In a breakthrough revelation, scientists have used specialized computer software to track the development of the early days of twin development. It is the first time that such early stage of twin development has been documented by scientists who now proposed a new theory this week that identical twins are formed as embryos.

Dr. Dianna Payne, a visiting research fellow at the Mio Fertility Clinic in Japan, and colleagues took photos every two minutes of 33 embryos growing in a laboratory. The research found that identical twins are formed after an embryo essentially collapses, splitting the progenitor cells.

The progenitor cells contain the body's fundamental genetic material but in half. That leaves the same genetic material divided in two on opposite sides of the embryo. Eventually, two separate fetuses develop.

The research was presented Monday at a meeting of the European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology in Lyon, France. The new technique is also seen as a way to improve a broad range of artificial reproduction techniques.

With more research, doctors are hoping to potentially devise a test to predict which embryos might be inclined to produce identical twins.