Science Versus Myth

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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Thought Experiment: What If We Stopped Walking Upright?

Humans have only been bipedal for a sliver of history. What if we returned our spines to their original position and quit walking upright? What would that world be like?

By Julie Douglas Apr 27, 2016 Science Vs. Myth / What If

Yes, Unicorns Were Real, if You Want to Call This One

A new study says a prehistoric rhino, dubbed the "Siberian unicorn," may have coexisted with humans.

By Robert Lamb Apr 8, 2016 Science Vs. Myth / Strange Creatures

Is 'Jim Wilson' Airline Code for a Dead Body on a Plane?

How do airlines deal with the need to transport human remains? And just what should you think if you hear gate agents talk about a Mr. Jim Wilson?

By Kristen Hall-Geisler Mar 24, 2016 Science Vs. Myth / Afterlife

I Want to Drink Your Blood. I'll Need 6.4 Minutes

Fast, right? You'll have no trouble accommodating your vampire overlord.

By Robert Lamb Mar 21, 2016 Science Vs. Myth / Everyday Myths

Feuding Over a Flat Earth Is Nothing New

Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson and rapper B.o.B join centuries of folks who have argued over the shape of the planet. The diss tracks are a new twist though.

By Christian Sager Jan 28, 2016 Science Vs. Myth / Everyday Myths

Scientists Discover Whether Fear Alone Is Enough to Literally Curdle Blood

You've heard the term 'bloodcurdling scream,' and blood can thicken in response to actual physical threats. Is the same possible when the fear is entirely fictional?

By Chris Opfer Jan 11, 2016 Science Vs. Myth / Everyday Myths

People Are on the Hunt for Bigfoot. Here's How They're Funding It

One pursuer of the towering, hairy cryptid actually has figured out how to make a decent full-time job out of it. Here's how.

By Patrick J. Kiger Dec 7, 2015 Science Vs. Myth / Strange Creatures

'Monster Science' Links Werewolves to Cannibal Salamanders

Dr. Jessup has one final "Monster Science" lecture for us this Halloween season. And he has a surprise guest you won't want to miss.

By Robert Lamb Oct 30, 2015 Science Vs. Myth / Strange Creatures

The Unicorn Ain’t What It Used to Be

They weren't always the sparkling, smiling G-rated creatures that they are today.

By Julia Layton Oct 29, 2015 Science Vs. Myth / Strange Creatures

Birth Order Is Kind of Baloney

Two recent studies have blown big holes into the idea of birth order as a predictor of personality.

By John Donovan Oct 28, 2015 Science / Science Vs. Myth

'Monster Science' Gets Familiar With Baraka From 'Mortal Kombat'

Join Dr. Anton Jessup as he muses about your favorite limb-hacking mutant from "Mortal Kombat."

By Robert Lamb Oct 28, 2015 Science Vs. Myth / Strange Creatures

Turn Your Dead Body Into a Tree!

This is for those of you who want to think "outside the box," even when you're dead.

By Robert Lamb Oct 22, 2015 Science Vs. Myth / Afterlife

Straitjackets Are Still in Use, Just Not Where You Think

Straitjacket sales may be low, but people still make them, and they definitely still use them.

By Adrian Rogers Oct 9, 2015 Science / Science Vs. Myth

10 Signs That Study Is Bogus

A new vitamin that'll prevent cancer? Chocolate as a weight-loss tool? Hang on a second. Before you buy into some extraordinary claims, use some common sense to figure out whether that "study" is the real deal.

By Oisin Curran Science / Science Vs. Myth

Can your hair turn white overnight?

Of all the cosmetic problems to worry about waking up to — dark under-eye circles, a blemish on your nose, new stubble on your chin — a headful of white hair ranks pretty low on your list. Should you be more concerned?

By Laurie L. Dove Science Vs. Myth / Everyday Myths

Is Chicago the windiest city in the U.S.?

Chicago, widely known as "The Windy City," certainly seems to have earned its rep. Plus, it's a pretty cool nickname. But is it actually the windiest city? Hey, Chicagoans, let's prove it once and for all.

By Kate Kershner Science Vs. Myth / Everyday Myths

Is Seattle the rainiest city in the U.S.?

Rainy, dreary, Seattle, right? Everyone says it's the rainiest city in the United States. However, Seattleites are keeping a secret from you. Find out if their rainy reputation is real — or if the rumor's all wet.

By Kate Kershner Science Vs. Myth / Everyday Myths

Should you wear light-colored clothes in hot weather to stay cool?

Summertime fashion — light in weight and light in color. Are these pastel colors a designer's choice? Or do light colors actually keep you cooler, as some say? Read to find out if you should ditch the goth wardrobe this summer.

By Kate Kershner Science Vs. Myth / Everyday Myths

Can a penny dropped off a building kill you?

Walking down a city sidewalk, you protect your valuables and weave through crowds. Should you also beware of falling pennies?

By Laurie L. Dove Science Vs. Myth / Everyday Myths

Has 'light as a feather, stiff as a board' ever worked?

If you've ever been to a slumber party, you know the drill. Place your fingers under someone's body, chant "Light as a feather ... stiff as a board ..."and they'll magically rise up into the air. Is this old trick a true ghostly phenomenon?

By Debra Ronca Science Vs. Myth / Everyday Myths

What if You Really Ate 50 Eggs Like in 'Cool Hand Luke'?

In the classic film "Cool Hand Luke," the title character gulps down 50 hard-boiled eggs in less than an hour. Is this a trick you can (or should) try at home?

By Debra Ronca Science Vs. Myth / What If

Is there a secret city under Walt Disney World?

Urban legends about Disney World are a dime a dozen. Some are totally outlandish but others are true — like the one about the secret city under the Magic Kingdom.

By Debra Ronca Science Vs. Myth / Everyday Myths

What if Earth's core cooled down?

The core of our planet is about as hot as the sun. Here's why we should all hope that it stays that way.

By Chris Opfer Science Vs. Myth / What If

Helium Shortage! What If We Ran Out of Helium?

A helium shortage threatens more than just the balloon industry. Way more. Here's what at stake should we run out of this gas — which is a real possibility.

By Chris Opfer Science Vs. Myth / What If