During the 19th century, the "golden era" of sideshows and traveling carnivals, it was not uncommon to find a mummified mermaid on display. Of course, many of these mermaids were hoaxes, but the Buxton Mermaid (which now resides at the University of Lincoln) has continued to raise questions because it appears quite realistic.
Researchers have already concluded that the mermaid's hair is 100% human, and with DNA tests now underway it will be quite interesting to see how this whole investigation pans out. A real mermaid? Perhaps not, but at least the world will soon be able to learn more about the identity of this mummified curiosity.
Read the full BBC News story here