The controversial study that split up twins – BBC REEL
BBC Global・21 minutes read
Identical twins separated at birth in the 1960s for a controversial study revealed strong genetic influences on personalities, behaviors, and traits, sparking ethical concerns and raising questions about nature versus nurture. Reunited twins showcased the profound impact of genetics, despite individual differences, highlighting the need for transparency, consent, and ethical practices in twin studies.
Insights
- Louise Wise Services in New York separated identical twins in the 1960s without informing adoptive parents, sparking a controversial study on nature versus nurture and ethical concerns.
- Genetic influences strongly shape personalities in identical twins, as seen in reunions like Michelle and Alison's, emphasizing the profound impact of genetics on physical appearance, habits, and health issues, despite some differences due to varying gene expression triggered by environmental factors.
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Recent questions
What controversial study involved separating twins in the 1960s?
The controversial study that involved separating twins in the 1960s was conducted by the Louise Wise Agency in New York. They deliberately split up identical twins and placed them in different families without informing the adoptive parents, raising ethical concerns about nature versus nurture.
What impact did genetic influences have on separated twins?
Genetic influences were found to strongly shape the personalities of separated twins. Despite being raised apart, twins like Michelle and Alison exhibited remarkable similarities in physical appearance, habits, and even health issues, indicating a strong genetic influence on their lives.
Who was Lawrence Perlman and what role did he play in the study?
Lawrence Perlman was briefly involved in the study that explored heredity versus environment with twins raised apart. He later resigned from the study after 10 months, investigated its outcomes, and confronted Dr. Neubauer about ethical concerns regarding informed consent and the handling of twin data.
How did the study on separated twins reveal the impact of genetics?
The study on separated twins revealed the profound impact of genetics on their lives. Twins like Pauline and Pamela exhibited extraordinary mirroring behaviors, predicting each other's pregnancies and undergoing similar operations, showcasing the strong genetic influence on their experiences and behaviors.
What ethical concerns arose from the study on separated twins?
The study on separated twins faced ethical concerns as children aged, leading to funding problems and issues with informed consent. The unethical practice of keeping twin status secret and the handling of data raised questions about transparency, consent, and ethical research practices in scientific studies involving twins.
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Summary
00:00
"Twins Separated for Study: Nature vs. Nurture"
- In February 2018, an episode in 2020 discussed the Louise Wise Agency separating identical twins in the mid-60s.
- Louise Wise Services in New York began deliberately splitting up twins in the 1960s and placing them in different families without informing the adoptive parents.
- Identical twins share all genes, while fraternal twins share half on average, offering insight into genetic influence.
- The separated twins were part of a controversial study exploring nature versus nurture, raising ethical concerns.
- Identical twins' unique bond was explored through interviews with twins who grew up together.
- The study involved twins raised apart to understand heredity versus environment, with Lawrence Perlman briefly involved.
- The study faced issues as children aged, leading to funding problems and ethical concerns regarding informed consent.
- Lawrence Perlman resigned from the study after 10 months, later investigating its outcomes and confronting Dr. Neubauer.
- Twins were pulled from the study when they almost met by chance, revealing the unethical practice of keeping their twin status secret.
- Genetic influences were found to strongly shape personalities, with surprising genetic components in traits like religiosity and political attitudes.
17:38
Genetic Influence in Identical Twin Relationships
- Michelle and Alison, reunited after being separated at birth, discovered remarkable similarities in physical appearance, habits, and even health issues, indicating a strong genetic influence.
- The twins, Pauline and Pamela, exhibited extraordinary mirroring behaviors, such as predicting each other's pregnancies and undergoing similar operations, showcasing the profound impact of genetics on their lives.
- Despite sharing identical DNA, identical twins can still have differences due to varying gene expression triggered by environmental factors, emphasizing the role of both genetics and environment in shaping individuals.
- Alison and Michelle's bond, despite being identical twins, highlighted their unique personalities and differences, with Alison being more academic and Michelle more creative, showcasing individuality within twin relationships.
- The unethical handling of data from twin studies, leading to lawsuits and privacy concerns, raised questions about the importance of transparency, consent, and ethical research practices in scientific studies involving twins.
