From Fear to Fascination

Xeroderma Pigmentosum: Many diseases have been linked -- usually incorrectly -- to folkloric vampirism, and here is yet another one. One question answered by the following was, "Is xeroderma pigmentosum like albinism?"

Before speculating on any specific pathogens capable of producing a condition akin to vampirism, I wish to post an old line of reasoning on how vampires manage to survive on a diet which contains so much water and so little else.

I'm one of those scientific types who don't believe in the supernatural so my first reaction was skepticism. However, because of my romantic streak, I really wanted to believe in the existence of vampires in all their supernatural glory. So I discussed this with a friend who has a degree in psychology. The question was: is it possible that there can be real, supernatural, blood drinking, classical vampires?