WOMAN WITH A GENETIC DISORDER DOESN'T FEEL PAIN OR FEAR

DW: Is this really a genetic disorder? Seems this is my wife every day. I'M the one that lives in fear! HA!

A 74-year-old woman in Scotland has gone through life happily oblivious to what pain or fear feels like. Between childbirth, surgery, and car accidents, Jo Cameron regularly shocks doctors with her ability to tolerate pain. That’s because the mother of two has something called “congenital analgesia” wherein a gene mutation disrupts part of the central nervous system known for its involvement in pain, mood, and memory.

Now, doctors hope to harness her “superpower” to benefit others. Senior author professor James Cox said in the release about the gene mutation“By understanding precisely what is happening at a molecular level, we can start to understand the biology involved.” He added, “That opens up possibilities for drug discovery that could one day have far-reaching positive impacts for patients.”

Source: NY Post