Common misconceptions

12 completely false "facts" everyone believes to be true

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Many of us have grown up thinking that bats are blind, that we can't go swimming right after lunch, that we only have five senses, or that camels store water in their humps. Wait, do you still believe in any of these things? Don't worry! To prevent you from continuing to spread wrong ideas, we have compiled a list of 12 myths that we all believe to be true but are actually false. Do you dare to question your common sense?

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It’s interesting how some ideas remain common sense for centuries without us questioning their veracity. A great example is the notion that we have only five senses, a concept that was developed by Aristotle more than 2,300 years ago and is still taught today from early childhood.

Fortunately, the advancement of science allows us to better understand the complexity and diversity of the world around us. Today, scientists argue that we have far more than just five senses—anywhere from 20 to 30—including thermoception, pain, hormonal sense, and balance, among many others.

Image: David McEachan

Contrary to what you may have thought all your life, pure water is not a good conductor of electricity. What really conducts electricity in water are its impurities, such as salts and minerals.

For example, tap water, which contains several dissolved ions, is a good conductor. In contrast, distilled water molecules have no free electrons to transfer an electric current. Hence, when handling electrical appliances near water, the real danger doesn't come from the water itself, but from its impurities.

Image: Jaeyoung Geoffrey Kang

This is a typical scene in movies: a tough character taking a swig of some spirit before crossing a snow-covered field as an antidote to the cold. Although it is a widespread idea, it is not something you should imitate.

In fact, alcohol causes your body temperature to drop. Alcohol produces a momentary sensation of warmth by dilating blood vessels and directing blood to the surface of the skin, but before long, the body's core temperature drops, and you feel colder. Did you know that?

Image: Jeff Dunham

No matter what your parents told you as a child, there is no scientific evidence that swimming after eating is dangerous. The assumption that you should wait at least an hour stems from the idea that after we eat, all the blood travels to the stomach and the body is not able to adequately supply the muscles.

As convincing as this may sound, the truth is that our body manages to maintain muscle work while we digest. In fact, some professional swimmers eat immediately before a competition to have enough energy to perform well.

Image: Milad Fakurian

One of the most widespread myths in neuroscience is that we only use 10% of our brains. In reality, we use it all, even when we are doing nothing.

This misconception probably arose at the end of the 19th century. Since then, scientists have been able to determine that our entire brain is active thanks to modern neuroimaging techniques, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging. Despite the evidence, popular culture, the media, and even some scholars continue to perpetuate the myth that we only use 10% of our brains. So remember, no matter what you hear out there, your brain is never off; it’s active even when you sleep.

Image: R. J. Mathar, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Sleepwalking is a sleep disorder that occurs when people, usually children or young adults, walk or do other activities while they are still asleep.

Contrary to popular belief, waking a sleepwalker is unlikely to pose a major health risk. Moreover, according to experts, in the event of witnessing someone in such a state, the wise thing to do is to help them back to bed and, if necessary, wake them up.

Image: Wolfgang Hasselmann

Camels can indeed stay hydrated even in the most inhospitable, arid, and hot environments. However, a common misconception is that these animals store water in their humps.

In reality, their humps are filled with fat, which provides them with energy for long distances. So, how do they manage to last up to 10 days without drinking water? The main key lies in their kidneys, which are able to concentrate urine to prevent water loss. In addition, their fur protects them from the ambient heat, preventing perspiration, and the mucosal structure of their nose can retain 66% of the moisture in the air.

Image: Safiye Altınkum

Knuckle cracking is a common habit. You might have noticed that many people do it, often without giving it much thought. For others, that characteristic popping sound raises concerns about its impact on health, such as its possible link to arthritis.

However, there is no conclusive scientific evidence that the manipulation of joints is associated with the development of arthritis. Numerous studies have found no correlation between knuckle cracking and chronic joint inflammation. In fact, this habit is usually harmless and is often simply a way to release tension.

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Setting your phone to airplane mode when boarding a flight seems like common sense. You wouldn't be crazy to think that your phone's signal could interfere with an airplane's navigation systems, potentially causing a disaster. However, the need for airplane mode is largely a myth.

There is actually no evidence that a cell phone has ever interfered with aircraft systems. The real reason airlines don't allow phone communications in the air is to avoid disturbing noises. Let's be honest, the majority of travelers probably prefer the silence anyway.

Image: Igam Ogam

Bats hunt in the dark by echolocation, which means they use self-produced sound echoes that bounce off objects to help them navigate. But that doesn't mean that they can't see.

Bats are not blind at all; in fact, they have pretty good vision. Although they can't see as well as humans, they can see better than many mammals —they can distinguish shapes, contrasts, and some colors. So, despite their nocturnal habits and the many popular sayings we like to repeat, bats have pretty good eyesight.

Image: Brian McGowan

We're sorry to be the ones to debunk this myth, but it's time you knew that gravity exists everywhere in the universe. The term "zero gravity" is often used to describe the conditions experienced by astronauts in space, but it's a bit misleading, as gravity is never truly zero.

The more correct term to describe the phenomenon experienced by astronauts when they are on the International Space Station, for example, would be "microgravity".

Image: Vivek Doshi

Fictional characters such as Winnie the Pooh helped fuel this myth. While it is true that it’s common to see bears eating honey, it is the bees and larvae they are really interested in.

While honey alone provides them with some vitamins, minerals, and calories, such as sugar, the insects found inside the beehives give them the protein they need to stay strong.

