A Life Without Pain or Anxiety by Emma Sears

        Recently, an article by the New York Times surfaced about a woman named Jo Cameron, a woman with a genetic mutation that allowed her to feel no pain. This unique feature was discovered in 2014, after Cameron had a hand operation and did not need any painkillers, a situation that confused the working doctors. This is not the only thing that set Cameron apart: she didn't notice things like cuts or bruises, until someone pointed it out. Additionally, when a hip replacement was needed for the 65 year old, she did not notice the stature of her degrading bones until it was extremely 'degenerated'.
      While this had been a mystery to Cameron for the entirety of her life, scientists have found the connection between the 'pain gene' and the mutation that Cameron possesses. The gene, which is in all humans, is named by scientists "FAAH-OUT". However, Cameron's mutation deleted the front of the gene, which scientists hypothesize is the reason she is inept to pain.
       As well as an immunity to pain, Cameron also feels very little anxiety. The article states that she "cannot recall ever having felt depressed or scared,". While many would see this as a positive mutation, and there are definitely benefits, Cameron also exhibits negative traits, such as never feeling the rush of adrenaline.

Jo Cameron, pictured above.

     The recognition of this pain gene is extremely awe-inspiring for the scientific community. This discovery could be used for designer babies, if the technology is ever advanced enough. However, in the closer future, scientists believe that Cameron's mutation could be used to create a new form of pain medication. While the course of these events is still unknown, it is possible that this gene could change our lives as we know it.