Real People with Mutant Superpowers That Would Put the X-men to Shame: Part 1

Real People with Mutant Superpowers That Would Put the X-Men to Shame: Part 1

While humans are not quite at the cusp of sprouting adamantium claws, certain gene mutations have bestowed upon some of us some very real, very cool superpowers. Mutants are very real — and they walk among us.

Real mutations, or genetic typos, often result in very minor changes — most are invisible. Mutations are nature’s way of adding new variants to the gene pool, lending to the evolution of a species. Every genome duplication event gives rise to about 100 new mutations among the 3.2 billion base pairs. Most are silent. But within that assembly, a few express themselves in extraordinary ways.

4 Real-Life Mutants with Superpowers

1. The Incredible Hulk — Myostatin-Related Muscle Hypertrophy

Young Liam was diagnosed with myostatin-related muscle hypertrophy — a genetic condition so rare that scientists cannot yet ascertain its prevalence. This condition blocks the production of myostatin, a protein that inhibits muscle growth. Individuals with this mutation possess almost 40% more muscle mass and close to 1% body fat. At age 3, Liam could lift 5-pound dumbbells and perform multiple chin-ups. A similar case in Germany — nicknamed “Das Uberboy” — could lift 6–8 times the weight an average child his age could manage.

2. The Pursuit of Happyness — Williams Syndrome

Williams syndrome is caused by a deletion of 26 genes and affects 1 in 10,000 people globally. While the physical ailments are serious (cardiovascular disease, developmental delays), the mental effects are nothing short of a superpower: those with Williams syndrome are naturally kinder, more cheerful, and more social than average. They also possess a heightened affinity for music — entire centres and programmes are dedicated to teaching music to Williams syndrome individuals.

3. The Big Friendly Giant — Marfan Syndrome

Marfan syndrome is characterised by the weakening of connective tissue throughout the body. Those affected typically grow taller than others, with much longer limbs and fingers, and a remarkable level of flexibility. Famous musicians with Marfan syndrome include Sergei Rachmaninoff and Niccolò Paganini — whose playing was so extraordinary that audiences believed he had sold his soul to the devil.

4. A Beautiful Mind — Savant Syndrome

Savant Syndrome causes individuals to display extreme proficiency — bordering on genius — in specific focus areas such as mathematics, art, and music, attributed to near-perfect memory. John Nash, who inspired the film A Beautiful Mind, is one of the most famous examples. Only ~10% of autistic people display savant syndrome, while only 50% of savant syndrome individuals are diagnosed with autism.

Stay tuned for Part 2 — including humans who don’t feel pain, and someone who ate a whole… well, all in due time.