Many of us have fantasized about possessing superpowers, but there are truly seven individuals on our planet whose ‘real life superpowers’ continue to baffle scientists.
While characters like Superman and Iron Man are confined to the realm of fiction, there are people with abilities that defy explanation.
Among them are seven individuals who demonstrate extraordinary capabilities that leave experts puzzled.
What remains unclear to scientists is how these individuals acquired their abilities—whether it is due to genetics, dedication, sheer willpower, or a blend of these factors.
What we do know is that their skills are nothing short of astounding.
Prahlad Jani, known as Mataji and Chunriwala Majaji, was an Indian breatharian monk who lived from 1929 to 2020.
Jani claimed he could survive without food or water, attributing his sustenance to the Hindu goddess Amba.
He underwent two tests, one in 2003 for 10 days and another in 2010 for 15 days, during which he reportedly neither ate nor drank nor used the bathroom.
Nevertheless, some doctors remain skeptical, noting the significant difference between abstaining from food for days versus years.
Wim Hof, also known as ‘The Iceman,’ has an extraordinary ability to endure freezing temperatures for extended periods.
In 2000, Hof set a Guinness World Record for the longest swim under ice and for maintaining full body contact with ice for 44 minutes, a feat that many would find unbearable even in a cold shower.
Hof not only tolerates extreme cold but also avoids illness after prolonged exposure.
In 2011, Dr. Peter Pickkers noted that Hof’s meditation technique suppresses his inflammatory cells by ‘more than 1/3 to a half compared to normal subjects.’
Natasha Demkina possesses a different kind of unusual ability that doesn’t involve withstanding extreme conditions.
The 37-year-old claims she can see inside people’s bodies, allowing her to detect issues with organs or tissues.
This unique skill earned her the nickname ‘the girl with X-ray eyes.’
In 2004, she demonstrated her ability by identifying the source of a sore ankle on the UK TV show This Morning.
Later that year, she correctly identified four out of seven medical diagnoses, prompting some researchers to attribute her success to chance.
Her incorrect identification of health issues on This Morning’s Chris Steele, including kidney, pancreas, and stomach problems, further fueled skepticism.
David Smith, often referred to as ‘the most flexible man on the planet’ and ‘Rubberboy,’ has achieved seven Guinness World Records for his contortion feats.
Doctors have attributed his flexibility to a genetic condition known as hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
This condition often results in increased joint mobility due to its impact on connective tissues.
While it grants Smith hypermobility, it can also lead to severe chronic joint pain, stretchable skin, and internal organ issues.
Stephen Wiltshire, an architectural artist from Britain, possesses an extraordinary photographic memory.
Diagnosed with autism at the age of three, Wiltshire has ‘savant syndrome,’ a condition where a neurodivergent individual excels at a specific skill.
Wiltshire can recreate entire buildings or cityscapes with remarkable accuracy after seeing them only once.
Ben Underwood was diagnosed with retinoblastoma cancer, which led to the removal of his eyes.
At seven years old, he claimed he could ‘see’ the world by clicking his tongue, similar to echolocation used by dolphins.
While humans can theoretically learn echolocation, Underwood was exceptionally adept at it.
Tragically, he passed away at the age of 16 when his cancer returned.
Vietnamese farmer Thai Ngoc claims he hasn’t slept since 1973.
He reportedly only feels a bit ‘grumpy’ despite decades without sleep, according to Giao Duc Thoi Dai.
Some people suffer from a condition that prevents sleep, often with fatal outcomes, but Thai claims to have lived for years without it.
His case, however, has not been thoroughly examined, so it’s unclear how he endures without even brief rest.