Discover the truth behind common misconceptions. From the visibility of the Great Wall from space to the digestion of gum, separate fact from fiction to debunk these persistent myths.
The Great Wall of China from Space
Astronauts have confirmed that the Great Wall of China is not visible from space due to its narrow width. This myth persists, showcasing our fascination with monumental human achievements.
Swallowed Gum Stays for Years
The tale that swallowed gum remains in your stomach for seven years is a cautionary myth. In reality, while gum doesn’t digest, it passes through the digestive system like most non-digestible substances. This myth likely started to discourage children from swallowing gum.
Cracking Knuckles Causes Arthritis
Studies show there’s no direct correlation between knuckle cracking and the development of arthritis. This misconception may stem from the audible pop that sounds alarming to some.
Shaving Makes Hair Grow Back Thicker
A common belief is that shaving hair causes it to grow back thicker, darker, or faster. Research disproves this, showing that hair growth remains unchanged. This myth persists due to the blunt tips of shaved hair feeling coarser as it grows.
We Only Use 10% of Our Brains
Neurological research demonstrates that we use far more than 10% of our brains, even for simple tasks. This misconception likely stems from a misunderstanding of brain research or a metaphor about human potential.
Eating Before Swimming Causes Cramps
There’s little scientific evidence to support the idea that swimming on a full stomach causes significant discomfort or cramps. This myth probably originated as a precautionary measure to prevent potential accidents.
Bats Are Blind
Bats actually have quite good eyesight, complemented by their echolocation abilities. This expression misrepresents the impressive navigation skills of bats.
Touching Baby Birds Abandons Them
The belief that touching a baby bird will cause its parents to abandon it due to human scent is a myth. Most birds have a limited sense of smell and are unlikely to abandon their young due to human contact. This myth may have been intended to protect both birds and curious children.
Lightning Never Strikes the Same Place Twice
Contrary to popular belief, lightning can and does strike the same place more than once, especially if it’s a tall, isolated object. The Empire State Building is struck by lightning multiple times a year. This myth likely arose from a misunderstanding of lightning’s unpredictable nature.
Humans Swallow Eight Spiders a Year in Their Sleep
Not based on any scientific evidence, this myth plays on human fear and misunderstanding of spiders. Spiders are not drawn to humans and typically avoid them.
Sugar Makes Children Hyper
Research does not support a direct link between sugar intake and increased activity levels. This myth may persist because of the contexts (parties, holidays) in which sugary foods are consumed, which are exciting to children.
Ostriches Bury Their Heads in the Sand
Ostriches do not bury their heads in the sand to avoid danger. They lay their eggs in the sand and use their head to rotate them.
Goldfish Have a Three-Second Memory
Research has shown that goldfish can remember things for months. This myth underestimates the cognitive abilities of these aquatic creatures.
You Can Catch a Cold from Cold Weather
Colds are caused by viruses, not temperature. This myth likely stems from the fact that colds are more common in colder months when people spend more time indoors and in close contact with others.
Coffee Stunts Your Growth
There is no evidence to support that drinking coffee stunts children’s growth. This myth may have originated as a way to discourage caffeine consumption among children.
Reading in Dim Light Ruins Your Eyesight
The warning that reading in dim light will damage your eyesight has worried many book lovers. While it can cause eye strain and temporary discomfort, it does not permanently damage vision. This myth probably developed from general concerns about eye care.
Cats Have Nine Lives
The saying that cats have nine lives speaks to their agility and ability to survive falls. This expression likely originated from observations of cats’ remarkable knack for avoiding injury.
Vikings Wore Horned Helmets
The stereotypical image of Vikings wearing horned helmets has been debunked by historians. There is no evidence to suggest that Viking warriors used helmets adorned with horns in battle. This myth was popularized by 19th-century art and has no basis in historical fact.
The Five-Second Rule
The five-second rule suggests that food dropped on the floor for less than five seconds is safe to eat. Scientifically, bacteria can transfer to food instantly upon contact with a contaminated surface. This rule is more about comfort than factual hygiene.
Searing Meat Seals in Juices
The belief that searing meat seals in its juices and keeps it moist has been proven incorrect. Searing creates flavor through caramelization and the Maillard reaction, but it doesn’t seal anything. Moisture loss or retention is more about cooking temperature and method.
Detox Diets Remove Toxins
There’s little scientific evidence that detox diets eliminate toxins more effectively than the body’s natural detoxification systems. This myth capitalizes on the vague idea of “toxins” and the promise of quick health fixes.
Different Parts of the Tongue Taste Different Flavors
Taste buds capable of detecting all five taste types are distributed throughout the tongue. This myth originated from a misinterpretation of an early 20th-century study and has since been corrected.
