The Science of Heroes

In the NBC television series Heroes, the superpowers of the "Superpowered" can fundamentally be regarded as simply different manifestations of the same base ability. That ability is the possession and unconscious manipulation of a biology-altering electromagnetic field.

The origin of the Superpowered lies in the brain. The four gene complex responsible for the Superpowered causes them to have certain anatomical characteristics in their brains that baseline humans don't have. The Superpowered have several new neurotransmitters, unique neural wiring, and wholly new organelles in the neurons. This special neuroanatomy causes the brain to create a special electromagnetic field that exist as a semi-sentient energy-based lifeform.

The lifeform takes form as an inconspicuous energy pattern linked to the natural EM field of a Superpowered's body. Since the EM field lifeform permeates a Superpowered's entire body, it innately possesses an intrinsic understanding of all aspects of physiology (including DNA) to a degree that is beyond human comprehension. The semi-sentience of the EM field is tied into a Superpowered's own consciousness and as a result, its actions are based on the Superpowered's subconscious will. Because of this connection, at some point in a Superpowered's life (anywhere from prepubescence to early mid-age), the EM field takes signals from the Superpowered's psyche, as well as their individual genetic structure, stress hormones, and immune system messengers to alter the Superpowered's physiology in way that will imbue them with a superhuman ability that might be useful to that particular Superpowered in their daily life or at least at the precise time of their manifestation. This means that every Superpowered's ability is actually connected to their personality and environment (natural or social).