Myth buster science: 9 Science myths disproved!

Welcome to the Enhance Minds Blog, a bimonthly educational blog about fun and practical topics!

Today, we embark on a thrilling journey through the realm of science to debunk myths, untangle misconceptions, and reveal the awe-inspiring truths that often lie hidden beneath the surface. From facts about water to the truth about chewing gum, we'll traverse the vast landscape of scientific inquiry to separate fact from fiction.

In the pages that follow, we'll take you on a quest to uncover the truth about everything from ancient alchemy to modern misconceptions about climate change. We'll challenge common beliefs, dissect urban legends, and showcase the remarkable achievements of scientists who have paved the way for our current understanding of the world.

Science Myths

Water Conducts Electricity

You might have heard the adage that water and electricity should never mix. While there's some truth to this cautionary saying, it's not because water itself conducts electricity. Pure water is an excellent insulator and doesn't readily allow the flow of electrical current. It's the tiny traces of dissolved salts, such as sodium ions, that give water its conductivity. These minuscule impurities facilitate the movement of electrical charge, turning water into a potentially dangerous conductor. So, the next time you reach for that toaster, be sure it's far from the sink, and you'll keep yourself and your appliances in good, shock-free condition!

Blood is Blue Inside Your Body

Have you ever wondered why your veins appear blue? It's a common misconception that oxygenated blood is red, while deoxygenated blood is blue. However, the reality is quite different. When you have a blood test, you'll notice that the blood collected is vividly red. This is because of the presence of red blood cells, which contain a remarkable protein called haemoglobin. Haemoglobin is rich in iron, and it's what gives your blood its red hue. But why do veins seem blue, then? The explanation lies in how we perceive colours. When light interacts with objects, we see the colours based on the wavelengths of light that are reflected. In the case of veins, your skin scatters the longer red wavelengths, leaving the shorter blue wavelengths to reach your eyes, creating the illusion of blue veins.

Humans Only Use 10% of Their Brains

The idea that humans use only a small fraction of their brains has persisted for a long time, but it's far from the truth. If you were to examine a brain scan, such as an fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging), in a healthy individual, you'd see that nearly the entire brain is active. This myth's origins are murky, but scientific research and brain imaging have repeatedly debunked it. Even when you're asleep, a significant portion of your brain remains active, whether you're in deep slumber or experiencing vivid dreams of REM sleep. So, rest assured, your brain is a highly active and complex organ that operates at full capacity.

Chewing Gum Takes Years to Digest

Remember the old tale that if you swallow gum, it stays in your stomach for years? Well, that's nothing more than an urban legend. While it's true that your body can't digest gum in the same way it digests food, it doesn't linger in your stomach for an eternity. Instead, gum passes through your digestive system like any other indigestible substance and eventually exits your body through the usual processes.

Genes Determine Race

The concept that genes determine race is both intriguing and inaccurate. Despite the diverse racial backgrounds of humanity, we share approximately 99.9% of our genetic code. Genetically speaking, our differences are incredibly minor, and the concept of race is primarily a social construct rather than a biological one. Human genetic diversity is vast, but it doesn't align neatly with traditional racial categories. This scientific fact highlights the shared ancestry and unity of our species, emphasising that our differences are largely superficial.

Sugar Makes Kids Hyper

The notion that sugar makes kids hyperactive has been a long-standing belief, seemingly as old as sugar itself. However, scientific research, including a comprehensive meta-analysis conducted in 1995, has thoroughly debunked this myth. Numerous studies examining the effects of sugar on hyperactivity have consistently shown that there is no direct link between sugar consumption and increased energy or hyperactivity in children. So, you can enjoy your sweet treats without worrying about suddenly bouncing off the walls!

The 5-Second Rule

We've all heard of the 5-second rule — the idea that food dropped on the floor is still safe to eat if you pick it up within five seconds. However, the reality is a bit more complex. The level of contamination your food may experience depends more on where you drop it than how long it sits on the floor. The instant contact between your food and the floor can transfer germs, so the 5-second rule doesn't offer foolproof protection. In reality, whether it's 1 second or 5, it's always best to exercise caution when deciding whether to eat something that's had an unplanned encounter with the floor.

Humans Have Only 5 Senses

When asked how many senses humans have, most people would likely say five: sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch. However, there's more to our sensory perception than these primary senses. In addition to the traditional five, there's also a lesser-known sense called proprioception. Proprioception allows us to perceive and understand the positions and movements of our body parts, even when we can't see or hear them. It's what enables you to close your eyes and still know where your arms and legs are. So, next time you're asked about human senses, don't forget to mention proprioception—it's like having a sixth sense of self-awareness!

Hair and Nails Grow After Death

The belief that hair and nails continue to grow after death is a common misconception, perpetuated even through university dissection sessions. However, it's far from the truth. What happens is that after death, the body begins to change. Dehydration occurs, causing tissues to shrink and pull away from hair follicles and nail beds. This makes it appear as though hair and nails have grown, but in reality, it's the surrounding tissue that has contracted, creating this illusion. So, the mystery of post-mortem hair and nail growth is simply a matter of perception.

In Conclusion:

What this exploration ultimately underscores is the incredible power of science to challenge our assumptions, question our beliefs, and illuminate the world around us. Science isn't about rigid dogma; it's a dynamic and ever-evolving process that constantly seeks to refine our understanding of the universe.

As curious beings, we're bound to encounter myths and misconceptions along our intellectual journey. But armed with the tools of critical thinking and scientific inquiry, we can confidently navigate the maze of misinformation. The myths we've debunked here serve as reminders that the pursuit of knowledge is an ongoing adventure, and there's always more to learn, explore, and discover.