Mom Shares Family's Super Rare Genetic Trait—and the Internet Is 'Jealous'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
A woman and her son have spoken out online about their extremely rare genetic trait, which affects about six in every 10,000 people in the United States.
Elizabeth Tyler, 40, and her six-year-old son Liam, from the Midwest, were born with a condition known as heterochromia—meaning they have multicolored and different colored irises.
The Instagram clip (@_elizabethevan_) of them explaining the condition quickly went viral, racking up 994,000 views at the time of writing.
Mom-of-five Tyler told Newsweek: "I shared the video because I want Liam and other kids to know that what makes them different is what makes them shine. Growing up with it myself, I didn't always feel that way.
Two screenshots from the viral video showing a close up of Liam's face; his left eye a mix of brown and blue and right completely blue. The right image is with his mom, whose eyes...
Two screenshots from the viral video showing a close up of Liam's face; his left eye a mix of brown and blue and right completely blue. The right image is with his mom, whose eyes are mixed both colors. More
Instagram/@_elizabethevan_
"Now I want to make sure my son grows up feeling proud of who he is and confident in his uniqueness—inside and out."
In the clip, Liam explains that they have sectoral heterochromia, which, according to the All Things Vision website, appears as two-colored eyes forming a "slice" or "wedge" pattern in the iris. Also called partial heterochromia, it is the most varied form of the condition. The secondary color might show as a thin slice in one eye or cover up to two-thirds of the iris in another. It can occur in one or both eyes.
When his mom asked whether he'd had a positive experience at school, Liam's answer broke her heart. He shared that some children had called him a monster and said he looked crazy.
Tyler told Newsweek: "No parent ever wants to hear their child say something like that. But it also hit me on a personal level because I've been there. I remember being called names growing up and feeling different in a way that didn't always feel safe or celebrated.
So when Liam said those words, it resonated deeply. I knew exactly what that sting felt like."
Heterochromia runs in the family, affecting three of Tyler's siblings and her father, so it was somewhat normal in her household growing up.
"Liam was around two years old when he started pointing to his eye," she explained. "By then, I had already been talking to him about heterochromia, so when he noticed it, he felt proud."
Although schoolchildren aren't always kind, the family can count on support from social media users, who have inundated the post with encouraging comments.
As of now, the June 6 post has received over 77,000 likes and many compliments.
"Not only is he unique, he is BEAUTIFUL," one user wrote.
Another added: "Honestly, I'm jealous... unless it hurts."
A third commented: "You're both gorgeous and have the most beautiful eyes!!!!!"
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
an hour ago
- Newsweek
4-Year-Old Gets New 'Robot Arm'—Mom in Tears Over Her Response
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A girl who has spent the first four years of her life learning to manage with just one arm is finally getting her dream come true, as she prepares to get her new prosthetic. Life certainly hasn't been easy for Kaisley Hernandez, 4, who was unexpectedly born with one full arm. On her right side, her upper arm developed, but she doesn't have a forearm. It wasn't caused by amniotic band syndrome, but rather, doctors believe that her arm just stopped developing. Indeed, her mom, Destiny Hernandez, 30, told Newsweek that it came as quite the surprise because "no one knew until she was born." The limb difference didn't show up on any of her scans, so it was only when Kaisley was delivered that doctors announced that "she has a deformity." However, Kaisley, of Lubbock Texas, has refused to let her disability get her down and she has become incredibly resilient in the face of adversity. Kaisley Hernandez, 4, who was born with just part of her arm. Kaisley Hernandez, 4, who was born with just part of her arm. @dessshernandez / TikTok "Kaisley is a beautiful, smart, sassy girl, and we hope the world is kind to her," Destiny said. "We have come across her being bullied, and that was hard to see, but we just tell her that not everyone understands, and some people just aren't kind." She continued: "We encourage Kaisley and let her know that anything is possible. She can do everything she wants, and her family will be 100 percent behind her." Of course, having two arms would make life so much easier, and it turns out that Kaisley is finally getting her wish. In May 2025, the 4-year-old got her "nubby" molded for a brand-new activity prosthetic arm, which is sure to improve her life dramatically. Destiny captured the incredible moment when her daughter got the mold taken and shared the video on TikTok (@dessshernandez). The video has amazed and delighted social media users, leading to more than 13.3 million views and over 1.5 million likes on TikTok at the time of writing. During the appointment, the doctor asked Kaisley who her favorite cartoon character is, and there was only one answer for this Encanto fan: Mirabel. The sheer joy as she told the doctor she'd like Encanto-themed fabric to line her prosthetic left her mom fighting back tears. As the cast was formed around her upper arm, Kaisley was "overwhelmed with emotions." While she did seem nervous, her mom explained that it was just because she couldn't feel her nubby while it was in the mold, and it was such an unknown experience for her to face at such a young age. Thankfully, her mom and brothers were on hand to talk her through it and show her what an exciting opportunity this will be. "She is so excited, and she tells everyone 'I'm getting a robot arm.' For now, we are sticking with