Debunking Myths

 Biology Busted: Separating Fact from Fiction in the Natural World

Biology is everywhere—from the plants in your backyard to the cells in your body. It’s a science that explains life itself, but let’s be honest: it’s also a field riddled with myths, misconceptions, and downright bizarre claims. Whether it’s something you heard in a high school science class or a “fact” you saw on social media, it’s time to set the record straight. Let’s bust some of the most common biology myths and uncover the truth behind them.


Myth #1: Humans Only Use 10% of Their Brains


Ah, the classic brain myth. This one has been around for decades, often used to suggest that we have untapped potential just waiting to be unlocked. But here’s the truth: we use 100% of our brains.

Modern brain imaging techniques like fMRI and PET scans show that even when we’re resting, our brains are highly active. Different regions of the brain are responsible for different functions—like movement, memory, and emotion—and they’re all working together to keep you alive and functioning. So, while it’s true that we can always learn and grow, there’s no hidden 90% of your brain sitting idle.


Myth #2: Bats Are Blind


“Blind as a bat” is a phrase we’ve all heard, but it’s completely false. Bats are not blind. In fact, most bats have perfectly good eyesight.

What makes bats unique is their use of echolocation, a system where they emit high-pitched sounds and listen for the echoes to navigate and hunt in the dark. This doesn’t mean they can’t see—it just means they have an extra tool in their toolkit. So, next time you hear someone say “blind as a bat,” you can confidently correct them.


Myth #3: Sharks Don’t Get Cancer


This myth has been perpetuated for years, often to promote the sale of shark cartilage as a cancer treatment. But the truth is, sharks do get cancer.

Scientists have documented cases of tumors in sharks, including cartilage tumors. The idea that sharks are immune to cancer likely stems from their relatively low cancer rates, but this doesn’t mean they’re invincible. And no, eating shark cartilage won’t cure or prevent cancer—so let’s leave these incredible creatures alone.


Myth #4: Goldfish Have a 3-Second Memory


If you’ve ever owned a goldfish, you’ve probably heard this one. The idea that goldfish can’t remember anything for more than a few seconds is not only false but also a bit insulting to these little swimmers.

Research has shown that goldfish have memories that can last for months. They can learn to navigate mazes, recognize their owners, and even associate certain sounds with feeding time. So, while they might not be winning any memory competitions, goldfish are far from forgetful.


Myth #5: Plants Don’t Feel Pain


This one is a bit trickier. While it’s true that plants don’t have nervous systems or brains like animals do, they do respond to their environment in fascinating ways.

Plants can detect light, gravity, and even touch. Some studies suggest that they can also respond to damage by releasing chemicals, almost like a form of “communication.” But does this mean they feel pain? Probably not in the way we understand it. Pain requires a brain and a nervous system, which plants lack. So, while they’re not exactly “feeling” pain, they’re far more complex than we often give them credit for.


Myth #6: Chameleons Change Color to Blend In


Chameleons are famous for their color-changing abilities, but the idea that they do it solely to blend into their surroundings is only half true.

While camouflage is one reason chameleons change color, it’s not the only one. They also change color to regulate their body temperature and to communicate with other chameleons. Bright colors might signal aggression or attract a mate, while darker colors can help them absorb more heat. So, while they’re masters of disguise, there’s more to their color-changing than meets the eye.


Myth #7: Humans Have Five Senses


We’ve all been taught that humans have five senses: sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch. But the truth is, we have way more than that.

Scientists estimate that humans have anywhere from 9 to 20 senses, depending on how you define them. These include balance (equilibrioception), temperature (thermoception), pain (nociception), and even the sense of where your body parts are in space (proprioception). So, while the classic five senses are a good starting point, they’re just the tip of the iceberg.


The Takeaway


Biology is full of surprises, and separating fact from fiction can be a challenge. But that’s what makes it so fascinating—there’s always more to learn. Whether it’s debunking myths about sharks or discovering the hidden senses we use every day, biology reminds us that the natural world is far more complex and incredible than we often realize.

So, the next time you hear a “fact” about the natural world, take a moment to question it. You might just uncover a truth that’s even more amazing than the myth.

What’s the most surprising biology myth you’ve ever heard? Share your thoughts in the comments below—let’s keep the conversation going!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Extracting DNA from a Banana (or Strawberries) at Home – Simple Kitchen Chemistry to Visualize DNA

Have you ever wondered what DNA looks like? That tiny, invisible blueprint of life that makes you you and a banana, well, a banana? Believe it or not, you don’t need a fancy lab or a degree in molecular biology to see DNA for yourself. With a few everyday items from your kitchen, you can extract and visualize DNA from a banana or strawberries right at home. It’s a fun, hands-on experiment that’s perfect for curious minds, science enthusiasts, or even a weekend activity with kids. Let’s dive in!   What Is DNA, Anyway? DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the molecule that carries the genetic instructions for all living things. It’s like a recipe book that tells cells how to function, grow, and reproduce. Every living organism, from humans to bananas, has DNA. And while you might not think a banana has much in common with you, it turns out that all living things share this incredible molecule. The cool part? DNA is packed so tightly inside cells that you can’t see it with the nake...
Read more

Turning Milk into Plastic: The Casein Chemistry Experiment – Discover How Early Plastics Were Made!

Have you ever wondered where plastic comes from? Most of us are familiar with the synthetic plastics that dominate our modern world—water bottles, packaging, and even the device you’re reading this on. But did you know that one of the earliest forms of plastic was made from something as simple as milk? That’s right, milk! In this blog post, we’ll dive into the fascinating chemistry behind turning milk into plastic and explore how this experiment paved the way for the materials we use today. The Science Behind Milk Plastic The key ingredient in this process is a protein found in milk called casein . When milk is heated and combined with an acid (like vinegar), the casein molecules coagulate, or clump together, separating from the liquid whey. This solid mass can then be molded and dried to create a hard, plastic-like material.  This isn’t just a fun kitchen experiment—it’s a glimpse into the history of early plastics. In fact, casein-based plastics were commercially produced in the ...
Read more

The Fascinating World of Nanoparticles: Their Role in Medicine & Environment

In the vast expanse of scientific innovation, few fields have captured the imagination of researchers and the public alike as much as nanotechnology. At the heart of this revolution are nanoparticles—tiny structures measuring between 1 and 100 nanometers. To put that into perspective, a single nanometer is one-billionth of a meter, or about 100,000 times smaller than the width of a human hair. Despite their minuscule size, nanoparticles are making a colossal impact, particularly in medicine and environmental science. Let’s dive into the fascinating world of nanoparticles and explore how they are reshaping our future.   What Are Nanoparticles? Nanoparticles are ultrafine particles that exist at the nanoscale. They can be made from a variety of materials, including metals, carbon, and polymers, and their unique properties arise from their size and surface area. At this scale, the rules of physics and chemistry behave differently, giving nanoparticles extraordinary characteristic...
Read more