Uncovering The 10 Debunked Myths That People Still Believe. Despite the age of information, myths, and misconceptions continue to captivate our collective imagination. From outdated scientific theories to lingering cultural legends, these debunked myths have become ingrained in our shared psyche. But what makes them so resilient? Why do we cling to notions that have been disproven by experts and evidence? In this revealing exposé, we’ll delve into the top 10 debunked myths that people still believe, exploring the fascinating stories behind their origins and the surprising reasons they persist. Get ready to challenge your assumptions and uncover the truth.
Myth #1: Vikings had horns on their helmets.
Despite popular shows portraying them as having horns in their helmets, archaeologists have yet to uncover a Viking-era helmet embellished with horns.
Myth #2: Too much sugar can make someone hyper.
Research debunks the notion that consuming too much sugar causes hyperactivity in children or adults. Numerous studies have found no conclusive link between sugar intake and hyperactivity. The American Academy of Pediatrics, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other reputable health organizations agree: that sugar doesn’t directly cause hyperactivity.
Myth #3: Seasons are caused by the distance of Earth from the Sun.
Contrary to popular belief, seasons aren’t caused by Earth’s distance from the Sun. Instead, they’re triggered by the planet’s 23.5-degree axial tilt. As Earth orbits the Sun, its tilt directs varying amounts of sunlight to different regions, resulting in seasonal changes. When the Northern Hemisphere tilts towards the Sun, it receives more sunlight and experiences summer, while tilting away brings less sunlight and winter. Earth’s closest point to the Sun (perihelion) actually occurs during the Northern Hemisphere’s winter, and its farthest point (aphelion) during summer, debunking the distance myth.
Myth #4: Bats can’t see.
The truth is, that bats can see quite well using their eyes and echolocation to find their way. Depending on the circumstances, bats sometimes prefer using eyesight to sound for navigation.
Myth #5: Water conducts electricity.
Water itself is a poor conductor of electricity, but impurities and dissolved salts can make it conductive. Pure water (distilled or deionized) is actually an insulator, resisting electrical flow. However, tap water, seawater, and contaminated water contain ions and minerals that allow electricity to flow. These impurities break down water’s molecular structure, enabling it to conduct electricity. Therefore, it’s accurate to say that water can conduct electricity under certain conditions, but not purely on its own.
Myth #6: Dogs see black and white.
Dogs don’t see solely in black and white. While their color vision differs from humans, dogs have limited color perception, often described as dichromatic. They see the world in shades of yellow, blue, and gray, with reduced sensitivity to red and green.
Myth #7: Bees defy all known laws of aviation.
Bees seemingly defy aerodynamic laws due to the complex dynamics of their flight. According to traditional aviation theories, bees’ wings are too small and beat too slowly to generate enough lift. However, studies reveal bees’ unique wing motion: creates turbulent airflow and vortices, generates additional lift through wing-angle manipulation, and utilizes flexible wings for optimal thrust.
Myth #8: Cracking your knuckles is bad for you.
Cracking your knuckles, also known as knuckle cracking or knuckle popping, has long been believed to be harmful. However, research suggests it’s relatively harmless. The sound produced is gas bubbles bursting in the fluid surrounding joints (synovial fluid). While frequent cracking may lead to temporarily reduced grip strength, swollen joints, and potential for injury if done forcefully, studies have found no conclusive link between knuckle cracking and: arthritis, joint damage, or long-term harm.
Myth #9: Liars tend to avoid eye contact.
The old myth goes on to state that you can spot a liar by simply looking at their eyes since they have a hard time making eye contact. This is actually a myth and studies show that verbal hesitations and excessive hand gestures can help to accurately determine whether a person is lying or not.
Myth #10: The moon landings were staged.
Over 50 years later, moon landing skeptics still spread misinformation, refusing to accept the fact that humans successfully landed on the moon in 1969.
N1) The technology needed to stage something of that magnitude did not exist back in the 1960’s.
2) The Soviets, with their extensive surveillance capabilities and space program, failed to expose the alleged hoax, despite their strong motivations to discredit the United States’ achievement.
3) If NASA staged it, why did they stop?
4) Aldrin and Armstrong left mirrors on the moon so that with the help of a strong laser, we can ping the moon with laser pulses and measure the Earth-moon distance very precisely. If you can get your hands on a strong enough laser, you can conduct this experiment yourself.
