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Humans do demonstrate extraordinary abilities, but what if these powers were manipulated and used for harm? Pesky Monkey/Getty ImagesSuperheroes have become a staple in pop culture, from TV shows to blockbuster films and games. There are even toy versions, which fuel a frenzy of merchandising. Though these fictional figures may seem beyond belief, real-life humans do possess rare 'superpowers' that can be harnessed for astonishing feats.
That's why Matt Frederick, Ben Bowlin, and Noel Brown from Stuff They Don't Want You To Know find these real-life abilities fascinating, yet they carry an inherent risk.
In this episode of the podcast, they begin by claiming that superpowers are indeed real. There are documented instances where humans display extraordinary abilities, such as an incredibly detailed memory, the ability to see sounds as colors, or even exhibit magnetism. Often, there is a genetic explanation behind this: People who possess magnetism have a higher friction level in their skin, which makes them attractive not only to metals but also to materials like glass, plastic, and wood.
Liam Hoekstra, known as the world's strongest kid, could perform a pull-up at just 8 months old. His body lacked myostatin, a gene that typically restrains muscle growth. Without it, there is no limit to muscle development, granting him actual superhuman strength.
Certain superpowers enhance specific senses to an extreme level. Synesthesia, which is common among many artists and musicians, is when one sense triggers another. For instance, a person might 'see' a particular letter as a specific color. Many individuals with synesthesia also experience chromesthesia, which allows them to visualize sound as color.
Some superpowers can be acquired: Echolocation, for example, is the ability to detect objects in space by interpreting the way sound reflects off them. Bats and dolphins naturally possess this skill, and humans can learn it too. Ben Underwood mastered echolocation to play football, basketball, skateboard, and rollerblade without relying on his sight. Humans can also learn to control their body temperature through tummo meditation. Wim Hof, famously known as 'The Iceman,' used this technique to climb Mount Everest dressed in just shorts and shoes while keeping himself warm using tummo methods.
Human beings are indeed fascinating! But here's the unsettling part: Where superheroes exist, supervillains are sure to follow. Often, these villains are highly organized. (Hail Hydra.) So, what happens when private corporations, like pharmaceutical companies, gain access to the technology necessary to create and manufacture superpowers?
While the threat of super soldiers is an obvious concern, there are other more subtle dangers at play. To uncover what these horrors might be, you'll need to listen to the podcast and hear what the hosts have to say. In the meantime, why not find your supervillain name and learn more about the hidden superpowers that might be lying dormant in your genetic makeup?
