Fact or fake - debunking five science myths
Nowadays, there is a lot of false information circling around. Whether you see it on social media or hear it on the streets, it can be hard to distinguish what is fact from what is fake. So, here are five science myths debunked, so that you can save the day and not believe someone when they say that
frequently cracking your knuckles increases your chances of developing
arthritis.
1. Cracking your knuckles frequently increases chances of developing
arthritis in your hands:
Several studies have tried to find a correlation between cracking your
knuckles and arthritis in those joints, but no substantial evidence has been
found. There is logic behind this, though: knuckle cracking is a bubble being
formed and popped by the liquid that surrounds the knuckle joints. It causes
no trauma to these areas that would accelerate the development of
inflammation to the joints, which is what arthritis is. It has been found,
however, that people who excessively cracked their knuckles had a
weakened grip strength later in life.
2. Lightning never strikes the same spot twice:
Despite this being a common misconception, it is in fact false. I know, it can
be hard to accept that you have been lied to so many times. Studies show
that 500-1000 lighting strikes happen around the world every second, so at
some point the lightning would have to strike the same place twice. In fact,
the Empire State Building was once used as a lightning laboratory because it
is hit approximately 25 times per year!
3. Going outside with wet hair can give you a cold:
Even though this will make you feel cold (coming from experience), it will not
make you sick. That is simply not how it works. To become sick you need to
come into contact with a virus, and wet hair does not make you more
attractive to viruses. If ever your parents have told you to stay inside instead,
you can tell them that actually staying inside is more likely to make you sick,
as you are probably more likely to come into contact with a virus. If you do
decide to go outside with wet hair, though, please make sure to warm up, as
being cold is not fun. I do not take responsibility for you being cold and will
not be taking any complaints.
4. Gum stays in your stomach for 7 years if you swallow it:
Although gum isn’t designed to be swallowed, it will not remain in your
stomach. It is true that your body cannot digest it, but it will simply pass
through your digestive system until it is excreted. In some cases, swallowingtoo much gum can block the digestive tract, although this is more likely to
happen when it is swallowed along with other indigestible things.
5. Eating food within five seconds of dropping it on the floor is safe:
Unfortunately, the five-second-rule is not a thing. Bacteria can contaminate
food within milliseconds, and despite some foods attracting more bacteria
than others, there is no ‘safe duration’. Instead, the safety depends on how
clean the surface is. Now, whether you choose to still abide by the five-
second-rule is up to you, but when you get sick just know that I tried to warn
you.
Hopefully after busting these myths you don’t feel too impacted after
realising how many times you have been lied to. At least now you can help
inform others.
Sofia Buck, Y12
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