Are vampires real? What is an out-of-body experience? Are crop circles proof that aliens exist? HowStuffWorks explores what is real and what is urban legend with this collection of Science Versus Myth articles.
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You read that right. Founding father Benjamin Franklin is partially to blame for the legend of the Jersey Devil. Here's the strange story.
By Mark Mancini
"Cryptids" are animals whose existence is unproven, but we sure do love to believe in them.
By Mark Mancini
Mystical water witches are in high demand during these dry times. But are they better at finding groundwater than a science-driven geohydrologist?
By John Donovan
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Legend says that jackalopes roam the plains of Wyoming. These horned jackrabbits are harmless and even like campfire cowboy songs. So how much truth is there to this mythical creature?
By Mark Mancini
Would you like to be able to leave your body at will and travel to other countries and planets? Astral projection promises you can do that. But what does science say about this?
Does everyone's favorite Wookiee call Bigfoot family?
By Robert Lamb
Are these just different names for the same beast or are there subtle differences? We talk with the owner of a Bigfoot museum who's had a close encounter.
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Skinwalkers blur the line between human and beast. They're shape-shifting magical beings that belong to the Navaho spirit world.
By Robert Lamb
Experts are baffled as to why dogs keep throwing themselves off Overtoun Bridge in Scotland. Are they lured by unseen scents or is something supernatural at work?
How much sci is in your fi? We’re taking a look at physics, biology and everything in between through the lens of monster cinema. You know, all the stuff you'd need to know as a mad scientist's lab assistant. Mwah-ha-ha.
By Mark Mancini
Is the world run by the Illuminati or just some reptilian overlords? Were the moon landings faked? Whether or not you believe this kind of stuff, you'll be entertained by our conspiracy theory quiz.
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Maybe it's mistrust of the U.S. government and health-related industries, as well as Lyme's insidious nature, that makes this idea catnip for conspiracy theories. But what's the truth?
From plane crashes and deaths to sports superstitions and hexagrams, many people believe that the number 23 possesses magical properties.
Ever seen a movie where the hero gets in an elevator, but the evil villain cuts the cables? Fortunately, elevators in the real world have so many safety features that you don't have to worry about dying if this happened to you.
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Some scientists say it's possible we're all just part of a computer simulation controlled by a superior set of beings. But how would we know?
Whether you call it a contrast shower, a Scottish shower or a James Bond shower, it's guaranteed to wake you up. Here's why people are trying it.
You've heard this bit of hair care advice before, but is it true?
Fire will turn a human's teeth to dust. But what about a dragon's?
By Robert Lamb
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If you're considering a hobby or career as a "ufologist" or paranormal investigator, there are a handful of routes that don't involve being personally abducted or applying to a secret government shadow agency.
By Dave Roos
A surprising percentage of Americans believe that Big Pharma is hiding the cure for cancer because there's a lot of money to be made treating the disease. Experts explain why this isn't true.
By Dave Roos
We've yet to find intelligent life outside of planet Earth. But instead of space, should we be looking right here but in other dimensions?
By Diana Brown
Tourists may not be the only ones to enjoy the beauty of the famous palace.
By Diana Brown
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Would they be a mating display? A fierce weapon to defend against lions?
By Robert Lamb
Previously undiscovered geoglyphs found in Peru were invisible from the ground and too faint and sprawling to be picked up by space satellites. But not drones.