Stranger than science fiction? Researchers discover ‘genetic superheroes’ living among us
In addition to periodically saving humanity from impending global catastrophes and defeating villainous evil-doers, Superman would also represent a great opportunity for medical scientists to study the biological secrets behind his enhanced physical strength and inherent resiliency to disease and injury.
If only he were real.
But now, researchers believe they may have found real-life men and women of “steel”—genetically speaking, that is—who have survived and thrived despite genetic mutations that should have resulted in serious and possibly deadly childhood diseases, according to results of a study recently published in Nature Biotechnology.
The study, known as the Resiliency Project, analyzed nearly 400,000 genomes from people who sent samples to the commercial gene sequencing company 23andMe and found 13 samples exhibiting profound resiliency to adverse genetic mutations.
So who are the lucky 13? Researchers have no way of identifying or contacting the people who provided the samples, as the study was retrospective and samples were provided anonymously through a third-party.
But they are out there, living their lives as oblivious, anonymous genetic superheroes. And who knows? You or someone you know just might be one of them.
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With nearly a decade of experience in print and digital publishing, John serves as Content Marketing Manager. His professional skill set includes feature writing, content marketing and social media strategy. A graduate of The Ohio State University, John enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, along with a number of surprisingly mischievous indoor cacti.