Myths

For our purposes: Myths are commonly held beliefs or ideas that are false. For a claim to be considered a myth one or more parts of it must be proved false. Other definitions of myth, such as those pertaining to the not false-but-allegorical stories we tell to explain things, are discussed on our “what is a myth?” page.

Below is a collection of all factoids rated “myth” (as in “not true or not fully true”) by our authors.  If you disagree or have more evidence to support a claim consider commenting. See our list of facts here.

Hair and Nails Continue to Grow After Death myth

This article dispels the myth that hair and nails continue to grow after death by discussing the biological processes and presenting scientific evidence.

Lightning Doesn’t Strike the Same Place Twice myth

Lightning has been a source of both wonder and fear for centuries. Among the numerous myths and misconceptions associated with this powerful natural event is the claim that "lightning never strikes the same place twice." Nevertheless, how accurate is this statement?

Bats are blind myth

Bats are not blind. While they rely heavily on echolocation to navigate and find food, they also have functional eyes and can see.

Goldfish Have a Three Second Memory myth

Goldfish possess a memory span far exceeding three seconds. Research has demonstrated that their memory can last for several months.

The Sun is Yellow myth

We have all seen pictures of a bright yellow sun in children's books and art, but have you ever wondered if the sun is actually yellow?

The Appendix is Useless myth

For a long time, people thought the Appendix was useless, that it was a "vestigial organ". However, recent research has shown the appendix acts as a safe house for good bacteria.

Saying “Moshi Moshi” Proves You Aren’t a Ghost myth

There is an idea that the reason "Moshi" is said twice in the Japanese phrase "Moshi Moshi" is that ghosts can't say "Moshi" twice. Thus, saying "Moshi Moshi" proves you aren't a ghost. This is unlikely to be the true root of "Moshi Moshi." It is more likely "Moshi Moshi"…

A Small Object Like a Penny Dropped From High Enough Can Kill Someone myth

Due to the way terminal velocity caps the maximum speed that something can fall, a small and light object like a penny will never gain enough speed to kill someone regardless of how high it is dropped from.

Twinkies Never Go Bad myth

Twinkies don't last forever, but they can go a long time without spoiling (up to 30 years, by one estimate). The "sell-by" shelf life of a Twinkie is 45 days. After that, they go hard and brittle.

A Soul Has Weight myth

There is no scientific evidence that shows that living beings have a soul or that a soul has weight. However, the notion that a soul has weight (specifically 21 grams) does come from a scientific study.