The TwinsUK MRI study has passed the halfway mark by completing its 1,000th scan, building a major imaging dataset that will drive ageing research for years to come.
The TwinsUK MRI Imaging Study is one of the largest imaging studies of its kind, designed to investigate early markers of disease and ageing in identical and non-identical twins.
During early adulthood, twins share similar organ structures, but these similarities gradually diminish as their life experiences and environments differ. Twin studies help understand how the body ages and how age-related conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, heart failure, fatty liver disease, and cancer develop over time.
Since recruitment for the study began in January 2024, more than a thousand TwinsUK members have undergone comprehensive MRI scans.
With around 1,850 scans still to be completed - including some planned repeat scans over the coming years - the study is now approaching its halfway mark.
The study is a collaboration between the Department of Twin Research & Genetic Epidemiology and the School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, both in King's Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine with imaging support from Guy's & St Thomas' NIHR Clinical Research Facility.
Our Clinical Research Facility has been delighted to provide support for this important study, which is fully meeting its recruitment targets and already generating interesting data. We are pleased to see the team pass this milestone of scanning the 1,000th Twin."
Dr Sharon Giles, Associate Director of the Guy's & St Thomas's NIHR Clinical Research Facility
Twin pair David and Paul marked this key milestone in the study, describing their visit as welcoming and well organised. Their motivation for taking part reflects a strong commitment to supporting scientific research.
The whole experience felt very caring. Everyone was professional and friendly, and they made us feel comfortable straight away. Some people worry about feeling claustrophobic, but the scanners were good. We are both blood donors, so giving back feels important to us. When we saw the MRI study, we thought it was another way we could contribute, and we're already trying to get other twins to sign up too."
David Flanagan and Paul Flanagan, TwinsUK members
Lucy, one of the radiographers working on the TwinsUK scans, reflected on what has stood out to her during the study and offered a reassuring message for any twins who may feel anxious about undergoing an MRI.
The twins are always so happy to be involved in the study. You can see how much they encourage and support each other through the process, although there's really nothing to worry about. We are set up to support participants at every stage. We are always here to answer questions, and participants are fully in control of the experience."
Lucy Billimoria, Advanced MRI Research Radiographer, King's College London
The MRI data collected will be linked with health records and a wealth of new and historical information contributed by TwinsUK members over the past 30 years. Together, these resources will form a rich dataset that will underpin ageing research for many years to come.
Achieving 1,000 scans marks a significant milestone for our team and for all those who have contributed. This achievement reflects not only the scale of the project but also the exceptional commitment of our volunteers. The data we are gathering will support scientific discovery for many years and help us deepen our understanding of ageing and the interplay between genetic and environmental influences."
Professor Amedeo Chiribiri, Head of the Research Department of Cardiovascular Imaging and Principal Investigator of the TwinsUK MRI Study
Reaching this milestone is a testament not only to the strength of our collaboration with the School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, but above all to the incredible commitment of our twins. The MRI data adds a uniquely rich layer to the TwinsUK resource, helping us understand how genetics, lifestyle and environment shape health as we age - and none of this would be possible without our participants."
Professor Claire Steves, Clinical Director of TwinsUK, Head of Department of Twin Research & Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London and Consultant Geriatrician at Guy's and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust.
The TwinsUK and BMEIS team would like to thank everyone who has participated so far. We look forward to welcoming many more twins as the study progresses.
