Metagene Positive
The metagene proved to be as mysterious as it was powerful. Although any metagene-positive individual could "ascend" to become a full metahuman at any time (usually under a period of tremendous stress, or for youngsters, when they hit adolescence), there seems to be no discernable rhyme nor reason as to when this happens or to whom. And so far, despite decades of effort, nobody has been able to figure out how to trigger it manually.
Interestingly, however, the metagene appears to be an inherited trait. Children being born today whose parents or grandparents were exposed to The Turning Point are metagene-positive, suggesting a potential escalation of metahumans in future generations.
Triflings
An odd trait that has emerged are ascended metas whose power levels are de minimis, barely registering at all. These individuals have come to be known as "Triflings," since their power levels are so low. Although not nearly as impressive as their full-powered bretheren, some Triflings have found ways to use their limited powers to their benefit. However, the majority of them live lives much the same as before they ascended, with their powers often just being an intersting parlor trick.At one point, it was theorized that Trifling abilities may merely be an interim step towards something greater, but to date, there are no recorded cases of a Trifling developing more powerful metahuman abilities.