The US. government blew up the twin towers. The AIDS virus was engineered by scientists to kill African-Americans. Chinese explorers landed on American shores in 1421. Crystals will heal you. Aliens landed at Roswell. The Priory of Sion is protecting the secrets of the Messianic bloodline. Barack Obama is a Muslim. Yeah, right. But for some reason all these stories won't go away – Salon's Louis Bayard asks what it is about them that appeals so strongly to our collective psyche.

Meet Shahra Marsh – £2 million richer after a stunning career as a con-artist specialising in art and antiques. But now the law has caught up with her…

New research claims that these ancient reptiles, which could grow to the size of small aeroplanes, were too heavy to fly – even with their massive wings.

Another chapter in the mysterious story of the fate of the California-born millionaire and adventurer who is presumed dead following a plane crash a year ago, despite his remains never having been found. Questions have since been raised by insurance investigators over whether Fossett died or 'disappeared'.