This thought-provoking work of science journalism reveals what our minds and bodies are capable of through the stories of people with astonishing real-life abilities—and the scientists who are revealing the hidden potential in all of us.
The acclaimed author of Gory Details returns with another fantastic, funny look at the extreme edges of science, in the vein of Mary Roach’s Replaceable You and Joshua Foer’s Moonwalking with Einstein.
Superpowers are real. Okay, maybe our bodies can’t fly or turn invisible, but we do hold the potential for seemingly superhuman feats. This entertaining book will help us understand the science powering our brains and bodies—and discover how we might harness our own special abilities.
Science journalist Erika Engelhaupt, our intrepid guide on this amazing journey, leads us through this world while attempting to develop some “powers” for herself. And she allows us the opportunity to test ourselves to see if we have hidden superhero potential.
In these pages, we’ll meet real-life “supes” including:
- Super-recognizers (those who don’t forget a face)
- Echolocators (people who navigate the world with bat-like sonar)
- Super-athletes (including the world's strongest woman)
- Savants (including human calculators)
- Super-memorizers (names, dates, full decks of playing cards, and more!)
- Tummo experts (Tibetan monks with the ability to change their body temperature with their minds)
Filled with startling insights, cutting edge-science, and a large dose of wit, this incredible book is for anyone who wants to unleash the superpowers within.
