Results: Science behind Vampires
Published on 01/01/2015
QUESTIONS
GO to COMMENTS
Comments
1.
1.
Vampires have been fascinating people for generations. Of course science can't fully explain vampire myths. Some supernatural magic is required to do that, which is generally more entertaining. But how was the myth born? Please indicate which of these theories you´ve heard about. Theory #1: Rabies
Vampire stories became prominent in Europe at the same time certain areas were experiencing rabies outbreaks. In Hungary between 1721 and 1728 an epidemic plagued dogs, wolves, and humans and left the country in ruins
18%
296 votes
Vampires behave like people with rabies. The virus attacks the central nervous system, altering the mood and behavior. Patients become agitated and demented, and they can become violent.
14%
226 votes
Rabies can cause insomnia, which explains the nocturnal portion of the legend. People with rabies suffer muscular spasms, which can lead them to spit up blood.
8%
126 votes
Spasms are triggered by bright lights, water, mirrors, and strong smells, such as the scent of garlic.
10%
160 votes
None of these
67%
1088 votes
2.
2.
Theory #2: Porphyria In 1985, Canadian biochemist David Dolphin linked vampires and porphyria—a rare, chronic blood disorder characterized by the irregular production of heme, an iron-rich pigment found in blood.
11%
186 votes
Like the diabetic who replaces insulin with injections, blood transfusions can be effective in reversing the effects of porphyria. It is believed that in medieval Eastern Europe, nobleman may have been instructed by their physicians to drink blood.
13%
214 votes
None of the above
79%
1278 votes
3.
3.
Theory #3: Decomposition The belief in vampires came from pre-industrial society to explain the process of death and decomposition. They suspected vampirism when a cadaver looked well-preserved, bloated as though gorged with blood, with blood on its lips
10%
169 votes
Corpses naturally swell as gases from decomposition accumulate in the body, squeezing the lungs and forcing blood to ooze from the nose and mouth. In addition, the skin and gums contract to expose the teeth, making the canine teeth look like fangs.
17%
280 votes
None of the above
76%
1234 votes
4.
4.
Theory #4: Tuberculosis Outbreaks of tuberculosis were associated with outbreaks of vampirism. During a tuberculosis outbreak, people often blamed the first victim of the disease. Believing him to be a vampire, they would dig him up.
9%
149 votes
Tuberculosis patients often coughed up blood. Doctors in the Middle Ages believed that they had been ingesting blood, so they thought that the disease was the product of a vampire bite.
13%
215 votes
The word Nosferatu literally means plague carrier.
5%
74 votes
None of the above
78%
1268 votes
COMMENTS