Three ladies snap a picture together. A century later, researchers take a closer look and are totally blown away

Just like her grandparents, Rachel’s distant relatives from her mother’s side were either lost, married off, or dead. She always attributed the misfortunes to the ills of a budding industrialized past. But Sonya had breaking news for her.

Rachel’s genes were almost as similar as Superman’s, especially her regenerative properties. Rachel glimpsed the photo of Pearl she never knew existed until now. Even with its almost faded look, she could easily spot her mother’s small face.

To think this little girl started getting accustomed to those dangerous machines at such a tender age. What’s worse, exposure to these harsh conditions had reaped devastating consequences on her and family for decades to come. Her heart ached at the thought.

She had breathing troubles her whole life, but unlike her brothers and sisters, she kept going. That’s what makes her so extraordinary, Sonya replied. Despite the damage to her lungs, her body had mechanisms that allowed her to repair tissue in ways others couldn’t.

We believe she passed some of these traits to you and your sister Sarah. Rachel looked up. Sarah passed away in 2008.

She had asthma her whole life, but she made it to 82. Remarkable, Sonya murmured, making notes. And you? I’ve had my troubles, Rachel admitted.

But here I am. With Rachel’s permission, Sonya’s team collected DNA samples and compared them to historical records and medical histories of other millworker families. Their findings surpassed even their expectations.

Back at the University Research Laboratory, a team of scientists spent hours examining tissue samples under a microscope. Just as Sonya explained, there were genetic markers from Rachel’s DNA test that confirmed their hypothesis. It was a genetic adaptation that allowed for enhanced lung tissue regeneration and cellular protection against particulate damage…