the activity arm until she gets older and then she can decide which direction she wants to go—there are so many options to choose from," Destiny said. Kaisley Hernandez, pictured enjoying her third birthday party with a cake and presents. Kaisley Hernandez, pictured enjoying her third birthday party with a cake and presents. @dessshernandez / TikTok On June 19, Kaisley had a fit test to check her new prosthetic, and it couldn't have gone better. The family will return on July 14 for the finishing touches. After sharing Kaisley's journey on social media, Destiny has been amazed by the supportive response. She never imagined the video would go viral, but she's glad so many people can learn about her daughter's experience, and they can cheer her on from across the world. "We just want Kaisley to have confidence, and we let her know that it's okay to ask for help," Destiny told Newsweek. Many social media users were brought to tears by Kaisley's reaction to the prosthetic mold, and the online reaction has generated over 7,000 comments on the viral post so far. One comment reads: "Poor baby, she has the best big brothers." Another TikTok user wrote: "You can see the gravity of it all just weighing on her. She's so little, but she understands it means things will be different." While another commenter added: "Bless her little heart. It must be so overwhelming for her, big change is scary for the best of us. Your family is amazing all being there together supporting her little self." Is there a health issue that's worrying you? Let us know via health@ We can ask experts for advice, and your story could be featured on Newsweek.
Newsweek
2 hours ago
- Newsweek
The Key to Better Sleep Is in Your Gut, Says Gastroenterologist
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Around 25 million U.S. adults suffer from insomnia. At the same time, more than 3.9 million Americans are taking probiotics, usually for gut health, according to the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA). And gut health could be the key to better sleep. A study published in the journal Engineering examined a specific probiotic strain called Lactobacillus helveticus CCFM1320. This probiotic produces a compound known as SAM (S-adenosylmethionine), which helps regulate the body's internal clock and supports the production of melatonin, a hormone that promotes sleep. The researchers found that this probiotic could significantly improve sleep quality. The Gut as a Second Brain Neuroscientist Dr. Chelsie Rohrscheib, the head of sleep at Wesper, a national home sleep disorder diagnostics company, told Newsweek: "The gut essentially acts as a secondary nervous system and creates and releases many crucial neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, which also help to regulate nervous system activity. "This allows for two-way communication between the gut and the brain, called the gut-brain axis. Healthy gut microbes are essential to keeping the gut healthy and functioning, and there is ample evidence that gut microbiota dysregulation can negatively impact the activity of the gut-brain axis. Because the brain is highly sensitive, this can lead to poor sleep quality." Stock image of a woman taking pills from her nightstand before bed. Stock image of a woman taking pills from her nightstand before bed. Liudmila Chernetska/iStock / Getty Images Plus Is CCFM1320 a Game-Changing Strain? To test the effectiveness of CCFM1320 in humans, scientists from Jiangnan University conducted a four-week study with 60 volunteers who experienced sleep difficulties. Participants were divided into two groups: one received the probiotic, while the other took a placebo. Results showed that those who consumed the probiotic had better sleep scores, lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, and a healthier balance of gut bacteria. Additionally, the probiotic boosted the expression of genes involved in producing and utilizing SAM, a key factor in sleep and overall health. Strain-Specific Benefits Dr. Michel Bass, a board-certified gastroenterologist and the Founding Medical Director at Oshi Health in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, emphasized the importance of strain specificity: "Not all probiotics are created equal. This study identified CCFM1320 as uniquely beneficial for sleep quality. This isn't a generic 'take-any-probiotic' situation—it's about strain-level specificity," Bass told Newsweek. "That's where a lot of public messaging needs to evolve. Just like different medications target different conditions, different strains do different things. And this one appears to enhance melatonin synthesis via SAM methylation—a novel pathway." Probiotic Supplements vs. Fermented Foods Stock image of an assortment of fresh vegetables and meats. Stock image of an assortment of fresh vegetables and meats. esilzengin/iStock / Getty Images Plus While fermented foods like yogurt, kimchi, and kefir are beneficial for general gut health, Bass explained that they may not provide targeted probiotic strains at therapeutic levels. "If someone wants to improve things like sleep quality or reduce stress hormones like cortisol, a strong, well-researched supplement—especially one with proven strains like CCFM1320—is usually more effective," he said. "That said, eating fermented foods is still a great daily habit and can complement targeted probiotic supplements." Jason Eastty, owner of Healthspan Longevity in Westborough, Massachusetts, and a nutrition specialist, added that overall good nutrition can combat poor sleep. "Having a nutrient deficiency—like low iron, magnesium, or vitamin D—can throw off your gut microbial balance, leading to poor sleep. Clinical trials have shown that correcting these deficiencies helps microbial diversity and improves sleep efficiency," Eastty said. He also emphasized that a whole-foods diet rich in fiber—from fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains—is essential to feeding the "good" bacteria in your gut.
