Synesthesia is a superpower.

If you don’t believe superpowers are real, consider this: what if you could taste words or see colors when hearing sounds? 

Some humans do have unusual abilities. They carry genetic variants for a neurological condition called synesthesia — highly connected, “cross-wired” brains where sensory regions mix and mingle.

A Science article on synesthesia describes this mingling of the senses, which may result from hyperconnected neurons in the brain for some lucky humans.

Alas, I don’t have it, so I gave the superpower to the character in my books. She uses her “Listening Eyes” and “Observing Fingers” as extra-sensory powers to understand genomics.

Is there a gene for synesthesia? Not one, but many genes usually work together to shape a trait, and synesthesia is no exception. Scientists asked a family with the sound-color version of synesthesia to be part of a study to find the genes. They sequenced their DNA and compared the results to a family member without the superpower.

What did they find? Thirty-seven genes with variants that “relate in some way to the development of connections between neurons.” They also found that synesthesia “appears to be more common among people with autism spectrum disorder and savant abilities.”

And found in creative humans. Billie Eilish’s compositions are influenced by her sensory abilities. Paul McCartney sees the days of the week as distinct colors. Sarah Kraning is a synesthete and made a TEDx talk about her experience.

A psychology study tested the relationship between different types of synesthesia and their involvement in art, creative, and visual abilities. The authors of the paper, “Creativity and involvement in art in different types of synesthesia,” concluded:

Evolution likes variation. Synesthesia doesn’t flare up once and disappear. It’s a heritable trait, passed down like eye color or a good ear for pitch. A trait that persists across generations has it been conserved.

In evolutionary terms, conserved means natural selection kept it around instead of quietly deleting it. Is there something about a cross-wired brain earns its keep?

Researchers at the University of California, San Diego reviewed the current research and wrote, “Survival of the Synesthesia Gene: Why Do People Hear Colors and Taste Words.”  Some of their conclusions:

In evolutionary terms, conserved means natural selection kept it around instead of quietly deleting it. Something about a cross-wired brain earns its keep. Scientists may not call them superpowers, but extra-sensory perceptions are real and powerful.

I’m entranced by evolution. My new work ,“Synesthesia — Mutation Rhapsody,” is the first in a body of work about the most fascinating aspects in evolution. Please watch the video about the new work. You can buy a limited edition print of the artwork from my online store.