8 Crazy Cool Human Genetic Mutations

7. Unbreakable Bones

The snappily named "low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5", or LRP5 for short, is one of the genes that controls your bone density. Some mutations to this gene can cause degenerative diseases such as osteoporosis, leaving the bones brittle and fragile. On the flip side, another mutation to this gene can ramp up bone density to a point were they're nigh on impossible to break. In fact, it was first brought to the attention of the scientists when a kid from Mid West America was in a horrible car wreck and walked away without so much as a fractured finger. Upon closer inspection, it was found that no one in his family had ever broken a bone, even the 93-year old. They were also resistant to diseases such as osteoporosis. You know how it is though, every silver lining has a cloud and there are a couple of minor side effects to the condition. Whilst the people with the LRP5 mutation can enjoy near-invincible bones, some will sport bony protruding growths on the roof of their mouth. Another drawback is that, due to their denser bodies, when in water people with LRP5 mutation will sink like a stone.
 
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