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.
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What's the scientific explanation for 'ghost encounters'?
People all over the world believe they've seen or heard a ghost, but there's no scientific evidence for spirits, hauntings or the paranormal. So what's behind these "encounters"?
21 of the best conspiracy theories
Conspiracy theories that have taken hold range from a faked moon landing to Barack Obama's birthplace to chemtrails.
'Yeti hair' found in Himalayas is actually from a horse, BBC series reveals
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
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?
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
A visitor attraction in Scotland is enlisting the help of volunteers to search for Nessie, but it's unlikely to yield a monster discovery.
Most methods for squashing conspiracy theories don't work, study finds. Here's what does.
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.
Equinoxes would be physically impossible over a flat Earth, but that doesn't stop conspiracy theorists from trying to explain them.
