The science of mutation

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My Biologists and physicists alike have been studying mutations since they first appeared. This is the current state of their studies:

• Mutation is genetic at heart. At some stage following fecundation, the fetus is modified by an unknown factors which modifies its DNA; the new genes cause it to eventually develop superpowers around puberty. As such, the siblings of a first-generation mutant are no more statistically likely than anyone else to be mutants themselves.

• Mutations are based on dominant genes. In addition, mutations seem to modify reproductive mechanisms in such a way that the mutant's progeny will always inherit the very same mutation. In practice, this means that mutations will eventually spread to all of mankind if left unchecked.

• Mutations are very, very clearly not a natural phenomenon. It is obvious that some form of incredibly advanced genetic engineering is at work, modifying fetus DNA across the world. Who, how and why are complete mysteries - although some individuals (such as Reverend Keyes consider it divine intervention.

• Mutation seems to happen across all human population with no particular focus - a baby born in China, Australia or Europe is equally likely to be a mutant. However, there is no record of any first-generation mutant ever having a crippling genetic defect (although their descendants are just as vulnerable as anyone else).

• Whoever is creating mutations seems to be getting better with time: First-generation mutants nowadays are, on average, more powerful than the first mutants of the 1920s or their descendants.

• Like ordinary muscles, the powers conferred by mutations can be developed with practice.

• While this remains experimental, a variety of high-tech groups have had limited success in giving full-grown adults mutant superpowers.