Friends, it's time for a rundown on health, history, and even science myths — many of which are commonly believed! It's time to learn the truth, starting right now.
People With Red Hair Are Going Extinct Soon
Whether it's Christina Hendricks from Madmen or Conan O'Brien, the world would really be a little less bright without the gingers. Rumors have swirled in recent years online that redheads are disappearing from the gene pool! Is there any truth to this claim?
Probably not, it turns out. Many may not know that red hair is a recessive gene to begin with, which means it can skip generations. And sometimes, it's a beautiful mutation, out of the blue! No fears are warranted here: Blond, black, brown, and red are going to stick around.
Myths, be gone: It's time to separate fact from fiction on the biggest misconceptions out there!
Napoleon Was Actually a Short Man
Many know Napoleon Bonaparte was the feared and respected military leader of 19th century France. In fact, he was also the emperor! Rumors persisted that his stature was less than impressive despite all his army success, though.
Maybe it was all enemy gossip. Or even decadent court frenemies! The truth is, Napoleon was really just average height. He wasn't smaller than the common European at the time, even if popular belief persists. The discrediting hasn't seemed to work: He's honored these days looking royal and victorious, in stone, oil, and print!
Catch a Cold, Out in the Cold
Who hasn't heard that going outside with wet hair in the winter is a bad idea? Word on the street is, this move will result in sickness. But it that really how catching a cold functions? Science has now weighed in.
Colds are caused by viruses, just like the the flu. There is nothing about being cold or wet that can introduce a virus into the body that is not already there. Conversely, cuddled together inside a warm room is likelier to spread a bug through close breathing! Myth slayed, yet again.
Consuming Caffeine Causes Dehydration
Late nights and early mornings for students and workers alike rely on coffee. It's all about the beans, baby! The caffeine inside is the key, and many cannot live without at least a little green tea. But allegedly, the chemical is dehydrating. Say it ain't so!
No need to boycott Starbucks, just yet. While caffeine has some downsides, it's not dehydration. Popular belief to the contrary, according to the Mayo clinic: “Drinking caffeine as part of a normal lifestyle doesn’t cause fluid loss in excess of the volume ingested. While caffeinated drinks may have a mild diuretic effect, they don’t appear to increase the risk of dehydration.” Good to know, latte lovers!
Dog Licks Make a Wound to Heal Better
Common wisdom with a long history, right here: The lick of a dog has exceptional healing properties. Generations of humans have believed that canine saliva does the body good. Many still do, but is there any basis?
It seems this idea was around even among the ancient Egyptians. But since then, it's really caught on! The truth is, animal mouths contain bacteria by the billions. At least a few can easily cause an infection in a cut, which should be no surprise. Instead of relying on old wives' tales, try soap and water — and keep it clean and dry!
Vikings Wore Funny Horned Hats
The most popular image of Viking warriors is universal: With not one, but two horns, their very recognizable helmet must have intimidated other tribes in battle. What is the origin of the design?
Oddly enough, there is only one helmet on record that is definitely Viking. And it lacks horns, completely! In the 1800's, Scandinavian artists included the fashion in some portrayals of the warriors. Then, a Wagner opera used Viking horns for the characters. Neither had historical backing! The stereotype lives on, without basis — but with tons of fans and festivals.
Bagpipes Are Originally From Scotland
Don't tell Sean Connery, but bagpipes did not really come from Scotland. They may be a national symbol now, but their origins are more oriental! It's time to break the suspense: Where were they first played?
Yes, every single depiction of the instrument does seem to include a Scotsman in a kilt. But maybe they're getting too much attention! Bagpipes were created in the middle east, possibly from the Ancient Egyptians. Eventually, they made their way to Western Europe, and they've clearly had a good run there. Somehow, no one knows!
Desert Camels Store Water in Their Humps
Camels come in a few different models: One hump or two humps. Some are woollier, and some are desert smooth for varying climates. But everyone knows they're never thirsty. They have a natural store for water, right on their backs!
The truth: Camel humps store fat, and not water. It's just a big old lump of the fatty type tissue under human skin, but they do help the animals survive in a different way. These reservoirs allow days in the desert sun without any stops for food. On a thousand long, hot journeys, that can sure come in handy!
It's Possible to See the Great Wall of China From Space
Donald Trump wants to build a big, beautiful wall. But in China, that's been going on for more than a thousand years! The Great Wall of China is an architectural masterpiece, and rumor has it that the structure can literally be seen from space. Can it?
Many people believe this wall is so massive that astronauts can see it from above, but that is simply false. Impressive images of the Wall began appearing online that suggested this could be true, but it was all due to a good zoom lens. Not satellites in space, folks!
