- The Earth is flat: Historically, many people believed the Earth was flat and that the horizon marked the edge of the world. In reality, the Earth is a spherical planet.
- Cracking your knuckles causes arthritis: This is a prevalent myth, but scientific studies have not found a direct link between knuckle cracking and arthritis.
- All swans are white: While many swans are white, there are also black swans native to Australia.
- Lightning never strikes the same place twice: Lightning can indeed strike the same place multiple times. Tall structures, such as buildings and trees, are often struck repeatedly.
- We only use 10% of our brains: This is a widespread myth. Scientific research has shown that humans use various brain regions for different tasks, and most parts of the brain are active at various times.
- Caffeine dehydrates you: While caffeine has a mild diuretic effect, studies show that moderate caffeine intake does not lead to dehydration. In fact, caffeinated beverages can contribute to daily fluid needs.
- Cold weather makes you sick: Being cold does not directly cause the common cold or flu. Instead, certain viruses spread more easily during colder seasons due to indoor gatherings and lower immune responses.
- Sugar makes children hyperactive: Studies have not found convincing evidence to support the idea that sugar consumption leads to hyperactivity in children.
- Eating carrots improves eyesight: While carrots contain beta-carotene, which can be converted to Vitamin A, good eyesight is not solely dependent on carrot consumption.
- The Great Wall of China is visible from space with the naked eye: The Great Wall is not visible to the naked eye from space. It can be seen from some low Earth orbits under certain conditions.
It's essential to rely on scientific evidence, empirical data, and reputable sources to differentiate facts from common myths.