Understanding Porphyria: No Vampires Here

(NAPSI) - Many of the world's myths and legends have some basis in fact, which is why they are perpetuated through the centuries. In one case, the idea of a race of nefarious monsters-specifically, vampires-may actually have sprung from a very real and potentially deadly disease that affects thousands of people worldwide.

Porphyria is not a single disease but a group of at least eight disorders. Symptoms vary, but among them are some that have, in ancient times, given credence to the legend of the vampire. These include excruciating stomach pain, severe headaches, tachycardia (rapid heartbeat), muscle weakness that can take on a state of paralysis from sensitivity to sunlight, and comas that last for days, giving one the appearance of having awakened from the dead.

Alex Graves Is Set to Direct Fringe

J.J. Abrams has found a director for his upcoming Fox drama pilot Fringe. According to Variety, Alex Graves will be getting behind the wheel of this two-hour telefilm which will serve as the series first episode.

The show follows the adventures of a crazy research scientist involved in paranormal mysteries. Helping him out on the cases will be his estranged son and a female FBI agent. The series has already gotten the go-ahead and will premier next year.

The script for the pilot was written before the writers' strike, so production on the two-hour project will still happen even if the strike continues. At this time, Fringe does not have a set start date.