Extraordinary

They can't fly, yet these 10 people have amazing superhuman abilities!

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We are often unaware of the unlimited potential of human beings. Certain individuals possess unique and powerful abilities that are truly extraordinary. From a woman who can see inside the human body to a man who experiences colors and textures in numbers, these people are living proof of the incredible diversity of human talent and resilience. Read on to learn the stories of 10 individuals who have such amazing skills that they are almost superhuman.

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On Jeju Island, South Korea, a group of women—some as old as 80—dive into freezing water without tanks or thermal suits. The haenyeo are not afraid of the cold; they descend up to 30 feet deep hunting for shellfish and can hold their breath for as long as two minutes.

But how is this possible? It's not magic—it’s adaptation. Since they have been diving for centuries, their bodies have adapted to extreme conditions. Recently, scientists discovered that these legendary divers have unique genetic traits that regulate their blood pressure, increasing their tolerance to cold and protecting them even during pregnancy. Researchers compared the DNA of haenyeo with that of other non-diving Korean women and found significant differences.

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Chris Robinson, or Dream Detective, as he calls himself, claims to be able to see the future in his dreams. Since 1989, he says he has dreamt of crimes, natural disasters, and even collaborated with law enforcement on several cases.

His uncanny ability has been studied multiple times, and on one occasion, he was able to accurately predict a series of events that would happen the next day. While Robinson doesn’t always get it right, his record of claimed premonitions is intriguing and has earned him considerable attention.

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In 1973, Thai Ngoc developed a severe fever from a rare illness. He recovered after a few weeks, but was affected by a strange medical condition that scientists cannot explain: Thai Ngoc claims he can’t sleep, not even for a moment.

The Vietnamese farmer is now 83 years old and says he hasn't slept in more than 60 years. Even prescription medications have failed to help him rest. So what does he do during those endless nights? He spends his time farming and making his own rice wine!

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Natalya Demkina, a young woman from Russia, can see inside people's bodies. At least that's what she claims and has been trying to prove over the years. The first time she declared to have this ability, she was 10 years old, and everyone thought it was childish nonsense. However, as time went by, Natalya proved she could actually diagnose a person just by looking at them for a few minutes.

Scientists have carried out various tests to investigate her claims, often with mixed or skeptical results. Still, many continue to believe in her powers. What do you think? Is it true?

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Elisabeth Sulser suffers from a strange condition called synesthesia. A synaesthete can hear colors and see sounds, as well as experience taste when she touches a particular texture. It is a rare neurological condition, and Elisabeth Sulser presents one of the most complex cases of synesthesia in the world.

As a child, she believed her unusual perceptions were completely normal. It wasn’t until her teenage years, while beginning her musical career, that she learned she had this rare neurological condition. Today, she is a successful performer and composer. How do you think she feels about her own music?

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Stephen Wiltshire is an English artist famous for his extraordinary ability to draw detailed landscapes entirely from memory after seeing them just once. Diagnosed with autism at the age of three—the same year his father was killed in a motorcycle accident—Wiltshire found comfort in drawing. Encouraged by his teachers, he used art not only to express himself but also as a bridge to learning speech.

His ability is so impressive that in 2006, Prince Charles of England made him a Member of the Order of the British Empire in recognition of his artistic work.

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When he was 10 years old, American Orlando Serrell was struck in the head by a baseball and briefly knocked unconscious. After recovering, he discovered he could solve complex math problems in record time. Serrell suffers from brain damage, and although his mathematical ability was latent before the accident, his trauma turned him into a genius.

Acquired savant syndrome is a rare condition in which a person develops exceptional skills after a brain injury or trauma. In addition to his mathematical abilities, Serrell has other rare skills, such as being able to remember what the weather was like every day since his accident, or identify the day of the week for almost any date mentioned to him.

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The American ultramarathon runner Dean Karnazes is no ordinary athlete; his body works in an extraordinary way. He has a rare physiological adaptation that allows him to efficiently clear lactic acid from his muscles, preventing the painful buildup that normally forces people to stop.

Lactic acid is responsible for the hot, burning sensation we feel when we do physical activity. Because Karnazes' muscles always receive the necessary oxygen, he never gets tired and can keep running for miles without even taking a break. This uncanny ability has allowed him to set an incredible record in the United States: he ran 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 consecutive days.

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Daniel Tammet is a British writer and scholar celebrated for his extraordinary skills in mathematics and languages. Diagnosed with high-functioning autism and having experienced epilepsy as a child, he can perform complex calculations, memorize vast sequences of numbers, and learn new languages with remarkable speed.

