Can DNA testing tell identical twins on trial apart?

image via New Scientist

March 14, 2026, 1:00 PM

• •Conventional DNA testing often fails to distinguish between identical twins.
• •Whole-genome sequencing, mitochondrial DNA analysis, and DNA methylation are emerging techniques.
• •These methods require sufficient DNA and can be costly and time-consuming.
• •Experts emphasize the importance of using DNA evidence alongside other evidence.

Conventional DNA testing struggles to differentiate between identical twins in criminal investigations, but new methods like whole-genome sequencing, mitochondrial DNA analysis, and DNA methylation analysis show promise. While these techniques offer potential solutions, they require significant amounts of DNA and are often expensive and time-consuming. Despite advancements, challenges remain before these methods can be widely used, and experts emphasize the importance of combining DNA evidence with other forms of evidence in court. As science progresses, these novel approaches could revolutionize forensic investigations.

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