Question: Is it possible for mutations (as in the X-Men style ones) to occur?

Christina Pagel answered on 19 Jun 2013:

Well yes and no!

In theory, you could get a mutation of a gene (or probably several genes) that would suddenly make a big difference to your abilities but the chance of that happening is vanishingly small… evolution works by making lots of really really small changes over a very long time….

Plus i think any mutation (however unlikely) would still not be able to give you abilities beyond the laws of physics… so i could image a mutation giving someone enormous strength, or the ability to hold their breath for ages but not say controlling the weather with their mind or having laser eyes!