In addition, Tammet experiences synesthesia, which enables him to assign totally unique physical properties to each number. He can even identify numbers according to the way their surface feels to the touch, awakening in him a totally different set of emotions each time.

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Joy Milne is a Scottish nurse known for her remarkable sense of smell, which allows her to detect Parkinson’s disease. She first noticed this unusual ability when she detected a distinctive musky odor on her husband, twelve years before he was officially diagnosed.

Researchers have since confirmed her talent, finding that she can identify a specific odor in the sebum of people with Parkinson’s. Thanks to Joy’s extraordinary sense of smell, progress has been made in early diagnosis and research, offering hope to those affected by the disease.

Fluffy tales

Cats can't be that mysterious, can they? Myths vs. reality!

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Cats may be mysterious, but let’s not give them credit for magic tricks they don’t actually perform. Over the years, these curious creatures have picked up numerous myths—some harmless, others simply misleading. Today, we’re debunking 12 common cat myths and setting the record straight. Ready? Here we go!

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Let’s kick things off with a classic: black cats are a symbol of bad luck. Poor black cats! This myth goes way back to the days when people thought witches had feline sidekicks. However, depending on where you are in the world, black cats arouse different opinions. In Japan and parts of the UK, for example, they’re seen as symbols of good fortune. What is it for you?

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Cats and baths go together like oil and water… usually. While many cats aren't big fans of water, some breeds, like the Turkish Van, will gladly paddle around. The real reason most cats avoid water is that wet fur is uncomfortable and slows them down.

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If you have a cat, you don’t need us to debunk this myth for you. This is simply a lie! They may not wag their tails or slobber all over you, but cats have their own subtle ways of saying "I love you." A head bump, a slow blink, or even just choosing to nap on your lap is their version of a warm hug. They're more independent than dogs, sure, but unloving? Not a chance!

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Cats do have an impressive aerial trick called the "righting reflex," which helps them twist midair and often land feet-first. We wish we had that! However, that doesn't mean they're invincible. Falls from high places can still cause serious injuries. If you live in a place with high windows or balconies, a few safety screens can go a long way!

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We’ve all heard this one: Cats have nine lives. But while they do have a knack for wriggling out of trouble, again, they’re not actually immortal, you know? This saying likely comes from their agility and sharp instincts, which often help them avoid danger. Still, one life is all they get; it’s up to us to help them make it a good one.

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Purring can mean a happy cat curled up in a sunny spot, but it's not always a happy sound. Cats may also purr when they're scared or in pain, using it as a kind of self-soothing mechanism. Did you know that? Pay attention: If the purring comes with hiding, limping, or not eating, your cat might be expressing that something’s wrong.

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Cat eyes are pretty amazing, but they’re not night-vision goggles. What they can do is see in much lower light than humans, thanks to their wide pupils and a reflective layer in their eyes. That’s what makes them glow like tiny headlights at night. So yes, they can stalk around in the dark better than we can, but not pitch black.

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This is a widespread myth: Cats aren’t strictly night owls. They're actually most active at dawn and dusk, a rhythm known as crepuscular. It ties back to their hunting roots when early morning and evening were prime times to catch dinner. A good evening play session can help burn that energy off.

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Despite the classic cartoon image of Tom lapping up a bowl of milk (and Jerry trying to steal it), real-life kitties often can’t stomach dairy. Many become lactose intolerant after kittenhood, meaning milk could lead to an upset stomach, to say the least. In short, they’re much better off with water and a well-balanced diet.

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Some cats are social butterflies, others are lone rangers. While many prefer to rule the roost solo, cats raised together, especially siblings, can form strong bonds. The key is a slow and careful introduction. And don’t forget: cats hate sharing their stuff. Extra food bowls, litter boxes, and cozy napping spots can make the difference between feline friendship and a feud.

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Yes, cats are independent, but that doesn’t mean they don’t get lonely. Many enjoy being around their humans and can even form deep attachments. Some cats might follow you from room to room, "help" you around with chores, or curl up next to you every night. And when that bond is strong, long absences can lead to anxiety. So while they won’t fetch your slippers, they miss you when you’re gone! How cute is that?

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This tale says that if you move house, you should butter your cat’s paws so they’ll remember the new location. It sounds cute, but it doesn’t do anything. That will only stress out your cat and make a mess on your floors. Imagine you get buttered feet! A better way to help them settle in is to keep them indoors for a while, let them explore slowly, and give them lots of familiar smells and comforts.