[vid]

"Fringe" was especially popular in the modeling business for its features, price, and trendiness. The industry is now in a crisis because of the multiple cases of CCS among even novice models, many of whom now struggle to find work.


Because modeling provides a diverse genetic pool of victims of the "Fringe" phone, startling new mutations are being uncovered. A cover spread from the November issue of "Grip" magazine, one of the few to employ women with CCS, shows just how varied the condition can be:

Monique Tyler (right) exhibits the typical symptoms: small head, squeaky voice, increased sensitivity.

Gabrielle Ramirez (center) however has one rare but striking difference - her head shrunk; her ears did not. She points out that modelling often requires her to wear her hair back, so her ears usually stick out.

"It's different, but not by much."

In addition, the difference between the width of her ears and the size of her head's muscles and bones has resulted in keener hearing, which she's seen as a plus.

"I'm always telling my friends, 'Don't worry about me - I've got super powers now!'"

Mary Ann D'Arc (left) is also an unusual case: her hair survived the transformation relatively unchanged. Her once shoulder-length locks now reach her elbows. D'Arc has tried cutting it, but the mutation increased each fiber's thickness and durability.

It's insane - it takes minutes to cut one strand. And it always grows back the next day!"

She now spends more time than ever grooming, making sure her long tresses don't get in her eyes.

"I'm stuck either parting to the sides or tying it all back. My bangs are so huge I'll be blind! You'd think a girl would enjoy longer hair, but this is just so damn frustrating!"