Spooky science Dissecting the mysteries of ghosts, cryptids, aliens, and other oddities

Hosts of the Spooky Science Sisters podcast, geologist Ankney and chemist Miller examine a variety of paranormal phenomena with a scientist's eye. They argue that true understanding of the paranormal must be rooted in the scientific method, with testable hypotheses and replicable results. Among the book's subjects are the existence of ghosts, monsters, and cryptids and the reality of urban legends. Readers will learn about the historical and folkloric origins of phenomena, as well as possible logical and scientific explanations. For example, people labeled as vampires or werewolves might have actually had medical conditions such as rabies, tuberculosis, porphyria, or hypertrichosis, while other academic research reveals how the human brain can be tricked into seeing ghosts or even the Bloody Mary of urban-legend fame. Additionally, Ankney and Miller demonstrate how original reports of Bigfoot, the Bermuda Triangle, the Roswell alien crash, and alien abductions have morphed into their current iterations. While this book disputes the existence of many of the phenomena it discusses, the authors remain willing to believe, should science offer evidence. VERDICT Believers and skeptics alike will enjoy this lighthearted yet substantive look at the paranormal.--Lydia Olszak