According to polls, around half of all Americans believe in ghosts. Close to 20% report having seen one at some point in their lives. Though it is beyond the scope of the Bruce Museum Science Department to come down one way or another on the existence of ghosts, what we can say is this: Many paranormal encounters can be explained with science!

Tis the season for pumpkin spice and horror. Screams are often part of that horror, and screams and our reactions to them are rather interesting scientifically.

It’s beginning to feel a lot like autumn around the Bruce Museum. There are many things to enjoy about fall, from apple cider to pumpkin picking, and the rich reds and golds of the trees are a true delight. These color changes might be beautiful, but what they actually reflect is a series of biological and chemical processes that help prepare a tree for winter.

To celebrate previous April Fool’s Days, we’ve delved into various scientific conspiracy theories on our Bruce science blog. This year we’re doing something similar, but narrowing our focus. Instead of plucking theories from all across the spectrum, this time we’re looking at variations on a particular subject: Aliens!

Why do some people love horror movies, some people stay far clear from them, and some people remain relatively indifferent? A lot comes down to science.

The 2017 summer forecast is in: Ticks galore. Do you like hiking but hate bug spray? If Lyme disease isn't enough to scare you into taking precautions against tick bites, this newly recognized tick-induced ailment might do the trick. 

Another year has passed, and another April Fools’ Day has come. Here in the Bruce Museum Science Department, we’d much rather educate than mislead, and this particular holiday gives us a chance to delve into some of the more foolish sides of science. Last year, I chose some of the top scientific conspiracy theories to explore in honor of the occasion. This year I’m doing the same, talking about some of the most interesting, amusing, and intriguing scientific conspiracy theories, and why we shouldn’t take them too seriously.

Hurricanes are some of the most destructive natural events in the world, and they're getting worse. 1,111 people have died so far in 2016, making it the deadliest hurricane year since 2005. Given the devastation of Hurricane Matthew, this number will only climb.