Elastic Man: Man Sets Stretchiest Skin Record

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(Image credit: Guinness World Records)

Garry Turner can stretch the skin on his abdomen an amazing 6.25 inches, good enough to earn him the Guinness World Record for the stretchiest skin.

Turner performed the record-breaking feat on the set of "Guinness World Records: Primetime" in Los Angeles, Calif., on October 29, 1999. His skin is so stretchy that he is able to pull the skin from his neck completely over his lower jaw.

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Turner is able to stretch his skin to such an extent because of a rare medical condition called Elhers-Danlos Syndrome, a disorder of the connective tissues that affects the skin, ligaments and internal organs. In people with Elhers-Danlos Syndrome, the collagen that strengthens the skin and determines its elasticity becomes defective, resulting in a loosening of the skin and hypermobility of the joints .

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Remy Melina
Remy Melina was a staff writer for Live Science from 2010 to 2012. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication from Hofstra University where she graduated with honors.