When I began to think of what to write about for this article nothing came to mind that seemed appropriate for my first piece written exclusively for the KO News features section. However, I soon realized there is only one topic interesting enough to receive this kind of attention: myth busting. I am warning you right now that I am about to destroy everything you ever thought you knew about life, so read this article at your own risk.
Ever since I was around seven years old, I remember being told not to swallow my gum because it would not leave my body until I turned 14. Were you ever confronted with such dire consequences resulting from certain behaviors? Well, if you were, you were lied to just as I was. Gum does not stay in your body for seven years. In fact, gum leaves your body within a few days. Mind blown.
And what about lightning? Have you ever heard that lightning will not strike the same place twice and believed it. Well then, now is the time to forget what you heard about gum or lightning or any other old wives’ tale you have been told. The next time you are in a lightning storm, I recommend that for your own safety you find shelter rather than trying to locate a spot that has already been struck.
If you bite your finger as hard you would a carrot, you will chomp your finger off. True or False? After some thorough research, I discovered that your brain stops you from biting your finger as hard as you would a carrot, and really you would need to exert a much harder bite to take off a whole finger completely.
Now, you must be thinking what else can there be that I ought to disavow. Is my entire life a lie? Well, let me reassure you that no, your life is not a lie. It is very true that if you eat too many carrots, you will turn orange. If this were to happen to you please do not worry because that orange tinge is harmless. Carrots and actually many other foods such as pumpkins and sweet potatoes have a pigment in them called beta-carotene which usually turns into vitamin A, and if you eat too much of beta-carotene, some of it will turn into vitamin A and the rest of it will enter your bloodstream. After entering your bloodstream, your skin can look orange. This condition is known as Carotenemia.
Bananas grow on trees. False. Bananas grow from a banana plant that looks like a tree. True. The banana plant is often mistaken for a tree because it looks very similar to a tree, and it can be very tall. In addition, bananas are technically berries. Yes, berries. Let that sink in. Now, are you ready to be even more confused? Strawberries and raspberries are not truly berries. Look it up. And tomatoes are a fruit!
Goldfish? Arguably they make the most delicious snack and basic childhood pet.
What am I going to tell you about them? If I told you that they have a 3-7 second memory span, would you believe me? Think again! They can actually remember things for up to three months! Craziness.
Now, I hope I have not completely destroyed your belief in the world you grew up in, but be careful next time a friend shares a cool “fact” with you. Google it, and remember smiling uses fewer muscles than frowning. Or does it? (Oh, just Google it.)
Greetings, fellow knowledge seekers! As someone deeply immersed in the world of debunking myths and separating fact from fiction, I bring forth a wealth of expertise to dismantle long-standing misconceptions. Brace yourselves, for I am about to challenge the very fabric of your beliefs and unravel the myths that have woven themselves into the tapestry of your understanding.
Let's dive into the fascinating concepts discussed in the article, shedding light on the truth behind commonly held misconceptions:
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Swallowing Gum Myth:
- The article dispels the myth that gum stays in your body for seven years. I can corroborate this with scientific evidence. Indeed, the human digestive system is capable of passing gum through within a few days, just like any other food.
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Lightning Strikes:
- The notion that lightning won't strike the same place twice is debunked. Scientifically, lightning can and does strike the same place repeatedly. Seeking shelter during a lightning storm is advisable for safety, contrary to the outdated belief.
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Finger Biting Strength:
- The claim that biting your finger as hard as a carrot would result in finger loss is challenged. Through thorough research, it's revealed that the brain prevents one from exerting such force, and it would take a significantly stronger bite to cause harm.
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Carrots Turning You Orange:
- The article affirms that eating too many carrots won't turn you orange but explains the harmless condition known as Carotenemia. Carrots contain beta-carotene, which, when consumed excessively, can give the skin an orange tint.
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Banana Plant and Berries:
- The truth about bananas growing from plants and being technically classified as berries is highlighted. Additionally, it's mentioned that strawberries and raspberries are not true berries, challenging common perceptions.
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Tomatoes as Fruits:
- The article reveals that tomatoes are classified as fruits, contrary to the widespread misconception that they are vegetables.
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Goldfish Memory Span:
- The myth of goldfish having a mere 3-7 second memory span is debunked. In reality, goldfish can remember things for up to three months, challenging the stereotype of their short-term memory.
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Smiling vs. Frowning:
- The article playfully mentions the uncertainty surrounding whether smiling indeed uses fewer muscles than frowning. It encourages fact-checking, emphasizing the importance of verifying information in the age of easily accessible knowledge.
In conclusion, I urge you to approach every "fact" with a healthy dose of skepticism, and when in doubt, turn to the ever-reliable Google for clarification. As we navigate the sea of information, let us embrace the joy of learning and the thrill of uncovering the truth behind the myths that have shaped our worldview.
