Introduction
Misinformation and myths have been around for centuries, shaping how people perceive the world. From old wives’ tales to widely accepted but inaccurate beliefs, these myths often persist despite scientific advancements and factual evidence. BetterThisFacts aims to debunk some of the most common myths by presenting verifiable facts. In this article, we will explore several widely believed misconceptions and uncover the truth behind them.
Myth 1: Cracking Your Knuckles Causes Arthritis
One of the most common health-related myths is that cracking your knuckles leads to arthritis. Many people believe this because the popping sound seems unnatural and is often associated with joint damage. However, scientific studies have found no direct correlation between knuckle-cracking and arthritis. The sound is actually caused by the collapse of gas bubbles in the synovial fluid of the joints. While habitual cracking may lead to reduced grip strength over time, it does not cause arthritis.
Myth 2: The Great Wall of China is Visible from Space
A persistent myth is that the Great Wall of China is the only man-made structure visible from space. While the wall is an impressive feat of engineering, it is not easily distinguishable from low Earth orbit without magnification. Astronauts have reported that it blends in with its surroundings, and other man-made structures such as highways and city lights are actually more visible from space.
Myth 3: Goldfish Have a Three-Second Memory
The idea that goldfish have a memory span of only three seconds has been widely accepted, but research has proven otherwise. Goldfish have been shown to retain information for weeks or even months. They can recognize patterns, navigate mazes, and associate sounds with feeding times, demonstrating cognitive abilities far beyond what the myth suggests.
Myth 4: We Only Use 10% of Our Brain
Hollywood movies and pop culture have popularized the idea that humans use only 10% of their brain, implying that unlocking the remaining 90% could lead to superhuman abilities. Neuroscientific studies, however, confirm that humans use virtually all parts of their brain, with different regions performing various functions. Brain scans show activity throughout the organ, even when at rest.
Myth 5: Bats Are Blind
The phrase “blind as a bat” has led many to believe that bats cannot see. In reality, most bat species have perfectly functional eyesight. In addition to their vision, they use echolocation to navigate in darkness, which makes them highly efficient hunters at night.
Myth 6: Sugar Makes Kids Hyperactive
Parents often blame sugar for their children’s hyperactivity, but multiple scientific studies have found no direct link between sugar consumption and increased hyperactivity in children. The perceived effect is often psychological or influenced by external factors such as party environments or parental expectations.
Myth 7: Lightning Never Strikes the Same Place Twice
It is commonly said that lightning never strikes the same place twice, but in reality, it can and does. Tall structures like the Empire State Building and communication towers are struck multiple times per year. Lightning follows the path of least resistance, meaning areas with conductive materials are more likely to be struck repeatedly.
Myth 8: Shaving Hair Makes It Grow Back Thicker
Many people believe that shaving hair makes it grow back thicker and darker. However, this is a misconception. When hair is shaved, it is cut at an angle, which makes the regrown tip appear blunt and more noticeable. In reality, shaving does not alter the texture, color, or growth rate of hair.
Myth 9: Swallowed Gum Stays in Your Stomach for Seven Years
A popular childhood myth is that if you swallow chewing gum, it stays in your stomach for seven years. While it is true that gum is not digestible, it does not remain in the stomach for years. The digestive system moves it through the intestines and eliminates it like other indigestible substances.
Myth 10: Carrots Improve Your Eyesight
Carrots are often credited with improving eyesight due to their high vitamin A content. While vitamin A is essential for eye health, eating large amounts of carrots will not grant enhanced vision or the ability to see in the dark. This myth originated from World War II propaganda, where the British military claimed that their pilots’ superior night vision was due to carrot consumption, when in reality, it was due to advancements in radar technology.
Myth 11: You Lose Most of Your Body Heat Through Your Head
It is widely believed that people lose most of their body heat through their heads. This misconception likely stems from older military studies where subjects were tested wearing insulated clothing but without head coverings. In truth, heat loss occurs proportionally through any exposed body part. If the head is the only part uncovered, it will lose heat, but not disproportionately more than other areas.
Myth 12: A Penny Dropped from the Empire State Building Can Kill Someone
Many believe that dropping a penny from a tall building can be fatal to someone below. However, due to air resistance, a penny reaches terminal velocity at around 25-30 mph, which is not fast enough to cause serious injury. The lightweight nature and aerodynamics of the penny prevent it from becoming a lethal projectile.
Myth 13: Touching a Baby Bird Will Cause Its Mother to Reject It
A common misconception is that if a human touches a baby bird, its mother will abandon it due to the scent. Birds generally have a poor sense of smell and rely on visual and auditory cues to identify their young. If you find a baby bird on the ground, it is often best to place it back in its nest rather than assuming it has been abandoned.
Myth 14: Water Conducts Electricity
While it is true that water can conduct electricity, pure water itself is actually a poor conductor. The electrical conductivity in water comes from dissolved salts and minerals. This is why distilled water, which lacks impurities, does not conduct electricity as effectively as tap or seawater.
Myth 15: Einstein Failed Math in School
A widely spread myth claims that Albert Einstein failed math as a child. In reality, he excelled in mathematics from an early age and even taught himself advanced calculus before his teenage years. This myth likely originated from a misinterpretation of his school grading system.
Conclusion
Misinformation spreads quickly, and many of these myths persist due to their repetition over generations. BetterThisFacts strives to present factual, evidence-based information to help people separate myths from reality. By questioning commonly held beliefs and verifying facts, we can foster a culture of knowledge and truth. Next time you hear a surprising claim, take a moment to fact-check—it might just be another widely believed myth!
