FAQs

Can I participate?

We are not currently recruiting families. 

What is involved in participation?

Participation will involve a total of three visits to the lab over a three-year period. Additionally, parents will be asked to answer questionnaires about their family and their twins’ behavior, as well as collect cheek swab samples for each twin. Click HERE for a description of a typical visit.

Where do I participate?

All visits are at the Boston University Twin Project located at 64 Cummington Mall on the Boston University Charles River Campus, near Kenmore Square.

Is parking provided?

Free parking for all study participants is located in a garage nearby. We’ll have a pass ready for you, and we’ll meet you there and walk over to the lab together.

Can siblings come to the visit?

Siblings of the twins are more than welcome. Let us know they’ll be coming, and we’ll make sure to have toys for them to play with.

Will there be other families at the visit?

Each family comes in separately, so the visit will just be you and the twins.

I’m interested in the project, how do I participate?

Great! If you’re interested in participating, please email us at twins@bu.edu or call us at 617-353-1102 for more information.

Why do you collect DNA?

We collect DNA from your twins in order to determine their zygosity (i.e., whether they are fraternal or identical). DNA samples are taken by you at home with simple cheek swabs (no invasive procedures necessary), and zygosity results will be shared with you.