If you believe one of these common myths, don’t be disheartened. They’ve been repeated so often in pop culture that the general public believes them to be true. Here are the facts behind the sayings we hear so frequently but rarely question:
The Five-Second Rule
Many Americans grew up believing that food dropped on the floor is safe to eat if picked up within five seconds. However, research has shown that bacteria can transfer to food almost instantly. This myth likely persists due to its convenience, but it’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid eating food that has touched the floor.
Goldfish Have a Three-Second Memory
The idea that goldfish have a memory span of only a few seconds has been debunked by scientists. Studies have shown that goldfish can remember information for months and can be trained to perform tricks.
Cracking Knuckles Causes Arthritis
Many people were warned that cracking their knuckles would lead to arthritis. However, studies have found no link between knuckle cracking and arthritis. The sound is caused by the release of gas bubbles in the joint fluid, not by any harmful bone or joint damage.
Lightning Never Strikes the Same Place Twice
Despite the common saying, lightning can and does strike the same place multiple times. Tall structures like the Empire State Building are hit by lightning numerous times each year. This myth likely stems from the idea of lightning as a rare and random event, but in reality, it follows predictable patterns based on environmental factors.
Humans Only Use 10% of Their Brain
Brain imaging research has shown that virtually all parts of the brain have some function and are active over a 24-hour period. This myth might have originated from a misinterpretation of neurological research.
Dropping a Penny from a Skyscraper Can Kill
The belief that a penny dropped from a tall building could kill someone is exaggerated. Due to air resistance, a penny would reach a terminal velocity that wouldn’t be lethal. It would still hurt if it hit you, but it wouldn’t cause serious harm.
Sugar Makes Kids Hyperactive
The idea that sugar causes hyperactivity in children has been widely accepted, but scientific studies do not support this claim. Placebo-controlled studies have shown no significant link between sugar intake and hyperactive behavior. The myth persists due to confirmation bias and expectations.
Swallowed Gum Stays in Your Stomach for Seven Years
Many were told as children that swallowed gum stays in the digestive system for seven years. In reality, gum passes through the digestive tract relatively unchanged and is excreted normally. This myth likely began as a way to discourage children from swallowing gum.
Bats Are Blind
The saying “blind as a bat” is misleading, as bats are not blind. Most bats have good eyesight and are adapted to low-light conditions. They also use echolocation to navigate and find food in the dark, enhancing their already capable vision.
Shaving Hair Makes It Grow Back Thicker
Shaving hair does not change its thickness, color, or growth rate. When hair grows back, it may appear thicker due to the blunt tip created by shaving, but it’s actually the same texture as before.
Toilets Flush Counterclockwise in the Southern Hemisphere
The idea that toilets flush in the opposite direction in the Southern Hemisphere due to the Coriolis effect is false. The direction of water swirling in a toilet is determined by the design of the toilet, not the Coriolis effect. This scientific misconception continues to be a popular myth.
Humans Have Five Senses
The belief that humans have only five senses—sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch—is an oversimplification. Humans actually have many more senses, including balance (vestibular sense), temperature (thermoception), and pain (nociception).
Einstein Failed Math
The myth that Albert Einstein failed math in school is simply not true. Einstein excelled in math from a young age and was proficient in calculus by the time he was 15. This myth probably arose to inspire struggling students, suggesting that even geniuses can face challenges.
Hair and Nails Continue to Grow After Death
The appearance of hair and nails growing after death is due to the skin dehydrating and retracting, making them appear longer. Actual growth requires living cells, which cease functioning after death.
Bulls Hate the Color Red
Bulls are actually colorblind to red; they react to the motion of the matador’s cape, not its color. The red color is used in bullfighting to mask the bloodstains from the bull. This myth likely persists due to the dramatic visuals associated with bullfighting.
You Need to Drink Eight Glasses of Water a Day
The recommendation to drink eight glasses of water a day is not based on solid scientific evidence. Hydration needs vary based on individual factors like activity level, climate, and diet. This myth likely persists due to its simplicity and ease of remembering.
The Great Wall of China Is Visible from Space
The Great Wall of China is not visible from space with the naked eye. While it is very long, it is also narrow and made of materials that blend in with the natural landscape. This myth likely started as a way to emphasize the impressive scale of the wall.
The Tongue Has Specific Taste Zones
The idea that different parts of the tongue are responsible for different tastes (sweet, salty, sour, bitter) is incorrect. All taste sensations can be detected on all parts of the tongue. This myth likely originated from a misinterpretation of early taste research.
Dogs and Cats Are Natural Enemies
While they have different communication styles and behaviors, many dogs and cats can live together harmoniously with proper introductions and socialization. This myth persists because of the dramatic portrayals in the media.
Mount Everest Is the Tallest Mountain
While Mount Everest has the highest elevation above sea level, Mauna Kea in Hawaii is actually taller when measured from its base on the ocean floor. Mauna Kea stands at over 33,000 feet tall, compared to Everest’s 29,029 feet.
Eating Carrots Improves Night Vision
The belief that eating carrots improves night vision originated during World War II as British propaganda to explain why pilots had improved accuracy. While carrots are high in vitamin A, which is essential for eye health, they do not enhance night vision beyond normal capabilities.
Waking Sleepwalkers Is Dangerous
It’s a common myth that waking a sleepwalker is dangerous. In reality, while they may be disoriented or confused, it’s not harmful to wake them. In fact, guiding them back to bed can prevent them from hurting themselves while wandering.
