Theory:Abilities in general

Theories about powers in general

The following fan theories are about powers in general.

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Theories

Theory	Citations	Notes
All evolved human powers are manifestations or variations on the classic psychic abilities of telepathy, telekinesis, and extra-sensory perception (ESP).	According to Chandra Suresh, all powers appear to originate from a particular mutation in the brain. (Six Months Ago)	• If true, enhanced strength and regeneration are manifestations of telekinesis; mental manipulation is a variant of telepathy; precognition and electronic data transception are types of ESP, etc. + Sylar, using his ability to discern how things work, identifies the brain as the source of powers, and takes powers after opening up the brain, including super-hearing which would normally be associated with the ears. When Claire's brain is damaged, she is unable to regenerate until the stick is removed. - The Haitian can only block mental powers, therefore, some powers must be physical. - This does not account for powers such as induced radioactivity, pyrokinesis, cryokinesis, or other forms of energy manipulation. + Pyrokinesis and cryokinesis both basically just involve changes in temperature, which is essentially a function of the speed at which molecules vibrate, which could conceivably be controlled by telekinesis. Similarly, Ted's induced radioactivity could come about by telekinetically inducing photons to vibrate at different frequencies, and thus producing gamma radiation (as he has also shown the ability to produce a non-damaging EMP blast).
Natural-born super powers are a result of evolution and adaptation being influenced by the subconscious whims of the subject. In short, a person gets an ability that helps them in their day-to-day life, based on what they (either consciously or subconsciously) think they need.	None.	+ Peter's empathy would be useful in an occupation (nurse) that depends on feeling and healing the suffering of others. + Claire's ability is useful for cheerleaders, they break bones all the time. + Nathan first manifested his flight power when he needed a fast escape. + Matt's telepathy could be useful for a cop and a man who struggles in knowing what he should say to people. + Niki vocally expressed her desire to be two people and her worries about being strong enough for her son several times. + D.L.'s ability to phase through matter would certainly be useful for a man in prison seeking escape. + Sylar's ability to understand how complex systems work would be a boon to any watchmaker. + Additionally, Tim Kring has stated in interviews that the character's powers are reflections of their personalities. + Charlie was a waitress and her powers of memorization would greatly assist her in taking and delivering orders. + Hiro's power first manifested when he was trying to 'will' the train into not arriving, and he did succeed in making it late.
The powers are designed by a higher power.	None.	+ There are many references to religion in Heroes. For example, many of the characters are named after biblical figures. Also, Chandra Suresh's door is number 613, a holy number in the old testament. + The creators of the show have also hinted that there's a supernatural element to the character's powers. Tim Kring studied divinity in school, and Joe Pokaski and Aron Coleite have commented on the preponderance of Biblical names. - However, religious symbolism doesn't necessarily imply a religious cause.
Twins have the same or similar powers.	None.	+ Twins (in popular culture) are closely connected both genetically and emotionally and generally share similar traits, even when separated. + Maya and Alejandro are confirmed as twins in Lizards and their powers are somehow related.
Powers are the result of a virus.	None.	+ Viruses alter DNA, and transposons literally can cut and paste genetic material and have had a large impact on evolution. 40% of human evolution is the result of transposons. The long incubation time in some viruses could mean mutation caused in such a way wouldn't manifest until late in life in the first generation, and late childhood/early teens in the second generation. + Many virus have a single strand DNA/RNA code. And had been stated that the "Symbol" represent a single RNA helix. + A virus could preferredly infect brain cells, and that is why Sylar need to "eat" them. - There has so far been no suggestion that abilities can be transferred to another through infection. Nor has it been confirmed that Sylar eats brains (and, at the risk of sounding unencyclopaedic, it would be really dumb if he did).
Animals may develop powers as well.	None.	+ In this show, all around the world, humans are evolving and developing extraordinary abilities. It wouldn't seem much of stretch to say that other species are not part of this evolutionary process. - According to evolutionary theory, a new feature originates in a particular branch of the evolutionary "tree" and spreads only in descendants of its originators; it does not jump from one branch of the tree to another. Since superhuman powers originated in the human branch of the tree, it should not appear in others. - Evolutionarily speaking, animals should have developed similar abilities. Convergent evolution is the reason why the eye has evolved over seven times independently. If these abilities are possible, they're also possible for animals. However, many of these abilities would probably cause the animals that possesses them to die before they reached sexual maturity, such as those of Sprague or Claire's mother. Other abilities, like technopathy and Hana Gitelman's ability, would have been completely useless, and therefore there would have experienced no selective pressure in the gene pool.
Ando, Simone, Charles Deveaux and all have undiscovered powers.	None.	+ Everyone in Peter's dreams are already pre-existing known empowered individuals, with the particular exception -- thus far -- of these three. - Simone has died, but it is possible she had an undiscovered power. - Tim Kring has stated that neither Ando nor Mohinder will ever get a power. + Mohinder's sister had a power (Seven Minutes to Midnight), so he probably has one too. + His blood is the only cure for the virus, this makes him very "special".
The gene which controls the development of a power within an individual's brain is a recessive one. Therefore, any child of two powered parents should have powers, as well.	None.	+ Niki and D.L. both have powers, and their son Micah has his own power. + Both Meredith, Claire's mother and Nathan, Claire's father, have powers, thus Claire has a power of her own. + The two sons that Nathan has had with Heidi, his wheelchair-bound wife (who is not an evolved human), do not possess any known powers. + Nathan and Peter parents have been referred to as being super human.
Interaction with and proximity to an "active" evolved human can help a "dormant" evolved human to manifest their ability.	None.	+ Matt first manifests his telepathy directly after Eden used her power on him. + Monica first manifests her power soon after Micah starts living with her. + Kensei first regenerates soon after meeting Hiro, and while Hiro is nearby. - Peter and Nathan grew up with their parents who supposedly had powers - they did not start finding these powers until 6 months before season 1 when Nathan flew out of the car during his accident. + The Patrelli parents have still not been proven to have any abilities, and Peter got his power soon after working with Charles Deveaux.
The gene that gives humans powers is passed down from parents, grandparents etc, but the power the offspring receives is random.	None	• This would require that the relevant gene (or allele?) somehow modified the rest of the genome, since Sylar is cited as having the "DNA for telekinesis". • Sylar isn't the best example since he is said to alter his DNA when he takes another power. + Claire is has a completely different power than her biological parents, as does Micah, while Matt has the same power as his father.
Abilities come with the side-effect of a mental defect.	Bob stated to Niki: "The body may develop somewhat of a fracture to cope with the use of these abilities".	+ Angela Petrelli claimed Mr. Petrelli had a mental defect that cauused him to have delusions of grandure. - Angela claimed the same thing about Nathan to Heidi but was cleary lying to cover up his secret. + Niki suffers from Multiple Personality Disorder. (i.e. Jessica and Gina) + Elle stated the shrinks diagnosed her as a sociopath with paranoid delusions.