To Avoid Deadly Cramps, Wait an Hour After Eating Before Swimming
Guests at the pool always got a warning after lunch: Wait one hour, or face drowning! For beach lovers and lake floaters alike, it was annoying though prudent. But was that precaution all a big waste of time?
Good news: It was all bunk, all along. While swimming with full stomach could make one short of breath, it doesn’t actually increase the chance of muscle cramping. But maybe there was good reason for caution: More than 300,000 people die from drowning every year! A public health problem to think about, lunch or not.
Adam and Eve Ate a Apple in the Garden
Forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden was apparently irresistible. After that snake hissed all about it into Eve's ear, she knew she needed a bite. Adam, too! Readers do secretly wonder if the commonly depicted apple was real, though.
According to Genesis: "So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes...she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate." Not such great clue there, but scholars have theorized grapes, pomegranates, figs, carob, etrogs, or even pears could have been in the area! The jury's out forever on this one, at the end of the day.
Mt. Everest is the Tallest Mountain on Earth
Mount Everest is literally on the bucket list of adventurers, young and old. It's the gold standard in mountain climbing, and that's because people think it's the tallest there is! Are they mistaken?
Located on the border of Nepal and Tibet, Mount Everest reaches 29,029 feet at the summit. Pretty impressive, no doubt! But Hawaiian volcano Mauna Kea beats it. Originating deep in the Pacific waters, this monster rises more than 33,500 feet from its sea base. Like an iceberg, it's a massive formation with a surprise below the surface. Sorry, Everest!
In an Emergency, Suck the Poison Out of a Snakebite
A snake-infested area is no place to hang out, but sometimes people get unlucky. Slithering around, hissing, and biting are the way these creatures just live their lives. What happens when serpent bites man?
Every year, 5.4 million people are bitten around the globe. Up to 138,000 are fatal! The best course of action is not sucking out the poison, as a matter of fact. The venom spreads system-wide rapidly, and this action may even be counterproductive. Sadly, there’s really no hope of sucking out a big enough volume to help. The best course of action? Call in the experts, at 911!
Pee on a Jellyfish Sting for Relief
Rewind time: Remember the beach episode of Friends? When Monica is stung by a jellyfish, she almost begs the guys to urinate on her wound. Desperate times call for desperate measures, this case included. But as it turns out, all three were tricked by a myth!
Breathe a sigh of relief, everyone. Experts actually forbid urine! The best thing to do after a jellyfish attack is remove any tentacles stuck on the victim and wash the wound with seawater nearby, or a hot shower. An ice pack can be used to help the pain, afterwards. But some people have a really, really bad reaction. For folks going unconscious or vomiting, an ambulance is the only cure!
Einstein Failed Math
A widely held belief out there is that even Einstein failed math. The father of relativity struggled early on, just like everyone else! How did that rumor get started, and is it true?
No one else should feel their potential is limited, the idea goes. But newsflash: This is fake news! A Google search of turns up more than 500,000 results for this big lie, and it's time to put it to rest once and for all. According to Einstein himself: "I never failed in mathematics...Before I was fifteen I had mastered differential and integral calculus." Sorry folks, it's just time to move on!
The Color Red Makes Bulls Angry
Matadors are not in fashion these days, even in Spain. The traditional sport of bullfighting has been called cruel lately, and a few human deaths did not please modern crowds the way it used to. But the bull couldn't resist: It's all because of that red cape!
Or is it? As it turns out, bulls can only see red and green clearly. And since half the world must already look red, it can't be anything special about the cloth color. These animals just chase cape waving. Afraid of sudden movements, bulls get aggressive when constantly taunted by the man in funny pants. Most humans would, frankly!
Cops Must Read You Your Miranda Rights
When the big arrest happens, crime drama fans are prepared. First, there will be an order: "Put your hands behind your back." Then, the click of the cuffs. Next, they will get the drill down about how they have every right to remain silent. Routine stuff, right?
Au contraire, friends. The Miranda Rights may be popular on TV, but the state can still prosecute even if those rights were not read aloud during the arrest. Cops often skip it, since it's only legally required when an official interrogation is about to begin. But a lot can happen before that point. Expert advice: Lawyers say, be quiet!
Chameleons Change Color to Match Their Surroundings
Chameleons have become a metaphor in the human world. People who change their personality or style to suit every situation gets that comparison. But is the real life, color-morphing creature motivated the same way?
Reality: These multi-colored, quick shifters change their look for a different reason than many might suspect. The lizard just wants to communicate its mood! With special cells called chromatophores, it can tell friends if it's scared or in the mood for mating. For a pet, it can express a whole lot more than most. As they say, communication is key!
Swallow Gum and it Will Stay In Your Body For 7 Years
Everyone knows they should never swallow gum. First, because that's the point of the treat. Hello! But also, it won't exit: Gum won't be digested for years, maybe 7 years. Reality check: Is that really true?
