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.

You Lose Most of Your Body Heat Through Your Head myth

Body heat is lost through whatever part of the body is uncovered. We lose about the same amount of heat per square inch of exposed skin anywhere on the body.

LED is a New Technology myth

The first light-emitting diode (LED) was created in 1927, but LED technology wasn't mass-marketed or mass-produced until the 1990's.

Edison Never Invented Anything myth

Thomas Edison was a businessman, ideas-man, inventor, and more. He invented things, but more-so he collected patents, headed a team of developers, and created companies.

There are More than 8 Planets in Our Solar System myth

There are 8 known planets in our solar system, indirect evidence of a 9th as of 2016, 5 major dwarf planets including Pluto, and many smaller dwarf planets.

The Tongue Is The Strongest Muscle In The Human Body myth

Some think the tongue is the strongest muscle in the human body, but it's difficult to find any definition of "strength" that would indicate this. There is no one way to measure strength and the tongue consists of eight muscles, not one.

Vegetarianism is Worse For the Environment than Eating Meat myth

Both animal-derived and plant-derived food production has consequences, but meat production is worse for the environment in most cases.

All Pot is the Same myth

Cannabis (pot) is a single plant genus, but selective breeding and hybridization of the Indica and Sativa species has produced many unique strains. Strains have different amount of specific organic compounds each affecting human physiology differently.

People Can be Truly Unbiased myth

People can't be truly unbiased; we are hardwired with bias and create bias constantly as part of the natural neurological process of learning.

Calories on the Label Equal Calories Stored myth

Calories on a label almost never equal calories stored exactly. This is part due to the labeling process, and part due to the different effects different macronutrients have on our bodies.

Sushi is Raw Fish Rolled in Seaweed and Rice myth

Sushi is any dish with vinegared rice. Raw fish rolled in seaweed and rice (maki) is only one of many types of sushi.