Random Human Chimeras Are Absolutely Real (15 items)

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  (#2) A Chimera Mother Had To Prove She Was The Biological Parent Of Her Children

  When applying for benefits for herself and her children, Lydia Fairchild had to provide a DNA sample from herself and her brood to prove they were related. The tests came back showing that Fairchild could not be the biological mother of her children.

  Even after witnessing Fairchild give birth, the state intervened since the DNA proved the kids were not her own. In fact, the DNA tests revealed that her twin sister was actually the biological mother of her children - except Fairchild did not have a twin. 

  After learning about another woman that had two different DNA types in her body, it was concluded that Fairchild was actually her own twin due to chimerism. Further testing was done and Fairchild was finally proven to be the biological mother of her children.
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  (#12) The First Documented Human Chimera Was In 1953

  In 1953, a woman donating blood in England was in for a shock when doctors alerted her to the presence of two different types in her donation. After theorizing and questioning the donor, known as "Mrs. McK," it was determined that she absorbed some DNA from her twin brother while they were in the womb. Though her brother passed at the age of 3, Mrs. McK still carried his DNA in her veins as a chimera.

  According to scholar Aryn Martin, Mrs. McK was the first human chimera identified within the realm of modern medicine.
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  (#1) A Woman Was Found To Have Two Of Almost Everything - Even Skin Colors

  Taylor Muhl sought out the opinion of a doctor after noticing a reddish "birthmark" covering the left half of her torso. She also noticed that everything on that side of her body was larger or had sensitivities or allergies not present on the right side.

  The doctor diagnosed Muhl with tetragametic chimerism, which occurs when two eggs are fertilized by two different sperm and then one of them absorbs the other. The result in this case is two blood types, two immune systems, and two skin colors on the torso.
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  (#11) Human Chimeras Are Rarely Documented But Probably Common

  There are not a lot of documented chimera in the scientific and medical communities. Experts say there are likely many more chimeras in existence than we could ever know about since it isn't a life-threatening condition.

  Many people simply take paternity tests or test compatibility for organ donation - the most likely way to spot inconsistencies that lead to chimera diagnosis.
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  (#8) DNA That A Woman Passed To Her Children Was Surgically Removed From Her Body

  Karen Keegan needed a kidney transplant, so her immediate family members were tested for compatibility. Shockingly, doctors informed Keegan that her DNA did not match that of her children. Doctors tested Keegan's hair and blood, as well as everything they could think of until it was mentioned she had a thyroid nodule removed.

  The sample collected from the nodule was found and the cells in it were a genetic match for Keegan's children.
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  (#13) Lab-Produced Chimeras Could Help With Medical Advances

  Certain doctors and scientists believe that chimeras could really advance the field of medical study. In particular, this genetic abnormality could aid in stem cell research. Professionals run many tests and calculations to determine if lab-produced animal chimera can lend organs to human patients.

  If stable organs can be produced in living organisms, transplant patients will have higher chances of survival. However, certain scientists worry that lab-produced chimeras will develop autoimmune issues like their human counterparts.

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