If you are looking to escape our current reality by diving deep into an escapist horror movie this weekend, know that being scared enough to let out a bloodcurdling scream, is not just hyperbole. It turns out that when you are truly terrified, your body releases chemicals that cause your blood to coagulate (curdle) faster than normal. Scientists hypothesize that this reaction puts your body into a heightened state of protection in case you get injured—or if what is on screen is really hiding under your bed!

Finally, if you are a parent trying to decide if “scary books” are a good or bad idea for you kiddo, here’s a great article about how learning to deal with fear can be empowering and a lot of fun.