Scientists Explore Genes of Woman Who Lacked Pain Sensation

Jo Cameron from Scotland lives without feeling pain. Most of her life, she thought this was normal for her. Even after surgeries, she felt no pain. Doctors began to study her after they saw this unusual situation.

In 2019, researchers found a gene called FAAH-OUT. This gene is very special. Jo is one of only two people in the world with changes in this gene. Now in her late 70s, scientists continue to learn from her case.

Jo told reporters she did not know her lack of pain was strange. She only realised something was different when she was 65. She felt happy but did not know her body worked differently.

Before studying Jo, scientists thought the FAAH-OUT gene was useless. Now, they see it helps control pain and mood. A new study showed that this gene could help with healing wounds and mood disorders.

Scientists want to use this knowledge to create better medicines. They hope their work will help many patients in the future.

How much do you know?

What is the name of the special gene that Jo Cameron has?

FAAH-OUT

GENE-X

PAIN-LESS

MUT-1

At what age did Jo Cameron realize her lack of pain was unusual?

55

60

65

70

How many people in the world are known to have changes in the FAAH-OUT gene?

1

2

3

4

What did researchers initially think of the FAAH-OUT gene?

Useful

Useless

Harmful

Dangerous

What is one of the potential benefits of the FAAH-OUT gene discovered by scientists?

Memory enhancement

Better pain control

Increased risk of diseases

Weight loss

In which country does Jo Cameron live?

England

Scotland

Wales

Northern Ireland

Jo Cameron has felt pain after surgeries.

True False

FAAH-OUT gene was previously thought to be useless.

True False

Jo Cameron is in her 50s.

True False

Researchers want to use the knowledge gained from Jo Cameron to improve medicine.

True False

Jo only realized her body worked differently after turning 70.

True False

Jo Cameron is one of three people with changes in the FAAH-OUT gene.

True False

Jo Cameron lives without feeling pain.

The FAAH-OUT gene is said to help control pain and .

Jo Cameron was studied by doctors after they noticed her situation.

She only realized something was different about her body when she was .

Scientists hope their work will lead to better for patients.

Jo Cameron was born in and still continues to share her story.

This question is required