Gumshoes and sleuths of all kinds went to work on this one — and there is no way a clog is happening. Not only does gum not stay in the body for years, it likely leaves the digestive system in just a few days. The human body is a long canal, moving, squeezing, dissolving — 24/7. Bubblegum is no match for working bowels!
Cracking Your Joints Causes Arthritis One Day
A nasty habit, perhaps. But many of us can't help but do a little knuckle cracking, once and a while. Rumors about arthritis couldn't be true: How can it be wrong when it feels so right?
As it turns out, it may not be harmful. At a minimum, experts say that knuckle cracking does not actually cause arthritis. People feel the urge to do it, and it's not a big deal. Pulling joints apart forms an air bubble in the fluid there, and bubble needs to pop. People misunderstand the typical cause of arthritis: Wear and tear due to age!
Touching Toads Will Give You Warts
One of the most common old wives' tales out there, people have believed this one for centuries: Touching that toad could mean warts, and it's best to stay away. But is that really the source of warts, according to modern science?
No, it's just a little green misconception about the whole issue. First of all, the bumps on the toad are not warts! They are parotoid glands full of chemicals, which ward off predator bites. Very smart, mother nature. And FYI: Common warts happen because of HPV, which comes in more than 150 strains. Human papillomavirus strikes again!
Don't Shave Body Hair, Or it Will Grow Back Even Thicker
Women have heard this one forever, but most ignored the warning to avoid ridicule. Shaving that mustache means it will only come back thicker, with a vengeance! Or so they said. And they were not dermatologists. Is that true at all?
Ladies will be relieved to find out, no. The illusion of thicker hair after shaving is just that: An illusion. Razor action makes the tip of each hair sharper, which light catches more easily to emphasize the stubble. But the hair softens again in time: No real problem here, in case men with back hair are afraid to start the process. All clear, bears!
Human Beings Only Have Five Senses
Sight, smell, taste, hearing, and touch are the ways humans perceive the world. Unlike dolphins, who use echolocation, or the magnetoreception of bees, people have to reply on the basics to figure out what's going on. Or do they?
Don't forget,the body does more than listen to music and snack all day. The fundamental five are only part of the story! There's balance, of course. Then, there's a special awareness called proprioception to avoid walking into things constantly. The human body also senses temperature, time, and pain. Seems automatic, but there's a lot going on!
Humans Eat Three Spiders a Year While Sleeping
Bedridden and anxious over spiders? And now, people claim that we are actually eating them in our sleep? Sometimes ignorance is bliss, and this is surely one of those times. Is there any truth to this playground legend?
No way, thankfully! Arachnids are a smart bunch, and they know not to just wander into a trap like that. Mouths are a black hole for creatures big and small. It's possible the accidental spider snack has happened, somewhere, somehow, but it's not happening by the billions. No evidence exists to support this repulsive myth, so sleep tight! Just let the bedbugs bite.
Organic Food More Nutritious and Chemical-free
Organic food just sounds comfy. So natural, so green. So good for the body and soul, and the world. Obviously, it's better for all involved. Choose heath, of course! What does science have to say to confirm this choice is the best one?
Well, regulations do not require what many people may think. Farmers are permitted to use chemical pesticides that come from natural sources. But no produce in the United states is allowed to have unsafe levels of any pesticides, to begin with. Furthermore, there are no more nutritional benefits to an organic carrot. All in all, it's probably tastier though. And more expensive. For some, that is worth it!
Hair and Nails Continue to Grow After Death
The final cycle of life: Hair and nails keep growing, postmortem. At least for a bit! While people don't actually become zombies, the body isn't quite done with that process at brain death. Everyone knows this one, right?
It's been going around for years, but it's time to put an end to this morbid rumor. Maybe a mortician made it up for a laugh, but science will put this to rest for good. When a person dies, all living cells die. Dead cells means no new growth. Simple! Skin does shrink, though. Maybe it looked like the nails were longer because they were less encased!
Goldfish Have a Memory of Just Three Seconds
Every child that owned a goldfish learned that their little friend was impaired. With a memory of just three seconds, it was unlikely they would remember all the good times! So sad, but was it really accurate?
If something sounds fishy, that's because it is. No one really knows where or why this gossip got started. But it's all a lie! It’s been observed that goldfish have the ability to remember things for a few months, in some cases. While that's still not the best in the animal kingdom, it's certainly not the worst!
Lightning Never Strikes Twice in the Same Place
Lightning never strikes the same spot twice, as they say. But are they, whoever they are, right about that natural phenomenon? In modern times, the bolts have been cataloged according to public records. What is the result?
