Throughout Catholic history, miracles have been attributed to Virgin Mary's power. She is understood to cry not only over the sins of the world, but over the pain she experienced in her earthly life.
Academic rigor, journalistic flair
Articles on Myths
Displaying 1 - 20 of 36 articles
A scholar, who has conducted research on the Thai caves in which 12 children were recently trapped, explains their power and appeal, including the rituals and myth surrounding these sacred sites.
Are most homeless mentally ill? Is it inevitable that a society will have homeless people? A researcher digs into the real data on homelessness.
Recent news reports suggest that the US is experiencing a loneliness epidemic. But the research is a bit more complicated.
The history of the rubber 'boom' reveals why.
Why grown-ups still need fairy tales.
The Conversation, CC BY22.8 MB (download)
We consciously and unconsciously tell fairy tales today, despite advances in logic and science. It’s as if there is something ingrained in us that compels us to see the world through this lens.
A new Bollywood movie based on the story of an Indian entrepreneur who created affordable sanitary pads is helping to counter myths and taboos around menstruation.
Does a fry up really soak up excess alcohol, or black coffee sober you up? Can you avoid that hangover?
CC BY-ND38.2 MB (download)
We're pouring cold water on old ideas in this episode: from why the population of Easter Island really declined and what makes a good urban legend.
Old stories from around the world tell of drowned islands, volcanic eruptions and upheavals to the land around them. Increasingly we are realising these tales preserve actual memory, often from thousands of years ago.
There are a number of myths surrounding Cape Town's drought, one of them being that the city saw the crisis coming but didn't prepare for it.
The ancient Greeks knew what made a good leader. Why does it seem we have forgotten their lessons?
Nigeria must reduce its population growth to increase the quality of life for people in the country. A better knowledge of contraceptives can help achieve this.
How the idea of a hyper-connected society could quickly go from utopia to dystopia and why neither scenario is likely to last.
Stepfathers often enter a family unit with certain expectations about what their role should be. They're usually wrong.
It's become fashionable to suggest that generational designations are arbitrary or a 'myth.' But social scientists can pinpoint generational and cultural changes with a surprising degree of accuracy.
Many diabetics experience stigma as a result of their condition. Knowing a bit more about the diabetes can dispel some of that stigma.
To what extent do hours of practice, development squads and role models really make a difference?
Does sport really improve young people’s development?
Most children are not likely to believe that fish live on the moon. What makes children accept some stories and be skeptical about others?
Top contributors
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Visiting Researcher in Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies, Cardiff University
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Senior Lecturer in English and Writing (children's literature), University of New England
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Professor of Classics, University of Newcastle
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Professor of Science Communication and Chemistry, University of Hull
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Professor Emerita, Classical Studies, The Open University
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John Long is a Friend of The Conversation.
Strategic Professor in Palaeontology, Flinders University
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Professor of Research Methodology, University of Essex
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Professor of Art History, California State University, Chico
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Professor of Geography, Sustainability Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast
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Senior Lecturer in Human Nutrition, Coventry University
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Curator of Antiquarian Mapping, British Library
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Senior Lecturer in Music and Performing Arts, Bath Spa University
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Research Associate in Evolutionary Biology, Flinders University
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Visiting Research Fellow, Manchester Metropolitan University
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PhD Researcher in Education, University of Bath
