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Variable density identical twins

Increase one twin's density, reduce the other's
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Take two identical twins at an early age. Seal them in two environments with closed water and oxygen cycles, shielded from ionising radiation. Feed them diets in which all the elements have identical molarity, but with a crucial difference: with the exception of hydrogen, which is protium in both cases, one diet consists entirely of the lowest stable isotopes of all the elements in it (which is practically a normal diet) and the other entirely of the highest. Similarly, the oxygen and nitrogen in the atmosphere and water are heavier and lighter for the appropriate twins. After a few years, release the twins. One will be roughly a tenth denser than the other.

I have no idea why this would be a good idea. Even so, they will have interesting properties. It will be somewhat harder for them to play on a see-saw. If one of them is marginally underweight or overweight, the other isn't, though they will be of identical chemical composition. There might also be differences in boxing weights, eligibility to become a jockey or astronaut. It could make a really big difference to their careers.

You can probably see that this idea has a big bit missing in that it appears to be pointless, but it's still interesting.

nineteenthly, Oct 23 2010

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       (to me).
nineteenthly, Oct 23 2010
  

       Isn't this almost *exactly* what that film with Danny DeVito & Arnold Schwarzenegger was about?
Jinbish, Oct 23 2010
  

       Don't know, [Jinbish], i haven't seen it.   

       There could be a butterfly effect, socially at least.
nineteenthly, Oct 23 2010
  

       Don't worry, [19thly], Taxinator didn't include anything like heavier isotopes - and isn't any good anyway.
This idea is both far more original and far more interesting.
Jinbish, Oct 23 2010
  

       Future archaeologists will puzzle over the apparent radioisotopic age difference of the supposed twins.   

       //I have no idea why this would be a good idea. Even so, they will have interesting properties.// Not necessarily; the heavier twin might simply die.
mouseposture, Oct 23 2010
  

       //…than?//   

       Unbowling, for one thing.
Boomershine, Oct 23 2010
  

       It is an interesting thought experiment.   

       The outcome I suspect would be much like the difference between my brother and myself.
The more dense twin would become dominant by the age of five, subjugate the other at least until adolescence through brute force and then peak early, while the less dense twin would be forced to learn speed, leverage and wits to survive, suffer socially and peak late ... if ever.
  

       .   

       Just a hunch.   

       Twins are not photocopies. It is easily apparent to their friends which is which. For parents, you could tell in the dark by voice alone.   

       The CCCP thought twins had magical abilities, if what i've read is right.   

       They just may. It's hard to be objective. I know I've seen a couple things that were odd in my mind, but no need to sell them for medical experiments.
Zimmy, Oct 25 2010
  

       Yes, [Zimmy], this is a flaw in the idea, along with all the ethical stuff and the fact that it's pointless. Some identical twins seem not to be and some fraternal twins are mistaken for identical ones. One twin can hog the placenta and be born bigger.
nineteenthly, Oct 25 2010
  
      
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