It's a frequent misconception that identical twins share fingerprints. Each twin has a unique set of fingerprints that convey a different tale, despite the fact that they may appear remarkably alike and share a lot of DNA.

Are you wondering how identical twins might differ so much from one another in such a small way?

Let's look at the intriguing science that underlies it.

Twin Types: Not All Twins Are Created Equal

To understand why fingerprints differ, we must first look at the two main types of twins—identical and fraternal—and how they form.

Twins That Don’t Look Alike, or Non-Identical Twins

Fraternal twins are produced when two different sperm fertilize two different eggs. Since they share about half of their DNA, they are genetically identical to any other sibling. But, what are fraternal twins? They are also known as dizygotic twins. They come from two separate eggs, fertilized by two different sperm. They also share about 50% of their genetic material, and have unique physical traits, often different sexes at birth too.

Because of this genetic variability, fraternal twins, like non-twin siblings, can have different sexes or distinct hair and eye colors.

Twins That Are Identical

Identical twins, on the other hand, develop from a single fertilized egg that divides into two embryos. Their DNA is almost the same, but not exactly the same, thanks to this process. Also known as the monozygotic twins come from a single fertilized eggs that splits into two embryos. These twin share the same genetic material, which is what leads to their identical physical traits and the same sex at birth. However, there are slight differences that can emerge due to environmental factors during pregnancy, including the space in the womb.

According to a 2021 study referenced by Smithsonian Magazine, only 38 pairs of identical twins and two sets of triplets had completely identical genes. Because of their tight genetic ties, they have remarkable physical similarities, such as similar skin tones, eye colors, and hair colors. However, minor distinctions like height, weight, and fingerprints distinguish them.

Fingerprints: Not Just Genetic Information

Although fingerprint patterns are influenced by heredity, environmental variables within the womb provide a twist.

Experts in forensic science say there is almost little likelihood that identical twins' fingerprints will match. Although they may have similar overall characteristics, such ridges and loops, the specifics are different.

The following factors affect fingerprints:

• Access to nutrition during pregnancy
• The length of the umbilical cord influences blood flow.
• Growth rates of fingers
• Placement inside the womb
• Both DNA and these environmental influences shape fingerprints, which are fixed for life by the 13th to 19th week of foetal development.

Solving the Fingerprint Mysteries

According to some research, twins' fingerprints could seem similar at first glance, but a deeper look reveals variations in the pattern branches and ridge spacing.

According to the National Forensic Science Technology Centre, no two individuals—not even identical twins—have ever been found to have the same fingerprints.

It adds even more individuality because even your own fingers have different prints!

Doctors across the UK are raising the alarm over what they describe as mounting evidence of serious health harms linked to excessive screen time and unrestricted access to digital content among children and young people.

The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges (AoMRC), which represents 23 medical royal colleges and faculties, says frontline clinicians are witnessing deeply concerning patterns across the NHS. According to the academy, doctors working in primary care, hospitals and community settings have shared firsthand accounts of what they describe as “horrific cases” affecting both physical and mental health.

Evidence From the Frontline

The academy has now launched a formal evidence-gathering exercise to better understand the harms clinicians are repeatedly encountering and whether these can be attributed to technology use and digital devices.

Its aim is twofold. First, to shine a light on risks that often go unnoticed, including prolonged screen time and exposure to harmful online content. Second, to develop guidance for healthcare professionals on how to identify, address and manage these issues in clinical practice.

In a statement, the AoMRC said it already has evidence pointing to significant impacts on children’s wellbeing, ranging from physical concerns to mental health challenges linked to both excessive device use and harmful online material. The work is expected to be completed within three months.

A Public Health Emergency?

Dr Jeanette Dickson, chair of the academy, said the scale of the problem is becoming impossible to ignore. Speaking to The Sunday Times, she warned that clinicians may be witnessing the early stages of a public health emergency.

“Everywhere we look, we see children and adults glued to their screens,” she said. “I really worry for children, some of whom are self-evidently imprisoned in a digital bubble.”

Copies of the academy’s letter outlining these concerns have been sent to Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Science and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall, as well as Lucy Chappell, chief executive of the National Institute for Health Research, and the government’s chief medical adviser, Sir Chris Whitty.

Government Action and Global Trends

The warnings come as the UK government prepares to consult on possible restrictions on social media use for under-16s. Options under consideration range from a complete ban to more targeted measures such as time limits and tighter controls on algorithms.

Recent government research has already linked screen time to poorer speech development in children under five. Internationally, the debate is gaining pace. Australia introduced a ban on under-16s holding social media accounts in December, while countries including France, Denmark, Norway and Malaysia are weighing similar steps.

Why Some Groups Oppose a Blanket Ban

Not everyone agrees that an outright ban is the answer. A joint statement signed by 43 child protection charities and online safety groups, including the NSPCC and the Molly Rose Foundation, warns that blanket bans could backfire.

Andy Burrows, chief executive of the Molly Rose Foundation, said parents and policymakers are being offered a false choice. “It’s being framed as either a total ban or the current appalling status quo,” he said. “Those aren’t the only options.”

Chris Sherwood, chief executive of the NSPCC, echoed the concern, pointing out that for many children, the internet provides vital support. “A blanket ban would take those spaces away overnight,” he said, “and risks pushing teenagers into darker, unregulated corners of the internet.”

Both organizations argue that the focus should shift to holding tech companies accountable for harmful design choices, unsafe algorithms and failures to protect young users.

