Conspiracies & Paranormal
Something draws us towards the strange and mysterious, but when we can’t explain something through the scientific method, it's easy for our minds to wander into the realm of ghosts, monsters and UFOs. And even when science has a clear explanation, conspiracy theories sprout from nowhere to grip some people's minds.
That's why Live Science's expert writers and editors guide you rationally through the science of the supernatural and explain why people believe, with the latest news, features and articles about conspiracies and the paranormal.
Latest about Conspiracies & Paranormal
'Yeti hair' found in Himalayas is actually from a horse, BBC series reveals
By Patrick Pester published
DNA from a supposed Abominable Snowman actually came from a horse, but that doesn't mean stories of the Yeti passed on by local people aren't important.
Haunting 'mermaid' mummy from Japan is a gruesome monkey-fish hybrid with 'dragon claws,' new scans reveal
By Harry Baker published
Scientists have scanned the mummified remains of a supposed "mermaid" from Japan. The initial results suggest it is a horrifying mix of fish, monkey and lizard parts.
Are ghosts real?
By Benjamin Radford last updated
One difficulty in scientifically evaluating is ghost are real is the surprisingly wide variety of phenomena attributed to ghosts.
The biggest hunt for the Loch Ness Monster in 50 years is about to begin
By Patrick Pester published
A visitor attraction in Scotland is enlisting the help of volunteers to search for Nessie, but it's unlikely to yield a monster discovery.
20 of the best conspiracy theories
By Stephanie Pappas, Benjamin Radford last updated
Conspiracy theories that have taken hold range from a faked moon landing to Barack Obama's birthplace to chemtrails.
Most methods for squashing conspiracy theories don't work, study finds. Here's what does.
By Anna Demming published
A systematic review of conspiracy theory interventions shows that most traditional approaches have little impact, but certain alternatives show promise.
How do flat-Earthers explain the equinox? We investigated.
By Brandon Specktor last updated
Equinoxes would be physically impossible over a flat Earth, but that doesn't stop conspiracy theorists from trying to explain them.
Are flat-earthers being serious?
By Stephanie Pappas last updated
Flat-earthers believe one of the most curious conspiracy theories on the internet. Here's a look at what they believe and why.
The most famous Bigfoot sightings
By Patrick Pester published
Bigfoot, or Sasquatch, is one of North America's most enduring legends, with thousands of people claiming to have seen the giant ape-like creature. Here are the most famous Bigfoot sightings.
4 in 10 people worldwide believe in witches
By Tia Ghose published
Around the world, belief in witches and witchcraft varied widely; more than 9 in 10 people in Tunisia believed that people could use supernatural powers to do harm, while fewer than 1 in 10 people in Sweden did.
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