Despite the overwhelming evidence and expert consensus, certain scientific facts continue to face public skepticism. From climate change to mental health, these 11 scientifically proven realities often clash with popular beliefs, highlighting a persistent gap between scientific knowledge and public opinion.
1. Evolution Has Been Proven
Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, introduced in the 19th century, remains controversial among some religious groups. However, extensive scientific evidence supports the theory that all living things evolved from common ancestors. Evolutionary changes have even been observed within a human lifetime.1
2. Vaccines Can’t Cause Autism
The first vaccine was created in 1796, and since then, vaccines have saved countless lives. Despite fears that vaccines cause autism, this has been thoroughly debunked by scientific facts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Vaccines are essential for preventing serious diseases and do not cause autism.2
3. Mental Health Conditions Are Very Real
Mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and multiple personality disorder are often misunderstood – but they are still very much scientific facts. Despite historical stigmas and misconceptions, these conditions are real and have been extensively studied by scientists worldwide. Modern treatments have significantly improved the lives of those affected.
4. Climate Change Is Happening
Climate change remains one of the most debated scientific issues. Despite clear evidence from the scientific community that the planet is warming due to human activities, some people still deny its existence. The impact of fossil fuel consumption, deforestation, and industrial pollution on global temperatures is well-documented.
5. There Are Intersex People
The concept of intersex and nonbinary gender identities is often met with skepticism. However, scientific studies have shown that over 5.6 million people in the United States alone could be considered intersex. Additionally, research supports and has made scientific facts of the existence of transgender and nonbinary individuals.
6. Jesus Wasn’t White
More than 2.4 billion people around the world follow Christianity, based on the teachings of Jesus Christ, who they believe was the son of God. However, the portrayal of Jesus as a white man with light-colored eyes is historically inaccurate. Jesus was born in Bethlehem, in what is now Palestine, and would have had the complexion of a Middle Eastern man.
7. MSG Isn’t Bad for You
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavor additive approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Despite its approval, many people believe that MSG is harmful. The real scientific fact is that MSG is safe to consume in moderate amounts. Excessive consumption, like with most processed foods, can cause headaches and nausea, but it is not inherently dangerous.
8. Birth Control Doesn’t Cause Infertility
Hormonal birth control has been in use since 1943, and millions of women around the world use it to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Despite persistent myths, scientific studies have consistently shown that birth control does not cause infertility.
9. Homosexuality Is Not a Choice
According to a global study conducted by IPSOS in 2021, 80% of the world identifies as heterosexual, while a significant portion identifies as LGBTQ+. Some people believe that non-heterosexual orientations are a choice. Still, scientific studies have proven the fact that sexual orientation is determined in the womb and is not a choice.
10. Frogs Won’t Stay in Hot Water
The myth that frogs will stay in water as it slowly warms until it boils them to death is false. Scientific evidence shows that frogs will jump out of water as soon as it becomes uncomfortable. This myth is often used as a parable for human complacency.
11. Colds Aren’t Caused by Cold Weather
Many people believe that cold weather causes colds or flu, but doctors have proven that viruses, not temperature cause these illnesses. Cold weather can contribute to factors that increase the risk of catching a cold, such as spending more time indoors with others, but it does not directly cause the illness. The scientific fact is that cold weather makes it easier to catch a cold – which is probably where the confusion comes from.