As winter sets in, conversations around health often shift to immunity, joint pain, and seasonal illnesses. But can colder weather also influence fertility? According to experts, cold weather does not directly cause infertility, but it can quietly affect hormones and reproductive health through lifestyle and biological changes.

Dr Geeta Jain, HOD of Obstetrics, Gynecology and IVF, and Co-founder of Maccure Hospital and Aastha Hospital, explains that fertility is rarely impacted by temperature alone. “Cold weather does not directly cause infertility, but it can have an indirect impact on fertility and hormonal balance,” she says.

How Seasonal Changes Affect Hormones

One of the most significant winter-related changes is reduced exposure to sunlight. Shorter days and limited sun can influence the body’s hormonal rhythm, particularly melatonin and vitamin D levels. These hormones are closely linked to reproductive hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.

“Lower sunlight levels can affect the secretion of melatonin and vitamin D, both of which play an important role in reproductive health,” Dr Jain explains. Vitamin D deficiency, which is more common during winter months, has been associated with irregular menstrual cycles, ovulatory issues, and conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). All of these factors can make conception more challenging.

Menstrual Changes During Winter

Some women notice changes in their menstrual cycles during colder months, including delayed periods, increased cramps, or irregular ovulation. However, temperature is not the main culprit.

“These changes are often linked to lifestyle factors rather than cold weather itself,” says Dr Jain. Reduced physical activity, weight gain, changes in diet, and increased consumption of high-calorie comfort foods during winter can disrupt insulin sensitivity and hormonal balance. Over time, this may indirectly affect ovulation and fertility.

Stress, Mood, and Fertility

Mental health also plays a critical role in reproductive health, especially during winter. Shorter days and less outdoor activity can contribute to seasonal mood changes, anxiety, or even depression. These emotional shifts can elevate cortisol, the body’s stress hormone.

“Elevated cortisol can interfere with the normal functioning of reproductive hormones,” Dr Jain notes. If stress becomes chronic, it may affect ovulation and fertility over time, even in otherwise healthy individuals.

Does Cold Weather Permanently Affect Fertility?

The good news is that winter-related hormonal changes are usually temporary. “Cold weather does not permanently harm fertility,” Dr Jain reassures. Most seasonal shifts can be reversed by adopting healthy habits.

Maintaining a balanced, nutrient-rich diet, staying physically active indoors or outdoors, managing stress, getting adequate sleep, and ensuring sufficient vitamin D intake can help support hormonal balance throughout the colder months.

When couples plan a pregnancy, conversations usually revolve around ovulation, sperm count, and the health of the uterus. What often goes unnoticed is a small butterfly-shaped gland in the neck that quietly influences all of this: the thyroid. According to Dr Swati Rai, Consultant Gynecologist and Laparoscopic Surgeon at Motherhood Hospitals, Noida, checking thyroid health before trying to conceive is not optional. It is essential.

Why thyroid testing matters before pregnancy

The thyroid controls many vital processes in the body, including metabolism, energy levels, and hormone balance. Even a mild thyroid imbalance can interfere with fertility, yet many couples are unaware of this connection. Dr Rai explains that untreated thyroid problems can make it harder to conceive and may also affect the ability to sustain a pregnancy. This is why both partners, especially women, should undergo thyroid testing before planning a baby.

In many cases, couples spend months focusing on reproductive organs while the real issue lies elsewhere. A poorly functioning thyroid can quietly disrupt the body’s reproductive rhythm without obvious warning signs.

The thyroid and menstrual health

Thyroid hormones play a key role in regulating menstrual cycles and ovulation. When thyroid levels are low, a condition known as hypothyroidism, periods may become irregular or infrequent. Ovulation can be delayed, and eggs may not mature properly. On the other hand, hyperthyroidism, where hormone levels are too high, can cause unpredictable cycles, making it difficult to time conception.

These disruptions often lead to confusion and frustration, especially when routine fertility tests appear normal. As Dr Rai points out, thyroid imbalance is frequently the missing link in unexplained fertility issues.

How thyroid health affects the womb

The thyroid does not just influence ovulation. It also affects the womb itself. Healthy thyroid hormone levels support the growth of a thick, healthy uterine lining that is needed for implantation. If hormone levels are slightly off, the lining may not be able to support a fertilized egg, increasing the risk of early miscarriage.

Thyroid imbalance can also reduce progesterone levels after ovulation. Progesterone is crucial for sustaining pregnancy, and low levels may lead to difficulty maintaining it even after conception. Additionally, some women have thyroid antibodies despite having normal hormone levels. These antibodies can cause inflammation that interferes with implantation and early pregnancy development.

Symptoms that are easy to miss

Many women experience fatigue, unexplained weight gain or loss, hair fall, or mood changes but do not associate these symptoms with fertility problems. Factors such as stress, poor diet, iodine deficiency, and low iron levels can further disrupt thyroid function. Without testing, these issues often go undetected.

Taking the right steps early

Dr Rai advises women to undergo a complete thyroid evaluation before pregnancy, not just a basic TSH test. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve fertility outcomes and support a healthier pregnancy.

She also recommends following a balanced diet rich in iodine, iron, selenium, and protein, managing stress through yoga or meditation, and reporting symptoms like irregular periods or persistent fatigue to a doctor without delay. If pregnancy does not occur despite normal reports, seeking medical advice early is crucial.

Prioritizing thyroid health is a simple but powerful step. Addressing it in time can make the journey to pregnancy smoother, safer, and far less stressful for couples hoping to conceive.