The 12 longest-living animals on Earth (and how they cheat time)

Nature doesn’t just create beauty, it crafts survival miracles. While most animals have short lives, a rare few have mastered the art of staying alive for centuries, even millennia. These aren’t just long-lived creatures; they’re nature’s ultimate time travelers. From the frozen depths of the oceans to the darkest corners underground, they’ve developed bizarre, brilliant strategies to cheat death. Get ready to meet 12 animals whose lifespans will absolutely blow your mind.

Record age: up to 15,000 years

This unassuming sea sponge thrives in the freezing waters of Antarctica, where temperatures hover around 28.6 °F—so cold that biological processes hit the brakes. In such icy conditions, metabolism slows to a crawl, allowing these sponges to live for thousands of years.

Some have reached impressive sizes of over 3 feet tall and have been around since mammoths were still thundering across the tundra. They don’t move, they don’t stress, and they barely change, just quietly existing while centuries pass them by. Their secret to extreme longevity? Glacial patience, deep-sea stillness, and a lifestyle that redefines "low-maintenance".

Age: technically… infinite

This tiny jellyfish, no bigger than a fingernail—less than 0.2 inches—is like the ocean’s very own Benjamin Button. What makes it truly extraordinary is its ability to rewind its life story, flipping back to a youthful, juvenile stage whenever it wants. While it’s not completely invincible (predators and other threats are still very real), if left undisturbed, it can keep hitting the reset button on aging indefinitely, making it one of the most fascinating "time-benders" in nature.

Record age: 507 years

In 2006, a special clam was discovered buried deep in the seabeds of the North Atlantic. Scientists were able to determine that it had been there since at least 1499—that’s centuries before the United States was even a thought! This ancient marvel, nicknamed "Ming", was able to perfect a slow-and-steady approach to life. Growing at a snail’s pace and barely budging, Ming’s sedentary lifestyle turned out to be a brilliant strategy for beating the clock. Who knew doing almost nothing could be the ultimate secret to longevity?

Record age: estimated 392 years

These sharks aren’t your average ocean cruisers—they can stretch over 20 feet long and weigh up to 2,200 pounds. But what’s really mindblowing is how slowly they move, like they’re in a permanent state of deep relaxation. Living in the icy Arctic waters, these giants don’t hit adulthood until they’re about 150 years old, and some can glide through the depths for nearly 400 years. Imagine that! These ancient swimmers were already around before America declared independence... and they are still out there, silently roaming the seas!

Record age: over 211 years

This whale is a true ocean giant, stretching up to 60 feet long and weighing a staggering 200,000 pounds. But what makes it stand out isn’t just its size but its age. Some of these majestic creatures carry harpoons from the 1800s still lodged in their skin, like walking history books. Just picture living so long that you’re literally carrying outdated technology embedded in your body—talk about being a time traveler of the seas!

Record age: 200 years

Spanning the chilly Pacific coastline from California all the way up to Alaska, this spiky little ball—about 7 inches across—is full of surprises. It munches on algae and calls the deep, dark ocean its home, thriving at depths of up to 300 feet. Don’t let its size fool you: this prickly creature is a true elder of the cold seas, quietly outliving many ocean neighbors while keeping a low profile. A tough, slow-living veteran wrapped in spikes!

Record age: 226 years

Meet Hanako, a legendary Japanese koi who swam through life for an astonishing 226 years. Scientists discovered how old she was by studying the rings on her scales, much like counting the growth rings of a tree. These colorful, ornamental fish aren’t just symbols of good fortune; they’re also secret long-lifers with the potential to celebrate over two centuries of birthdays, as long as they get the right care and a peaceful pond to call home.

Record age: 190 years

Jonathan is a male tortoise living on the remote island of Saint Helena in the South Atlantic Ocean. He was born back in 1832, and he’s still happily chomping lettuce and soaking up the sun today. Weighing in at more than 400 pounds and measuring around 3 feet long, Jonathan holds the title of the oldest known living land animal on the planet. If he could share tales, they’d span nearly two centuries of history. Imagine that!

Record age: 152 years

This ancient-looking fish, with its whisker-like barbels, looking like a tiny underwater submarine, prowls the lakes of North America. It can reach an impressive length of up to 7 feet and weigh around 200 pounds. These slow-living creatures don’t rush into adulthood—they start breeding only around age 20—and then take their time cruising through life at a leisurely pace. Believe it or not, one legendary catch in Wisconsin was estimated to be over 150 years old!

Record age: over 90 years

This chunky, night-loving parrot from New Zealand is a true oddball—it can’t fly, snores like a grumpy grandpa, and smells like fresh flowers. Despite its quirks, this bird boasts an impressively long lifespan. Sadly, it teeters on the edge of extinction. The oldest known kakapo, affectionately named Richard Henry, lived 90 years, earning him the title of the charmingly eccentric elder statesman of the avian world.

Record age: 37 years

This tiny, kooky rodent—barely 3 inches long and just over an ounce in weight—could’ve been cast straight from a sci-fi apocalypse flick. Dwelling in vast underground colonies across Africa, it’s practically invincible to cancer, pain, and the usual effects of aging. Scientists are fascinated by this little marvel, even if it’s not winning beauty contests anytime soon. Its superpowers make it a star in longevity research!

Record age: estimated 100+ years

Lobsters have a totally different rulebook than us when it comes to aging. They don’t really grow old; they just keep getting bigger and bigger. Some giant lobsters weigh over 40 pounds and stretch beyond 3 feet long. Their biggest threats? Not old age, but predators or the risky process of shedding their shells. In theory, they could live forever if left alone—but let’s be honest, not many get to enjoy a peaceful, lobster-sized retirement!