Science is ever-evolving, and with it, our understanding of the world around us. Many long-held beliefs have been debunked by scientific research, revealing truths that sometimes challenge our perceptions. Here are 14 fascinating science facts that set the record straight on some common myths.
1. We Only Use 10% of Our Brain – Common Myths
One of the most pervasive myths is that humans only use 10% of their brain. In reality, brain imaging technologies like fMRI and PET scans show that virtually all parts of the brain have some kind of function. Even simple activities, such as walking or talking, require much more than 10% of our brain. The myth likely persists because it’s a compelling idea that suggests untapped potential, but the truth is that we use nearly all parts of our brain throughout the day.
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2. The Great Wall of China is Not Visible from Space
A commonly repeated myth is that the Great Wall of China is the only human-made structure visible from space. In truth, this is not the case. Astronauts have reported that the wall is barely visible, even under ideal conditions, and it’s nearly impossible to distinguish from other features in the landscape. Moreover, many other human-made structures, such as city lights and large roadways, are visible from space, especially at night.
3. Goldfish Have a Longer Attention Span Than You Think
Contrary to the popular belief that goldfish have a three-second memory, research has shown that they can remember things for months. Goldfish are capable of being trained to respond to various stimuli, such as different colors or sounds, proving that their cognitive abilities are far more advanced than the myth suggests. Their ability to learn and retain information over extended periods challenges our understanding of animal intelligence, according to LiveScience.
4. The Full Moon Does Not Make People Crazy: Common Myths
The idea that a full moon can influence human behavior, particularly causing people to act irrationally, has been around for centuries. However, extensive studies have found no consistent evidence to support this claim. The myth likely originated from ancient beliefs and anecdotal observations. While the full moon may coincide with certain events, there is no scientific basis for the idea that it directly affects human behavior.
5. Bats Are Not Blind
The phrase “blind as a bat” is widely used, but it’s far from accurate. Bats are not blind; in fact, many species have excellent night vision. While they do rely heavily on echolocation to navigate in the dark, they also use their eyesight to find food and avoid obstacles. Some bat species even have eyesight that is better than that of humans in low-light conditions. This myth likely stems from the fact that bats are nocturnal and use sound more than sight.
6. Sugar Does Not Cause Hyperactivity in Children
Many parents believe that sugar is a direct cause of hyperactivity in children, but scientific studies have shown otherwise. The myth persists, possibly due to confirmation bias—parents expect their children to become hyper after consuming sugar and, therefore, notice the behavior more. However, controlled studies have repeatedly found no significant link between sugar consumption and hyperactivity. Other factors, such as the environment and excitement, are more likely culprits.
7. Cracking Knuckles Does Not Cause Arthritis: Common Myths
A common warning is that cracking your knuckles will lead to arthritis later in life. Fortunately, this is not true. Research has shown no correlation between knuckle cracking and arthritis. The sound produced by knuckle cracking is caused by the release of gas bubbles in the joint fluid, and while it may annoy others, it doesn’t harm your joints. Studies have found that people who habitually crack their knuckles do not have higher rates of arthritis than those who don’t.
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8. Bulls Are Not Enraged by the Color Red
The idea that bulls charge at the color red is deeply ingrained in popular culture, largely due to bullfighting. In reality, bulls are colorblind to red. What actually provokes the bull is the movement of the matador’s cape. Bulls, like other cattle, are dichromats, meaning they only perceive two colors, neither of which is red. The motion, not the color, is what incites them to charge.
9. Shaving Does Not Make Hair Grow Back Thicker
Many people believe that shaving causes hair to grow back thicker, darker, or faster. This is a myth. When you shave, you cut the hair at the surface of the skin, where it’s thickest. As it grows back, the blunt tip makes it feel coarser, but the actual growth rate and thickness remain unchanged. Hair regrowth is determined by genetics and hormones, not by how often or how closely you shave, as per Mayo Clinic.
10. Eating Carrots Won’t Improve Your Night Vision: Common Myths
Carrots are often touted as a superfood for improving night vision, but this claim is somewhat exaggerated. While carrots are high in beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A—a nutrient essential for maintaining good vision—eating them in excess won’t grant you superhuman eyesight. The myth likely gained popularity during World War II, when the British government promoted it to explain the success of their pilots in downing enemy planes at night, a story concocted to keep radar technology secret.
11. Humans Did Not Evolve from Chimpanzees
A common misunderstanding of evolutionary theory is that humans evolved directly from chimpanzees. In reality, humans and chimpanzees share a common ancestor, from which both species diverged millions of years ago. The misconception arises from a simplified view of evolution as a linear progression rather than a branching tree of life. Understanding this distinction is crucial for grasping the complexity of human evolution.
12. Water Does Not Conduct Electricity Perfectly
Many people are taught that water is a good conductor of electricity, but this is only partially true. Pure water, or distilled water, is actually a poor conductor because it lacks the free ions necessary for conductivity. It’s the impurities in water, such as minerals and salts, that allow it to conduct electricity. This is why water with dissolved substances, like tap water or seawater, is dangerous around electrical sources.
13. Vaccines Do Not Cause Autism
The myth that vaccines cause autism has been thoroughly debunked by extensive scientific research. This misinformation originated from a discredited study that has since been retracted, but the myth persists, leading to vaccine hesitancy in some communities. Numerous studies have found no link between vaccines and autism, and the medical community continues to advocate for vaccinations as a safe and essential measure for public health.
14. Humans Have More Than Five Senses
We often think of the five traditional senses: sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch. However, humans have many more senses than just these five. For example, proprioception is the sense of body position, and nociception is the sense of pain. Other senses include balance, temperature, and even the sense of time. Recognizing these additional senses gives us a better understanding of how we perceive and interact with the world.
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