10 Commonly Believed Myths That Science Has Busted Wide Open

Some of the things we’ve believed for years? Totally wrong—and science proves it.

I came across an interesting question online: “What’s a popular belief that science has debunked?” The answers poured in, and many were surprising. It’s a reminder that just because something is widely accepted doesn’t mean it’s true.

In this list, we break down 10 commonly believed myths that science has busted wide open—prepare to rethink what you thought you knew.

1. Information About Your Diet

The majority of nutritional information that is commonly accepted by the public has been invalidated by research conducted since the 1970s.

Also, consuming 2000 calories daily does not apply to everyone since every individual’s body has unique requirements. While one person may need to consume 3000 calories or more, another person can manage with only 1500 calories.

2. We Only Use a Part of Our Brain

A commonly believed myth is that humans only utilize 10% of their brains. The idea that humans only use 10% of their brain capacity has been debunked by many scientific studies, including neuroimaging techniques like functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) scans.

These studies have shown that even during simple tasks like listening to music or looking at a picture, multiple brain areas light up and become active.

3. Lightning Never Strikes the Same Place Twice 

The belief that lightning never strikes the same place twice is actually a myth, as lightning can strike the same place multiple times. Tall structures such as skyscrapers and towers are often struck by lightning repeatedly.

However, lightning never strikes the same place twice is a common phrase that means it is unlikely for something bad to happen in the same way twice.

4. The Memory of a Goldfish

The myth that goldfish have a memory of only three seconds has been proven wrong. It is believed that they can even be trained to perform tricks.

One user shared that after some individuals had thrown rocks at his goldfish, the fish only returned after a long absence. When the goldfish owner approached the fishpond, the goldfish swam to the surface, looking for food. When the rock-throwing people returned years later, the fish immediately hid. 

5. Cracking Knuckles Is Bad for You

Some people believe that cracking your knuckles can lead to arthritis, but fortunately, this is untrue. 

People have experimented with this and discovered that it only harms your body if the cracking causes pain. Therefore, there is no scientific evidence that cracking knuckles leads to arthritis.

6. Your Hair Will Grow Back Thicker After Shaving

The myth that shaving hair will make it grow back longer and thicker is just that – a myth. This belief has existed for many years but has no scientific basis. When you shave, you only remove the hair that has grown beyond the skin’s surface. This does not affect the hair follicle or the rate at which hair grows.

Shaving can sometimes make the hair appear thicker because it creates a blunt tip. However, as the hair grows out, it will return to its natural texture and thickness. There is no evidence to suggest that shaving affects the rate of hair growth or the thickness of new hair.

7. How to Survive a Tornado

One individual shared that “hiding under a highway overpass is actually not a good way to survive a tornado.” Seeking shelter under an overpass during a tornado can be extremely dangerous and potentially deadly. The reason for this is that overpasses can create a wind tunnel effect, which can cause the wind speeds to increase and the debris to become more dangerous. 

Additionally, overpasses do not provide adequate protection from tornadoes’ high winds and flying debris. The safest place to seek shelter during a tornado is in a sturdy, underground shelter or an interior room on the lowest level of a building.

8. The Myth That Urine Is Sterile

Contrary to common belief, urine is not sterile because it contains various bacteria and other microorganisms. 

Therefore, using urine to treat jellyfish stings could potentially lead to infection instead of alleviating the pain. It is recommended to use saltwater or vinegar to neutralize the jellyfish toxins and seek medical attention if necessary.

9. Rice Will Make Birds Explode

The idea that rice can make birds explode after consumption is a myth, one person shared. Birds eat rice regularly, and brown rice is particularly beneficial for them. 

It is suspected that the myth was fabricated to discourage the practice of throwing rice at weddings.

10. Bubblegum Will Get Stuck in Your Stomach

Many people believe that gum takes seven years to digest, but this is only partially true. While it is technically correct that the human digestive system would take several years to break down and fully digest a piece of gum, it is important to note that the body does not hold onto the gum for that long.

The digestive system moves the gum through the intestines and eventually out of the body through a bowel movement. This process typically takes a few days to a week, which is much shorter than the commonly believed seven years.

Ever met that one person who thinks they know it all?

Some folks just stick to their guns, even when everything around them is shouting they’re wrong. Maybe the world’s just too complicated for them, but hanging on to old, busted ideas doesn’t make it any easier to get.

Get ready to question, learn, and grow—because in today’s world, lifelong learning is key.

• 20 Surprising Things Only Ignorant People Still Believe

Source: Reddit