Science has always had a hard time convincing the general public of its discoveries. Many proven scientific facts and theories are still vehemently denied by many. People form preconceived notions and refuse to listen to anything else. More often than not, these notions are widespread rumors. Rumors or false narratives told too often are etched into people’s minds as truth. Here are eleven scientific facts that are not accepted by the public despite being proven.
WE USE MORE THAN 10% OF OUR BRAINS
According to this myth, humans only use 10% of their brains. This has been misattributed to Albert Einstein, and the famous movie Lucy also discusses it, making people believe in this myth.
Reality is the stark opposite. We use all parts of our brain regularly. Scientists claim that if nearly 90% of the brain is inactive, there would have been strong evolutionary pressure to reduce brain size, like with other vestigial organs. Brain scans reveal that no matter what a person is doing, all brain areas are always active, with some areas more active than others at any given time.
MSG IS SAFE
MSG is short for Monosodium glutamate, a flavor-enhancing additive. The popular myth is that MSG is harmful, causing many households and restaurants to avoid using it. This myth originated in the 1960s when many claimed it was toxic and gave them headaches and nausea, but researchers have debunked this.
MSG is found in small amounts in our food, which is negligible and is not harmful. In fact, MSG is also naturally found in vegetables like beets. The FDA, WHO, and FAO all recognize it as safe to consume.
T-REX HAD FEATHERS
Tyrannosaurus Rex, or T-rex, is a ferocious, carnivorous dinosaur. In the popular movie Jurassic Park, T-rex appears as a scaly, featherless dinosaur, which is how people have always perceived the giant to look.
In reality, T-Rex did have feathers. Scientists discovered feathered fossils of smaller tyrannosaurs like Dilong and Guanlong, which are close relatives of T-Rex. Additionally, fossils with preserved soft tissues like feathers were found in China. Furthermore, T-Rex is a theropod dinosaur, and theropods are known to have feathers, with modern birds evolving from small, flightless theropod dinosaurs.
SUGAR SUBSTITUTES ARE HEALTHIER
There is a common myth that sugar substitutes like artificial sweeteners are a great alternative to sugar and don’t have the side effects sugar does. Many people adamantly argue in favor of these sweeteners, but in reality, they are worse than sugar. Scientists suggest natural alternatives like honey and maple syrup instead of these sweeteners.
Not only do they lack the nutritional value of sugar, but they also have potential health risks like digestive issues and metabolic disorders. Additionally, sugar substitutes can be addictive due to their intense sweetness and ability to activate the brain’s reward centers, leading to overconsumption and adverse health effects.
CRACKING JOINTS DOESN’T CAUSE ARTHRITIS
Many strongly believe that cracking joints can cause Arthritis when, in reality, the “pop” sound we hear on cracking our joints is gas bubbles being released, which is a normal occurrence and usually harmless.
Excessive cracking of joints can reduce the strength of one’s grip; it won’t lead to something as serious as Arthritis.
CHARCOAL TOOTHPASTE CAN BE HARMFUL
Many toothpaste companies advertise activated charcoal toothpastes, activated charcoal is a fine powder created by heating carbon-rich materials like wood at extremely high temperatures. Many believe that charcoal toothpaste is excellent for teeth-whitening and can even strengthen the teeth.
Dentists, on the other hand, advise us to avoid charcoal toothpaste because there is no scientific evidence to support these claims. Charcoal can weaken and remove tooth enamel, causing gum recession.
SUGAR DOESN’T CAUSE HYPERACTIVENESS
It is a common belief, especially in parents, that sugar causes hyperactiveness. This is a myth that originated in the 1970s when people blamed sugar for a dip in blood sugar levels following a meal and linked this to anxiety and hyperactiveness.
In reality, scientists didn’t find any link between sugar and hyperactivity. In fact, researchers found that parents are more likely to perceive their children as hyperactive when they think they’ve consumed sugar. Sugar is guilty of causing many things, from tooth decay to diabetes, but hyperactivity isn’t one of them.
FREQUENT TRIMS DON’T CAUSE HAIR GROWTH
This is one of the most common myths everyone, especially children, must have heard. It is widely believed that frequent trims lead to faster hair growth, but in reality, this is just a myth.
Hair growth occurs at the scalp; trimming at the ends doesn’t affect the growth of hair follicles.
Experts state that trimming helps remove split ends and prevent damage but doesn’t accelerate hair growth.
ALCOHOL DOESN’T KILL BRAIN CELLS
It is widely believed that alcohol kills brain cells when, in reality, this is just a myth. Does this mean there is no negative impact of alcohol on the brain?
No. Alcohol doesn’t kill the brain cells, but excess consumption could cause brain damage. Moderate alcohol consumption is often linked to improved mental function, but heavy consumption can cause long-term damage, including brain atrophy and shrinkage.
YOUR IQ CHANGES
There is a widespread belief that IQ is constant, that we are born with a certain level of intelligence. Many think this because, historically, IQ is depicted as a standard number, like 135 or 140, or in comparison with famous scientists like Einstein.
IQ scores change due to various factors such as education, lifestyle, and environmental influences, over time. Research shows that IQ scores can increase or decrease depending on specific circ*mstances like education and socioeconomic status, while they tend to decrease with age. Scientists have also proven that brain training programs can also increase IQ.
EATING ICE CREAM WON’T CAUSE COLD
One of the most widely believed myths is that ice cream can cause a cold. Parents and doctors alike advise against ice cream consumption. The truth is the complete opposite of this belief. In reality, ice cream doesn’t cause a cold because it cannot. The cold is caused by a viral or bacterial infection that spreads through the air; this has nothing to do with ice cream.
In fact, research has proven that eating ice cream can help soothe a sore throat by reducing inflammation.
Neil Jones
