Let’s dive into the world of science where some ideas have stuck around, even if they don’t quite add up. Despite what we now know, certain myths refuse to budge Let’s uncover the Craziest Science Myths That People Still Believe From misconceptions about our brains to lunar mysteries and quirky animal beliefs, we’ll unravel these myths and get to the interesting truths lying beneath the surface of common misconceptions.
1. There Is A Dark Side Of The Moon
Inspired by the iconic Pink Floyd album, the notion of a “dark side of the moon” is a common misconception. Tidal locking, a phenomenon where the same side of the moon always faces Earth, might create the illusion of a permanently hidden side. However, this side receives sunlight just like the visible side, evident in the various moon phases and lunar eclipses. The idea of a perpetually dark side is dispelled when considering the cyclical nature of lunar illumination.
2. The Full Moon Affects Behavior
The longstanding belief that a full moon induces strange behavior, particularly in individuals working with the elderly or those with mental disabilities, lacks substantial scientific support. Numerous studies have investigated the correlation between the full moon and increased erratic behavior, and no causation has been discovered. Claims of heightened crime rates during a full moon often crumble when factors like holidays or weekends are taken into account, challenging the validity of this myth.
3. Sugar Makes Children Hyperactive
The notion that sugar induces hyperactivity, commonly observed at children’s events with sugary treats, lacks robust scientific backing. While the concept of a “sugar buzz” influencing behavior persists, it’s crucial to distinguish between excitement over treats and a direct causal relationship between sugar intake and hyperactivity. Excessive sugar consumption is associated with various health issues, but its direct impact on hyperactivity remains largely unsupported.
4. Lightning Never Strikes The Same Place Twice
The widely used idiom “lightning never strikes the same place twice” is more metaphorical than factual. Lightning, being a massive electrostatic discharge, does not discriminate based on prior strikes. Taller objects such as trees or skyscrapers are frequent targets due to their proximity to the lightning’s origin. Scientific studies, including a NASA study involving 386 cloud-to-ground strikes, reveal that lightning not only strikes the same place multiple times but can also branch and hit multiple locations simultaneously.
5. Dropping A Penny From A Tall Building Will Kill Someone
The myth that dropping a penny from a tall building can be lethal is debunked by physics. Pennies, being lightweight and lacking aerodynamic qualities, have a relatively low terminal velocity and wouldn’t cause harm to a person below. However, the myth highlights the potential dangers of dropping more massive or aerodynamic objects from heights, emphasizing safety precautions in construction zones.
6. Hair And Fingernails Continue Growing After Death
The common belief that hair and fingernails continue growing after death is a misconception rooted in the post-mortem drying process. As the dead skin dries and retracts, it can create the illusion of hair and nail growth. Funeral homes often apply moisturizer to reduce drying before memorial services, dispelling the notion that post-mortem growth is occurring.
7. Cracking Your Knuckles Gives You Arthritis
The belief that cracking knuckles leads to arthritis has been a longstanding misconception. Despite concerns about potential joint damage, studies, including a notable case of a man who cracked the knuckles on one hand for 60 years without adverse effects, have not shown a conclusive link between knuckle cracking and arthritis. The sound produced during knuckle cracking is attributed to gas bubble formation and does not necessarily indicate joint damage.
8. It Takes Seven Years To Digest Swallowed Chewing Gum
The widely circulated claim that chewing gum takes seven years to digest is a myth. Chewing gum is not digested; instead, the body extracts what it can, and the remaining components are expelled. While swallowing large amounts of gum can lead to gastrointestinal issues, the notion of a seven-year digestive process is unfounded.
9. Antibiotics Kill Viruses
The misconception that antibiotics can treat viral infections stems from a misunderstanding of antibiotic functionality. Antibiotics specifically target bacteria, not viruses. Inappropriate antibiotic use for viral illnesses not only fails to address the viral infection but also contributes to antibiotic resistance, a growing public health concern. It’s imperative for patients to grasp the limitations of antibiotics and refrain from unnecessary usage for viral conditions, aligning with proper medical guidance.
10. We Only Use 10% Of Our Brains
Despite the persistent belief that humans utilize only 10% of their brains, scientific evidence, including brain scans, refutes this notion. The brain, although relatively small in size, is a remarkably energy-demanding organ, consuming approximately 20% of the body’s oxygen and glucose. Evolutionary principles further argue against the idea that such a vital organ would have evolved as mostly useless. The 10% myth is debunked not only by empirical data but also by the fundamental logic of the brain’s evolution and functionality.
11. Goldfish Have A Three-second Memory Span
It’s a widely held belief that goldfish have an incredibly short memory span, lasting only three seconds. However, scientific studies refute this myth. Research has shown that goldfish possess a more complex memory and can remember information for weeks, if not months. Their ability to navigate mazes, recognize their owners, and respond to training challenges the misconception that their memory is limited to a mere three seconds. Dispelling this myth sheds light on the cognitive abilities of these aquatic creatures, challenging preconceived notions about their intelligence.