Happy Halloween from the SciAm Blog Network!

Join Our Community of Science Lovers!

This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American


SciAm bloggers have been busy delving into the dark to explore things that go bump in the night and make your hair stand on end. Here's a collection of the spooktacular posts you will want to investigate (with a flashlight):

Revenge of the Zombifying Wasp

Blithe Spirits: Science Ain't Afraid of No Ghosts


On supporting science journalism

If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.


The Vampire Loads in Your House

Trick or Treat?

T-Rex or Treat!

Spook House Sporotrichosis

Are Zombies Nocturnal?

Talk "Dirty" to Me: Blood, Purity, and Cuisine

Modelling a Werewolf Epidemic

Spooky Nebulae: Ghosts, Snakes, Spiders and Cats Eyes

A Natural History of Vampires

Grow Your Own…Halloween outfit

Dear Dracula, Edward Cullen and Bill Compton: You Have a Substance Abuse Problem

Real Life Werewolves? Dog Bites and Full Moons

Links: Halloween Physiology

Your Average, Everyday Zombie

Treats Not Tricks: Scientists Favor Research about Reward over Punishment

Why Are We Afraid of Clowns?

Anatomy of a Superstition: When Your Eye “Jumps”

The American Fascination With Zombies

What Makes a Rabbit's Foot Lucky?

It’s Time to Stand Up for Science

If you enjoyed this article, I’d like to ask for your support. Scientific American has served as an advocate for science and industry for 180 years, and right now may be the most critical moment in that two-century history.

I’ve been a Scientific American subscriber since I was 12 years old, and it helped shape the way I look at the world. SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe. I hope it does that for you, too.

If you subscribe to Scientific American, you help ensure that our coverage is centered on meaningful research and discovery; that we have the resources to report on the decisions that threaten labs across the U.S.; and that we support both budding and working scientists at a time when the value of science itself too often goes unrecognized.

In return, you get essential news, captivating podcasts, brilliant infographics, can't-miss newsletters, must-watch videos, challenging games, and the science world's best writing and reporting. You can even gift someone a subscription.

There has never been a more important time for us to stand up and show why science matters. I hope you’ll support us in that mission.

Thank you,

David M. Ewalt, Editor in Chief, Scientific American

Subscribe