How medical mysteries fed monster myths

What's That Rash?

Vampires and werewolves and zombies, oh my! Where did all these monsters come from?

Undiagnosed medical conditions might have fuelled the mythology behind some of these creatures.

Norman and Tegan delve into why vampires drink blood, why werewolves howl at the full moon and how a hex might have its intended effect.

References:

• ABC's FrankenScience: Can Vampires Get Syphilis? and Witchcraft or Just a Placebo?
• All in the Mind: What's behind a paranormal experience?
• Porphyria and Vampirism—A Myth, Sensationalized
• Moon and Health: Myth or Reality?
• The undead in culture and science
• Reversibility of apoptosis in cancer cells
• Medical practice and placebo response: an inseparable bond?

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