This Halloween, join us as we explore the spooky science behind the “feeling” of being watched, why wolves howl at the Moon, and how the smell of death affects human behavior. Plus, in our spooky season special, IFLScience investigates the paranormal at Chillingham Castle, one of England’s most haunted locations. The team tested ghost hunting tools, got locked in a “haunted” dungeon, and examined the body’s fear response all in a bid to explain the unexplainable.

Read on for more of this season’s most bone-chilling scientific explorations…

Why We Fear The Dark – And How To Overcome It

“Stories, TV shows, and movies regularly send messages that harm comes to people in the night, when it’s dark.” Read the full story here

Why People Believe In Ghosts – A Psychologist Explains All

Have you ever had a strange encounter you can’t explain? Many people have, but does this mean there are ghosts out there – or is the truth more mundane but no less fascinating? Read the full story here

How The Bible Of Demonology Sparked A Brutal 300-Year Witch Hunt

The first printed guide for witch-hunters was endorsed by the Pope. Read the full story here

Can You Really “Feel” When You’re Being Watched?

Can we actually sense when we’re being stared at by somebody hidden from view?  And if so, how on Earth can we explain it? Read the full story here

Why Do Wolves Howl At The Moon – Or Do They?

The idea is very old and likely has roots in mythology and folklore. Read the full story here

I Went To The UK’s Most Haunted Castle And Had My Heartrate Monitored… For Science

Heart racing, trembling hands, nervous laughter – we experienced it all. Read the full story here

The Smell Of Death Has A Strange Influence On Human Behavior

“These are the first results to show that a specific chemical compound can be processed as a threat signal.” Read the full story here

The Physics Of Ghosts: How Would Science Explain The Supernatural?

How would ghosts work within the natural laws of the universe? If ghosts are real, they ought to obey the laws of physics. Read the full story here

Science And The Séance: Why Victorian Scientists Took Ghosts Seriously

It was an age where science promised so much, but did these promises extend to life beyond the grave? Read the full story here

Formaldehyde, Trocars, And Cotton Wool: What Is Embalming?

Decomposition is a natural part of death, but embalming can put it on hold. Read the full story here

CURIOUS Issue 27 – Why Do We Have Phobias?

In the October issue of our digital magazine, CURIOUS, we asked “Why Do We Have Phobias?” Is it evolution or anxiety, and can you ever get rid of them? Also featuring an excerpt from How To Kill An Asteroid and an exclusive interview with the book’s author Robin George Andrews.