Humans Really Can Have Superpowers–Scientists are Studying them

Many people believe that superpowers are fictitious and can only be seen on T.V, but genetics has proven otherwise. Sometimes, due to our environment, our genes can enhance our way of life. For example, the people who live in the Himalaya’s have adapted to the high altitude with genes that supercharge their strength and endurance. These heightened abilities are starting to catch the attention of scientists and there beginning to learn how our minds and bodies develop these abilities. 

There are certain genes that are able to give us an advantage and even tap into potential we didn’t know we had. Alex Honnold, famous rock climber, had his brain scanned since he seemed to fear nothing. Scientists wanted to see whether this was something to do with how his brain functioned. Scientists presented Honnold with a serious of images that should have triggered activity in his amygdala. What they found was that there was no activity in the amygdala which is a part of the brain that is connected to fear. There is nothing structurally wrong with Honnold’s brain, but it’s possible that he has conditioned himself to force down certain brain activity by focusing on planning each move. This is a “superpower” that we can achieve. This conditioning method is used by psychologists to help patients get over fears. 

Main Article: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/superpowers-real-human-abilities-genetics

2nd link: https://medicover-genetics.com/can-a-genetic-change-make-you-superhuman/ 

Can Tom Brady’s Success be Linked to Genetics?

Tom Brady, ‘super human’? How genetics may contribute to his success

Just a few short weeks ago, Tom Brady led his team to another super bowl championship. His incredible performance is amplified by the fact that he is about 40 years old. While most players his age are long retired, Brady’s performance has some people thinking that he really is a superhuman! Scientists, however, are more convinced by research that shows rigorous training can awaken dormant genes and kick them into high gear. These genes are related to muscle and blood vessel structure. Although Brady is not actually a superhuman, his DNA is what enables him to be superior to other players his age.

            People like Tom Brady are incredibly interesting because they are hard to come by. To a common person, he seems like an “ageless wonder”. To scientists, on the other hand, he seems like good research subject. Genetic research that can shed light on maintaining a healthy and impressive “fitness age” could benefit many people that struggle to stay in shape. Even if you’re not a Patriots fan, it is hard to deny that Tom Brady is one of the greats!

Related link: How much does genetics really affect your fitness

Genetic Superheroes Walk Among Us, But Shhh! No One Can Tell ‘Em

http://www.wired.com/2016/04/scientists-find-genetic-superheroes-cant-tell/

A study was conducted entitled "Resilience Project" that revealed 13 people who have genetic mutations which should've ended in a deadly childhood but they survived and grew to be healthy adults. The study was published in Nature Biotechnology and they explained that in order to collect this data, they relied on genomic data that had already been collected for other studies. 400,000 genomes came from the company 23andMe; however, the scientists who conducted this study are unable to contact these people because they need consent to recontact them. For this reason, their DNA cannot be re-sequenced and studied further to find cures because they are unable to contact the people who have these genetic mutations. Many people decide not to be recontacted after consenting to allowing their DNA to be used to research because they do not what to know what other kind of complications they might have. Companies are hoping to fix this issue and have recontacting in mind before conducting research so that participants in studies can remain up-to-date with their DNA and this can therefore allow for their DNA to be re-sequenced for further research.

I think that it is unfortunate that these people cannot be contact about what the scientists found, because it is truly amazing that they were able to survive despite their serious and sometimes deadly genetic mutations. If they were actually able to contact these participants, they could potentially study their DNA further and be able to find the cures for these mutations in order to help those people who weren't so lucky with living with those diseases. Perhaps they should require recontacting if people decide to allow their DNA to be used to research, because then it's almost pointless if they're not able to conduct further research on the DNA and potentially save the lives of many. Also, if I were one of these people, I would be interested in knowing that I am a genetic "superhero" that survived such horrible mutations, but I might also not want to know about further complications I might experience later on.