Touchpoint 1
Identical twins marry identical twins and have babies that are biological siblings
What is it?
A set of identical twin sisters dated two brothers from a different family that are also identical twins. Each twin sister married a twin brother. Each couple had a child who would be cousins to each other. But it turns out they are also genetically siblings since both moms and both dad are genetically identical.
Potential message to students:
How many researchers do you think have already called the parents wanting to study differences over time in the children? Do you think both men and women had similar dating preferences and this is why twins were attracted to twins?
Touchpoint 2
These Twins Have Just Been Born, But Their Mother Is Only 3 Years Older Than Them
What is it?
A mother just had twins using 30 year old embryos that were frozen the entire time. This means that when the embryos were donated, the twin’s mother was only 3 years old. Now, 33, she used the 30 year old embryos to have more children.
Potential message to students:
Do you think when the women donated embryos, they expected them to sit frozen for 30 years before being used? Do you think sperm banks and embryo donation centers should have an expiration date on donations? Do you think embryos could be frozen for 100+ years?
Touchpoint 3
Landmark Study Confirms Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Is ‘Unambiguously Biological’
What is it?
Doctors have been seeing a lot of patients over the years who ask for help with always being tired. Scientists and doctors did not know if this was a real disease. A new study shows there are biological differences in people who are reporting a constant tiredness and lethargy.
Potential message to students:
Do you think doctors dismiss too many patients by saying the problem is all in the patient’s mind and there is no physical problem? Do you think there are ways for patients to better convince doctor’s that the physical ailments are real?