~~~tWins~~~

Did you know that the number of twin births have more than doubled since the early 1970s? Today, about one of every 35 births in the United States are twins. Even more significant is the number of triplet and higher multiple births which have increased 200 percent over the last three decades.

The most obvious reason for the growing birth rates of twins and multiples is the use of fertility drugs and treatments. These medical interventions are most often the reason for births of four or more multiples. Recent studies from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) show that approximately 43 percent of live births resulting from assisted reproductive techniques were multiples.

Did you know that up to 22 percent of twins are left-handed? In the non-twin population the number is just under 10 percent.
The United States has one of the highest rates of multiples, while Japan has one of the lowest with multiple births occurring one in 120 births.

Twins are either fraternal or identical. Fraternal twins share the same womb, but come from different ovum. They are as alike as any pair of siblings. On the other hand, identical twins come from the same fertilized ovum and consequently share the same genetic makeup.

Incredible fact: According to the Guinness Book of Records, Leontina Albina, from the country of Chile, gave birth to the last of her 55 children in 1981. Her offspring included five sets of triplets (all boys).
The scientific study of twins is known as "gemellology." The word twin is probably derived from an ancient German word twine, which means 'two together.'

The average weight of a singleton newborn is 7 lbs. 6 oz., but the average weight of a triplet newborn is 3 lbs. 12 oz.
Fraternal twins are much more common than identical twins. The chances of having identical twins is about one in 285.

Identical twins exhibit almost identical brain wave patterns.
Genetic factors do not have much, if any, affect on the incidence of identical twins. Identical twins do not run in families

What a concept! There is a restaurant in New York City called "Twins." It was started by twin sisters and is staffed by 37 sets of identical twins who work the same shifts. Each evening they get 10 or more sets of twins or multiples who patron their unique restaurant.

Did you know that Elvis Presley and Liberace were both twins? Their siblings died at birth.
The famed advice columnist's Ann Landers and Abigail Van Buren ("Dear Abby") are twins.
William Shakespeare was the father of boy/girl twins.
Who are currently the most famous teen twins? Easy! Mary-Kate and Ashley Olson.