Everyone is a superhero in one way or another. From comic heroes to mothers, superpowers are omnipresent. The term ‘superpower’ has often been pictured as a person with capes or some mythical beings from fiction. Nevertheless, the idea of extraordinary abilities coming alive is still one of the most anticipated projects for many scientists and superhero lovers.  

There are a few cases of human beings displaying incredible abilities such as extremely detailed memory, like Stephen Wiltshire, who has remarkable memory power, or Liam Hoekstra, known as the strongest kid. The research always goes back to the study of genes and of course, the involvement of technology. Various scientific fields have been exploring human potential and exceptional abilities. With reflections in psychology, neuroscience, and human performance, there is a high possibility of making superpowers real. 

1. The Gap Between Super and Natural

The concept of the supernatural involves phenomena that are beyond humans’ perception. Yet, these are considered natural in the laws of physics and the scientific understanding of the natural world. 

In popular culture, fictional characters from comic books, movies, or shows often refer to superpowers as extraordinary abilities. These abilities are usually something humans cannot possess, such as the ability to fly, teleport, or be invisible. 

But what if there is an existence of another dimension, popularly referred to as the 4th dimension, where time is an irrelevant concept, and these superpowers are possible? As technology advances, there is an increasing blurring of the line between the super and natural, where human creativity, imagination, and the pursuit of understanding join together. 

2. Relation Between Superpowers and Parallel Universes

The concept of parallel universes, also referred to as multiverse, is a theoretical idea that suggests there could be other universes, just like the one we are in. Back then, the concept of parallel universes was completely fiction, but it is now a discussion among many scientists and mathematicians. Our universe, located right in the Milky Way, is a huge one, however, Big Bang string theory and quantum mechanics suggest something else that is quite unimaginable. 

An uncountable number of universes exist next to our universe in higher dimensions. The most fascinating fact about parallel universes is there is an alternate copy of yourself in each universe. Everything is connected in the universe, be it ours or some parallel universe. Every atom is linked to each thing present in the universe. 

2.1 Are Superpowers Possible in Other Universes?

The study of quantum mechanics is about the tiniest thing, atoms, which states that electrons revolving around an atom’s nucleus have some superpowers. Electrons can transition from one point to another in all directions; that’s where the idea of a multiverse came from. 

Thus, whatever happens in one universe may have a connection in other universes. If such things are possible, it might open the door to the emergence of supernatural phenomena. 

Considering there is a universe with different laws of physics, individuals might exhibit abilities that defy our current understanding of nature, such as telekinesis, teleportation, etc. Then the range of conceivable superpowers is limited only by the imagination and the theoretical frameworks that define the multiverse. 

3. Are Superpowers Possible in Real Life?

While humans may not possess abilities similar to those found in comic books or movies, the extraordinary qualities of certain people, which are listed below, showcase the true essence of what it means to be exceptional in our shared reality. 

3.1 Wim Hof, The Iceman

Wim Hof is a man who can hold his body temperature steady even at extremely low temperatures. He earned his nickname, Iceman, as he is known for completing several marathons and accenting Mount Kilimanjaro in cold conditions. This isn’t a usual case because, when exposed to freezing conditions, a normal body’s first response is to constrict blood vessels to reduce heat loss and conserve warmth. However, sometimes, there are a few extremes where people may suffer hypothermia and frostbite. Besides, Hof holds the record for lasting 1 hour 13 minutes and 48 seconds ice bath. 

3.2 Stephen Wiltshire, with Photographic Memory

Stephen Wiltshire, also known as Human Camera. He gained popularity for his awe-inspiring photographic memory and was recognized as one of the best architectural artists. Stephen was born mute and diagnosed with autism. His stunning work on drawing the nooks and corners of London came to the limelight, which took him only 10 minutes of a helicopter tour. Science hasn’t had any substantial proof in Stephen’s case; in that case, we can simply say that Stephen Wiltshire does have a superpower.  

