How medical mysteries fed monster myths

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, SensationalizedMoon and Health: Myth or Reality?The undead in culture and scienceReversibility of apoptosis in cancer cellsMedical practice and placebo response: an inseparable bond?