
Brains of three suspected zombies scanned in Haiti
Researchers in Haiti once scanned the brains of three people believed to be long-deceased individuals returning from the dead - or zombies. In a study published in 1997, researchers investigated three such cases, using electroencephalography and DNA testing techniques to try and find a rational explanation for a Haitian Voodoo theory that the spirits of the dead can be captured by sorcerers called bokors, who use these souls to reanimate fresh corpses into zombies who walk around rural areas. One case involved a woman who had died aged 30 and was spotted three years later by family members who recognised her because of a distinctive facial mark. A local court then authorised the opening of the woman’s grave, revealing it to be full of rocks. Describing the 'zombie', the study authors explained that “she kept her head in a lowered position, and walked extremely slowly and stiffly, barely moving her arms.” She was also unable to communicate “but would occasionally murmur some incomprehensible but stereotyped words.” But the scan showed her “electroencephalogram and central nervous system examination were unremarkable” and said she may have had catatonic schizophrenia, but couldn't explain how she came back from the dead. Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter They proposed that the woman might not have died at all, but may instead have been poisoned by a “neuromuscular toxin” to induce catalepsy and trick relatives into thinking she was dead. A lack of oxygen within the grave may have resulted in brain damage, thus explaining her zombie-like state when she was taken out of the grave. Next, the study described a 26-year-old man who was seen at a local cockfight 19 months after being buried. The man’s uncle was subsequently found guilty of using sorcery to zombify the man, who was then kept chained to a log at his parents’ house. But clinical examinations found nothing weird and the man was diagnosed with “organic brain syndrome and epilepsy.” And DNA testing revealed that he was not even the man who had died shortly beforehand. In a similar case, a 31-year-old woman was identified as a villager who had been dead for 13 years. Once again, however, a medical examination revealed that she was a normal human while genetic analyses showed that she was not the dead individual after all. The study authors concluded that “mistaken identification of a wandering, mentally ill, stranger by bereaved relatives is the most likely explanation.” Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.
1970-01-01 08:00

NFL rumors: Recent Chiefs draft pick at risk of losing his job
Wanya Morris could be taking Lucas Niang's job along the Kansas City Chiefs' offensive line.The defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs should be one of the better teams in the NFL once again, but they do have real issues in trenches heading into next season.While the addi...
1970-01-01 08:00

Michael Block Made a Legendary Local Ad Years Before He Became a Household Name at the PGA Championship
VIDEO: Michael Block was a natural on television.
1970-01-01 08:00

'NCIS: Los Angeles' ends on a happy note
"NCIS: Los Angeles" has come to a close after 14 seasons.
1970-01-01 08:00

Microsoft defeats gamers' bid to block $69 billion Activision deal in US court
By Mike Scarcella Microsoft Corp evaded a potential early legal obstacle in its $69 billion deal to acquire
1970-01-01 08:00

UN envoy to Sudan warns of 'ethnicisation' of conflict, impact on region
CAIRO The United Nations envoy to Sudan warned on Monday of the growing "ethnicisation" of the military conflict
1970-01-01 08:00

Valencia release statement on fans' racial abuse of Vinicius Junior
Valencia have condemn fans' racist abuse of Vinicius Junior during Sunday's clash with Real Madrid.
1970-01-01 08:00

Fred Warner has an old cliché for anyone doubting 49ers quarterbacks
49ers linebacker Fred Warner is not making any excuses for his team this season regardless of who plays at quarterback.The San Francisco 49ers' narrative last postseason was all too familiar: head into the playoffs on a high note, get decimated by injuries, and bow out to a better team....
1970-01-01 08:00

Ireland media guide
An overview of the media in Ireland, including links to broadcasters and newspapers.
1970-01-01 08:00

MLB Power Rankings: Astros are alive again, Padres need an amen
Traditional MLB Power Rankings to check in on teams like the Houston Astros who have come alive again and clubs such as the San Diego Padres who need an amen.Expanded playoffs, a small sample size, and plenty of other factors have kept most of the Major League Baseball teams alive for now. With ...
1970-01-01 08:00

USMNT news: Mckennie’s next move, checkmate for Pulisic, Steffen’s German opening
Today's USMNT news includes rumors of West McKennie's next club, ChristianPulisic was pictured with the World No. 1 chessplayer and Zack Steffen has been linked with a transfer to Germany. USMNT news: Weston McKennie's next moveWeston McKennie assistedRodrigo's goal with a lo...
1970-01-01 08:00

What is a treble? Complete history and teams who did it
Man City could become the tenth team in history to win a treble, but what is the achievement and how could they accomplish it?
1970-01-01 08:00