These 15 Common Sense Tips Are Surprisingly Wrong
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We’ve all heard countless pieces of advice that seem like common sense, passed down from generation to generation. However, upon closer inspection, many of these “tried and true” tips turn out to be surprisingly wrong. In this eye-opening list, we debunk 15 popular myths and reveal the truth behind these misconceptions.
Myth: Lightning Never Strikes the Same Place Twice
Fact: Lightning can and often does strike the same place multiple times, especially if it’s a tall, isolated object like a skyscraper or a tree. The Empire State Building, for example, is struck by lightning an average of 23 times per year.
Myth: Goldfish Have a Three-Second Memory
Fact: Goldfish have much better memories than most people give them credit for. Studies have shown that goldfish can remember things for several months, and they can even be trained to perform tricks.
Myth: Shaving Makes Your Hair Grow Back Thicker
Fact: Shaving does not affect the thickness or rate of hair growth. When hair grows back after shaving, it may feel coarser because the ends are blunt, but the hair itself is the same thickness as before.
Myth: You Should Wait 30 Minutes After Eating Before Swimming
Fact: There is no scientific evidence to support this myth. While it’s true that you might feel uncomfortable swimming on a full stomach, there is no increased risk of drowning or cramps.
Myth: Cracking Your Knuckles Causes Arthritis
Fact: Despite the common belief, there is no link between cracking your knuckles and developing arthritis. The popping sound is caused by gas bubbles in the synovial fluid, not by damage to the joints.
Myth: Eating Before Bed Makes You Gain Weight
Fact: It’s not when you eat that matters, but rather how many calories you consume overall. As long as you’re not exceeding your daily calorie needs, eating before bed will not cause weight gain.
Myth: You Only Use 10% of Your Brain
Fact: This is a persistent myth with no basis in fact. Brain imaging studies have shown that we use virtually every part of our brain, even during simple tasks.
Myth: Reading in Dim Light Ruins Your Eyesight
Fact: While reading in dim light can cause eye strain and headaches, it does not cause permanent damage to your eyesight. However, it’s still best to read in adequate lighting to avoid discomfort.
Myth: You Need to Drink 8 Glasses of Water a Day
Fact: The “8×8” rule (8 ounces of water, 8 times a day) is not based on scientific evidence. The amount of water you need depends on factors like your age, activity level, and climate. Most people get enough hydration from food and beverages throughout the day.
Myth: Bats Are Blind
Fact: Despite the phrase “blind as a bat,” bats are not actually blind. Most bat species have eyes and can see quite well, although they primarily use echolocation to navigate and find food.
Myth: Humans Have Five Senses
Fact: While we’re taught about the five main senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch), humans actually have many more senses, such as balance, temperature, and proprioception (the sense of where your body parts are in space).
Myth: Coffee Stunts Your Growth
Fact: There is no scientific evidence to support the idea that coffee or caffeine consumption stunts growth. This myth may have originated from the fact that coffee can slightly reduce calcium absorption, but the effect is minimal and does not impact height.
Myth: Goldfish Grow to Fit Their Tank
Fact: Goldfish do not grow to fit their tank; they grow based on factors like genetics, nutrition, and water quality. Keeping a goldfish in a small tank may stunt its growth, but this is due to poor living conditions, not the size of the tank itself.
Myth: You Can’t Teach an Old Dog New Tricks
Fact: Dogs can learn new things at any age, just like humans. While puppies may learn faster, older dogs are perfectly capable of learning new tricks and behaviors with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement.
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