide new knowledge about the causes of Autism Spectrum Disorders, in particular the influence of early life environment, genes and 'epigenetic gene switches'. Twin pairs aged 2-14 years, in which one or both twins have had a diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder, are eligible to participate.

Why do some people consume excess fat?
The study aims to identify why some people consume excess fat by asking twin pairs to take part in a 12 week program where one twin has a high fat diet and the other a low fat diet. Open to identical and non-identical twins, aged 16-years-plus, and able to attend Deakin University Sensory Lab in Melbourne.

Bone health and anti-epileptic drugs
This study is examining if the use of anti-epileptic medication affects the bone health of young people. Twins (and triplets) aged 5-18 years of the same gender, able to attend Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, and where one twin (or same sex sibling within a 2-year age range) is taking anti-epileptic medicine and one isn't, are eligible to participate.

Atrial fibrillation
This study is examining the interaction between environmental factors and genes which result in an increased risk of heart atrial fibrillation. Any twin pair or multiple where at least one individual has a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation is eligible to participate.

Type 2 diabetes and brain function
This study is exploring how type 2 diabetes contributes to the risk of dementia. It is open to twin pairs aged 50 years and over, where only one twin has type 2 diabetes.