Episode 219: Superman Quiz / “Superhuman” Genes

Today Ali asks Asif about the new ‘Superman’ movie by James Gunn, which Asif saw recently (1:11). After Asif gives his near spoiler-free review, he then gives Ali a quiz on all things Superman. Then in the second half, Ali asks Asif about genes that can give people “superhuman” powers (22:56). Asif talks about tetrachromacy, where people have an extra type of cone cell in their retina. He then goes over LRP5 mutations which in theory can give unbreakable bones (but which can also cause some other unwanted side effects).  Asif follows this up by discussing how the same genetic mutation which causes red hair may also give people increased pain tolerance. Finally Asif discusses how a certain genetic mutation (DEC2) can result in people needing less sleep. 

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Music courtesy of Wataboi and 8er41 from Pixabay

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Show Notes: 

• James Gunn: Some people will take offence at my new Superman: https://www.thetimes.com/culture/film/article/james-gunn-interview-superman-film-2025-david-corenswet-dhb3bw3rp
• Useful Trivia - Superman Trivia: https://www.usefultrivia.com/comic_book_trivia/superman_trivia_index.html
• 8 Super Cool Genetic Mutations Found In Humans: https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/genetic/8-super-cool-genetic-mutations-found-in-humans.htm
• Tetrachromacy: the mysterious case of extra-ordinary color vision: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://vision.psychol.cam.ac.uk/jdmollon/papers/JordanMollon2019Tetrachromacy.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwilzdql_8GOAxXMAHkGHdVjJFAQFnoECEoQAQ&usg=AOvVaw0vrVwcBzi75OjUKPhzqRgV
• The Women with Superhuman vision: https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20140905-the-women-with-super-human-vision: 
• LRP5 high bone mass (Worth-type autosomal dominant endosteal hyperostosis): case report and historical review of the literature: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10474981/
• Do redheads really need more anesthesia?  https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/living-well/do-redheads-really-need-more-anesthesia/
• Scientists Discover How Gene Mutation Reduces the Need for Sleep: https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2018/03/410051/scientists-discover-how-gene-mutation-reduces-need-sleep

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