3.3 Kevin Richardson, the lion whisperer

Kevin Richardson, the enigmatic human whose presence in the untamed African savannah is akin to a lion whisperer. In a world where the untamed spirit meets human grace, Kevin has cultivated a unique and admirable rapport with magnificent creatures, such as African lions, black leopards, and spotted hyenas. The bond between Kevin and the lions has become a testament to the harmonious coexistence between humanity and the wildness, where the boundaries of the wild blend seamlessly with the extraordinary realm of humans’ ability.  

4. AI- The Next Superhumans

In the beginning stage of AI (Artificial Intelligence), people thought that AI could only be used to solve computer-related issues, but in reality, it is more than that. Today, it has unlocked opportunities in various sectors, including industrial, medical, farming, banking, and whatnot. AI is a technological embodiment of superhuman abilities, transforming the landscape of innovation and problem-solving. Moreover, Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, commented that AI can take the position of superhumans in no time.

For example, automation is considered a great tool that has changed many people’s working lives to save time and effort. Back in the days with no AI, people used to work for hours and hours on mundane, repetitive work. In the abstract, Artificial Intelligence is shifting our imagination into reality. In that case, AI might have the chance to take over superhuman qualities, such as enhanced strength, intelligence, and abilities that go beyond a human’s potential. 

5. What are augmented reality glasses, the alternative to smartphones? 

It may come as a surprise, but in no time, our smartphones will be replaced by augmented reality technology, where superpowers will become a man-made phenomenon. Imagine donning a pair of augmented reality glasses that transform the way you perceive the world and grant you superpowers.

In the world of technological wonders, augmented reality has promised to play a pivotal role in the healthcare sector, where medical professionals with AR glasses and headsets can visualize and hear medical issues right inside the patients’ bodies without opening them. On that account, X-ray vision is merely the first step to a world full of superpowers. By the next decade, augmented reality has the potential to fill in for humans’ basic interface for digital content. 

The technology is already in the market under the name- metaverse. It is a virtual space connecting physical and virtual reality. The metaverse concept has gained significant attention in recent years, with tech companies exploring ways to create and integrate digital spaces. What we once imagined has become a reality, paving the way for the swift transformation of fantastical notions into tangible existence; in that case, superpowers, too, may soon transition from the realm of fiction to reality. 

6. Reel to Real-Life Superpowers 

6.1 CRISPR/ Cas X-Men  

According to the Human Genome Project, a globally acknowledged scientific research, it claims that people are bound with many mutations scattered throughout their genome. The fact that mutations occur within ourselves opens the door to the possession of superpowers. CRISPR(Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) is a gene editing technology that may play a major role in bringing enhanced abilities within humans.

This technology allows scientists to modify specific genes within an organism’s DNA, including one’s intelligence and physical skills. However, the idea of altering human DNA still appears like a figment of the imagination; it has a major impact on individuals who want to improve their quality of life. In that case, the evolution of the X-Men in flesh is on the table. 

6.2 Suit-up Like Iron Man

We all know that Iron Man’s heart and suit are man-made with the help of certain incredible technologies. Under those circumstances, there is a strong likelihood of developing Iron Man’s suit in reality. The Iron Man suit by Tony Stark comprises advanced gold-titanium alloys and an array of cutting-edge gadgets. The suit is a powered exoskeleton that gives Stark superhuman abilities, such as superstrength, flight capability, and an arsenal of weaponry. However, the elements used to design the Iron Man suit have inspired technological innovation, the complete suite of abilities seen in the movie franchise remains speculative, and crafting one could be just around the corner. 

7. The Rise of Superpowers From Fiction to Reality 

In conclusion, the boundary between reality and virtuality is becoming increasingly blurred as technological advancements propel us into unknown realms. Once only discussed in comics and imagination, the realization of superpowers appears more plausible than ever. With cutting-edge developments in science and technology, we stand at the precipice of a future where extraordinary abilities may cease to be mere elements of myth and find a place in the fabric of our reality. The convergence of AR(Augmented Reality), VR(Virtual Reality), AI(Artificial Intelligence), and the limitless potential of the human mind hints that a world that was once deemed impossible may soon be within our grasp. 

Last Updated on May 4, 2024 by Gautam