Scientists have identified a mysterious genetic mutation that effectively negates the sensation of pain, enabling people with the rare anomaly to persevere effortlessly through extreme physical discomfort.

The gene variant – identified in an Italian family who feels almost no pain even when seriously injured – could help scientists find new treatments for chronic pain that mimic the family’s unusual gift.

“We have spent several years trying to identify the gene that is the cause of this,” molecular biologist James Cox from University College London told The Independent.

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