The saying is false! The probability is very low, but not impossible: Footage of the Empire State Building once showed the skyscraper getting hit several times in one day. On average, the NYC landmark is struck by lightning 23 times a year. No surprise there, since it's a pretty high target in the sky. But thankfully, people are a different story!
Left-Brained and Right-Brained People Exist
Different strokes for different folks: We all know that some people are more analytical, and others a bit more abstract. These types have been casually called “left-brained and “right-brained.” But are these personalities and aptitudes really a function of brain side?
Answer: No, not really. The right side of the brain governs behaviors that relate to processing the unknown, mostly. The left side deals with the known. So yes, they do function differently. But it's not quite the pseudoscience of personality, is it? Both sides work together, in a healthy person. Any other way could be a disaster!
The 5-Second Rule
Childhood is full of slippery falls and motor coordination problems. Snack time is no exception, and it's always hard to think about throwing away yummy food. Enter, The 5-Second Rule: If it was only on the ground for 5 seconds, it's A-okay!
Sorry, it's not a real thing. Bacteria contaminates within milliseconds! Though kids generally have good immune systems, the truth should be known. There is no safe duration to eat something that fell on the bathroom floor, or a public subway. Millions of feet walking on the street, no need to eat. Yikes!
People Need at Least 8 Glasses of Water a Day
This idea is almost universal. With all the coffee, cola, and OJ at our disposal, it can seem downright boring to drink plain old water sometimes. But H2O remains an essential part of human survival, and 8 glasses is the minimum. Right, doc?
Wisdom says otherwise, at least in a medical office. First of all, the foods we eat already contain water. Second, every body is different! Standard advice like this is never universal. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, daily water needs can be easily met by drinking when one is thirsty, as well as with meals. Easy as H20!
Blood in Your Veins Is Blue Before it Comes Out
Blood is red, at least by the time we see it. Inside the body, though, it hasn't made contact yet with outside oxygen. And it's blue, just like aliens from the movies! These are the rumors, anyway. Is human blood actually blue, outside the royal family?
It's all a silly myth, as it turns out. Veins only look blue for one reason: Light penetrates with different degrees of success in the skin. It's all about the wavelength, baby. But any oxygen-free test tube shows the truth: Blood is red. Blood red, to be exact!
We Only Use 10% of Our Brain
Who doesn't love a little layman's science trivia? The reality is, humans only use 10% of their brains! Imagine the true potential of an individual who was able to use all of it. They would rule the world, no doubt.
The average person is not about to supercharge anything with future pills or technology. Like the rest of the body, not all parts are needed for every task. No one uses their legs to see, for example. The brain is a smart organ, and it knows how to function efficiently. Silly stats, a misunderstanding!
Sadly, Bats Are Blind
Most people are not experts in small animal biology, truthfully. But blind as a bat remains an insult, in the human world. Is it true that bats can't see anything? How would these tiny vampires ever find people to bite?
Well, they have sonar, for starters. That's pretty exact. They do have eyes, and they are not actually blind. Bats simply use what the need in pitch black settings, which just isn't eyesight. But they certainly know where they're going, even when people don't. And remember: Watch out, they have rabies!
Beer Before Liquor, Never Sicker — Liquor Before Beer, You’re in the Clear
Alcohol is as alcohol does. And sometimes, it does us wrong! A hangover is no fun for anyone, and clever drinkers have come up with a strategy to avoid the worst after affects: Down the hard stuff before the Coors light, they advise.
Science has other ideas, though. A recent medical study sought to test that common theory, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. A controlled experiment showed that the order or combination of alcohol did little to stop a hangover at all. What's more, it might even be “a protective warning sign that will certainly have aided humans over the ages to modify future behavior, and hence pass on this evolutionary advantage to next generations.” Sorry, mates!
A Chemical in Turkey Makes You Sleepy
Who hasn't fallen into a Thanksgiving nap, post-dinner? Pop science articles annually warn diners that turkey contains tryptophan. That's an amino acid related to the brain chemicals that help us relax. Yum, then bum!
The truth is, plenty of foods have tryptophan. Even cheddar cheese, which has even more! But that doesn't add up: Does anyone fall asleep after eating a burger? Not most folks. Maybe not anyone! The truth: Thanksgiving is full of rich food and alcohol, and that holiday snoozing is probably just a food coma. It happens!
Pop Rocks Plus Soda May Cause an Explosion in Your Stomach
Anyone who made a vinegar and baking soda volcano at the science fair knows that common household items can create a fizzy mess. But there's a rumor about Pop Rocks and cola, and it sounds downright dangerous! Can swallowing both of these cause a belly reaction?
Soda and even six bags of Pop Rocks will not cause an explosive or painful death. It's just an urban legend left over from the 1970's, on a wacky commercial that depicted just that. But the candies are really just full of CO2, like bubbly soda. No reaction happens when combining carbon dioxide with more of the same!