New York Post
2 hours ago
- New York Post
5 foods that naturally stimulate the ‘Ozempic hormone' — without drugs
Want to shed pounds without getting poked? Your fork might be the fix. While GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy have taken the weight-loss world by storm, there are some everyday foods that offer similar benefits naturally — no needle required. 'No one food is a magic bullet for anything, but getting a balanced diet rich in nutrition-dense foods is a great way to manage your appetite and feelings of being full,' Dr. Amir Khan, a general practitioner, said in an Instagram video. Advertisement Khan broke down five foods to add to your diet if you're looking to naturally boost your levels of GLP-1, the hunger-controlling hormone that these trendy drugs are designed to mimic. An added bonus: These foods are also packed with nutrients that benefit your whole body, not just your waistline. But first: what is GLP-1? Advertisement GLP-1 is a hormone released by the small intestine after you eat, according to the Cleveland Clinic. It plays several key roles in how the body processes food, including triggering insulin production to turn meals into energy and lower blood sugar levels. 5 About 12% of US adults have tried a GLP-1 drug. millaf – Advertisement It also suppresses glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar, and slows stomach emptying, which helps you feel fuller for longer. GLP-1 drugs mimic this natural process by curbing appetite and reducing food intake, often leading to weight loss. But according to Khan, some kitchen staples can produce similar effects. #1 Eggs Packed with protein and monounsaturated fats, eggs have been shown to help boost GLP-1 secretion. Advertisement 'Egg whites in particular are thought to be beneficial to GLP-1 release,' Khan said. 5 Eggs may even help trigger the release of GLP-1 and other satiety hormones. Mara Zemgaliete – A 2016 study compared a bagel breakfast to one with three eggs. The egg meal led to lower blood sugar after eating, less hunger, and reduced food intake over the next 24 hours. #2 Certain nuts Almonds, pistachios, and walnuts may help boost GLP-1 thanks to their fiber, protein, and healthy fats. These nutrients work together to slow digestion, leading to a more steady rise in blood sugar and improving insulin sensitivity. #3 High-fiber grains Grains like oats, barley and whole wheat are packed with soluble fiber, which dissolves in water and forms a gel-like substance in your gut. 5 Soluble fiber, found in oats, barley, and rye, slows down the digestion process. baibaz – Advertisement This gel slows digestion and the release of glucose into your bloodstream, preventing sugar spikes and triggering GLP-1 release. #4 Olive oil 'Studies suggest unsaturated fats, like those in olive oil, stimulate GLP-1 release better than saturated fats found in butter,' Khan explained. Olive oil also slows carbohydrate digestion, helping prevent rapid blood sugar spikes. Advertisement Its polyphenols and vitamin E provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits that support hormone regulation — including GLP-1. A 2021 review found that a Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil led to higher post-meal GLP-1 levels, improved insulin sensitivity, and lower blood sugar compared to diets high in saturated fats. #5 Some vegetables Veggies like Brussels sprouts, broccoli and carrots are loaded with fiber, which helps regulate blood sugar. Advertisement Gut bacteria break down that fiber into short-chain fatty acids, which Khan says signal gut cells to release GLP-1 into the bloodstream. 5 Vegetables are high in fiber, vitamins and minerals, which can help regulate blood sugar and GLP-1 levels. Wolfilser – A 2022 study found that eating vegetables before carbs significantly improved glucose and GLP-1 levels in people with type 2 diabetes — especially an hour after eating. America's weight problem Advertisement About one in eight US adults have tried a GLP-1 drug, according to a 2024 KFF poll. Among them, nearly four in 10 say weight loss was the primary reason. Obesity is an epidemic in America, with more than two in five adults and nearly one in five kids and teens classified as obese, per the CDC. The health fallout is huge. Obesity is a risk factor for a wide range of chronic conditions, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, kidney disease and even several cancers. But it's not just physical. Obesity can take a toll on mental health, with research showing it increases the risk of developing low self-esteem, depression, eating disorders and chronic stress. On top of that, people with obesity often face bias at school and work, taking a serious toll on their quality of life.
