Popular Scientific Myths People Believe
Science has fundamentally shaped our understanding of the world, transforming societies and improving lives. However, even in an era marked by unprecedented access to information, many scientific myths persist. These myths, often rooted in outdated science or misinterpretations, can spread widely and be surprisingly hard to dispel. In this article, we will explore some of the most enduring scientific myths and the truths behind them.
Myth 1: We Only Use 10% of Our Brains
One of the most pervasive myths is the idea that humans use only 10% of their brain capacity. This myth suggests that unlocking the remaining 90% could grant us superhuman abilities or extraordinary intelligence. The origin of this myth is unclear, but it has been popularized by movies, self-help books, and even some educational materials.
The Truth:
Modern neuroscience has debunked this myth. Brain imaging technologies, such as fMRI and PET scans, show that we use virtually every part of the brain, and most of it is active almost all the time, even when we’re at rest. Different tasks and thoughts activate different areas of the brain, but there’s no part that remains completely unused. This widespread use of the brain is essential for its complex functions, from basic motor skills to advanced problem-solving.
Myth 2: Sugar Causes Hyperactivity in Children
Many parents and teachers believe that sugar consumption leads to hyperactivity in children. This myth has led to the widespread practice of limiting sugar intake, particularly during events like birthday parties and holidays, to avoid a surge in unruly behavior.
The Truth:
Numerous scientific studies have shown no significant link between sugar consumption and hyperactivity in children. The misconception may arise from the context in which sugar is often consumed—exciting environments like parties and special events where children are naturally more active. While sugar can impact energy levels and overall diet, it is not a direct cause of hyperactivity.
Myth 3: Lightning Never Strikes the Same Place Twice
This myth suggests that once lightning strikes a particular location, that spot is safe from being struck again. It might be comforting to think that lightning doesn’t revisit the same place, but this belief is far from the truth.
The Truth:
Lightning frequently strikes the same place multiple times, especially if it is a tall, pointed, and isolated object. For example, the Empire State Building is struck by lightning around 20-25 times each year. The myth likely persists because people assume the randomness of lightning strikes precludes repeated hits on the same target, but in reality, lightning is more likely to strike locations that are more conductive or higher.
Myth 4: Goldfish Have a Three-Second Memory
The belief that goldfish have a memory span of only three seconds is commonly cited as a reason why keeping them in small bowls is acceptable. This myth paints goldfish as creatures with a very limited cognitive ability.
The Truth:
Research has shown that goldfish have much longer memory spans than three seconds. They can remember things for months and are capable of learning complex tasks and behaviors. Studies have demonstrated that goldfish can be trained to respond to different signals and navigate mazes, indicating a far more sophisticated memory than commonly believed.
Myth 5: Bats Are Blind
The saying “blind as a bat” suggests that these nocturnal creatures rely solely on echolocation because they cannot see. This myth likely stems from their association with the dark and their use of echolocation to navigate.
The Truth:
Bats are not blind. While they do use echolocation to hunt and navigate in the dark, many species also have very good night vision. Some bats can see three times better than humans in dim light. Their reliance on echolocation is an adaptation that complements their vision, not a replacement for it.
Myth 6: Cracking Your Knuckles Causes Arthritis
People often avoid cracking their knuckles due to the widespread belief that it leads to arthritis later in life. The popping sound is thought to be harmful to the joints, potentially causing long-term damage.
The Truth:
Studies have shown that there is no direct link between knuckle cracking and arthritis. The sound of cracking knuckles comes from the collapse of gas bubbles in the synovial fluid, which lubricates the joints. While habitual knuckle cracking can lead to some minor hand swelling and reduced grip strength, it does not cause arthritis.
Myth 7: Humans and Dinosaurs Coexisted
Popularized by movies and some misinterpretations of historical records, the idea that humans and dinosaurs once roamed the Earth together is a prevalent myth. This misconception is often rooted in the misunderstanding of the timelines of Earth’s history.
The Truth:
Dinosaurs went extinct around 65 million years before the first humans appeared. The misconception might arise from misidentified fossils or the blending of human history with paleontological findings. The only humans who have “seen” dinosaurs are those who view their fossils in museums.
Myth 8: Antibiotics Kill Viruses
A common misconception is that antibiotics can treat viral infections. This belief leads many people to seek antibiotic prescriptions for illnesses like the common cold or flu, which are caused by viruses.
The Truth:
Antibiotics are effective only against bacterial infections, not viruses. Misuse of antibiotics can contribute to antibiotic resistance, making bacterial infections harder to treat in the future. It’s important to use antibiotics only when prescribed for bacterial infections and not for viral illnesses.
Myth 9: Different Parts of the Tongue Detect Different Tastes
The “tongue map” myth suggests that different areas of the tongue are responsible for detecting specific tastes: sweet, salty, sour, and bitter. This belief has been widely taught in schools and perpetuated through educational materials.
The Truth:
Taste receptors for all five basic tastes (including umami) are distributed across the entire tongue. While there may be slight variations in sensitivity, no specific area is exclusively responsible for one taste. The tongue map oversimplifies the complex way our taste buds and brain process flavors.
Myth 10: Hair and Fingernails Grow After Death
The eerie notion that hair and fingernails continue to grow after death has been popularized in literature and media, contributing to a macabre fascination with the human body post-mortem.
The Truth:
After death, the body undergoes dehydration, causing the skin to retract and make it appear as though hair and nails have grown. In reality, no new growth occurs after death. The illusion is a result of changes in the body’s tissues.
Myth 11: The Great Wall of China Is Visible from Space
The idea that the Great Wall of China is the only man-made object visible from space has been a point of national pride and a widely accepted fact for many years.
The Truth:
While the Great Wall is very long, it is also quite narrow and blends in with the natural landscape. It is not easily visible to the naked eye from low Earth orbit, though some astronauts have reported seeing it with the aid of binoculars. Other man-made structures, such as city lights and large airports, are more easily seen from space.
Conclusion
Scientific myths often endure because they are compelling stories that simplify complex concepts. However, in an age where accurate information is more accessible than ever, it’s important to challenge and debunk these myths. By doing so, we can foster a better understanding of science and its impact on our world. Knowledge and education are powerful tools in dispelling misconceptions, ensuring that science remains a reliable guide in our quest for truth and understanding.