From fact to fiction

Don't do this! 10 popular myths busted by science

Image: Hartono Creative Studio

Some claim that humans only use 10% of our brains, others say that eating turkey makes you sleepy, and everyone has heard the supposed remedy for a jellyfish sting. Like these, there are many well-known myths we frequently repeat without giving them much thought. Fortunately, science has taken the time to put these ideas to the test to see if they are true: it turned out that they were not! Join us to discover these 10 popular myths that science has debunked.

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For centuries, both children's tales and cartoons have depicted the idea that cheese and mice are inseparable. However, science has revealed that mice don’t have a particular preference for cheese over other types of food. Although this is a common stereotype, mice are more drawn to foods high in sugar, such as candy or fruit.

Now you know—next time you’re setting a mouse trap, you might want to bait it with a Snickers bar instead of a piece of cheese.

Image: Claudio Schwarz

There is a famous myth going around that claims eating turkey can make you sleepy. However, this is not exactly the case. The myth arises because turkey contains tryptophan, an amino acid that helps the body produce serotonin and melatonin, essential for promoting sleep. However, the amount of tryptophan in turkey is not enough to make you drowsy. So, you can enjoy your turkey dinner without worrying about nodding off at the table!

Image: Bernd Dittrich

For years, it was widely believed that the Great Wall of China was the only human-made structure that could be seen from outer space with the naked eye. However, while we would all like it to be true, this claim is actually a myth.

It's a fact that the Great Wall is indeed very long, but it's also relatively narrow. That means that as we gain altitude, the Great Wall blends in with the surrounding natural landscape.

Image: Felix Mittermeier

A common myth claims that lightning never strikes the same place twice. This may be reassuring to many, but science—and nature itself—have proven otherwise. In fact, lightning can strike the same location multiple times, particularly if it’s a tall structure or an area containing water or metal.

The safest and most recommended thing to do during a lightning storm is to stay indoors.

Image: sanjiv nayak

Goldfish are said to have a memory span of only a few seconds. This myth probably originated due to the repetitive behaviors observed in these fish. However, science has debunked this notion.

Through various experiments and research, it has been demonstrated that goldfish can remember multiple things for several weeks. For example, they can recognize the faces of their keepers, remember feeding schedules, and even associate certain stimuli with rewards.

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You're chilling, enjoying some chips, when suddenly—oops! One hits the floor. What do you do in that case? Do you follow the so-called "five-second rule"? According to this myth, if you drop food on the floor, it's safe to eat it if you pick it up within 5 seconds.

While we would like it to be right, science discourages this idea. The truth is, as soon as food hits the floor, any bacteria present can transfer to it instantly.

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A classic cartoon scene: the frightened ostrich burying its head in the ground. You've probably seen it, too, right? Although this is a common belief, ostriches never actually bury their heads.

This myth likely stems from the way ostriches care for their nests. These birds make a small hole in the ground and place their nests there to keep them safe. From a distance, when we see the ostrich sticking its head in the ground, it is actually taking care of its chicks!

Image: Giovanni Calia

This is one of the most widespread myths in the world, originating from bullfighting traditions. The myth claims that the color red makes bulls extremely angry, driving them into a mad rage. However, this isn’t true.

In reality, bulls can’t even perceive red—or many other colors—the same way humans do. Experts believe bulls react to the movement of the bullfighter’s cape, not its color.

Image: Jeffrey Hamilton

What should you do if you get stung by a jellyfish? Many of us instantly think of the myth that urinating on the sting will relieve the pain. Unfortunately, not only is this a myth, but it can actually make things worse!

If you're unlucky enough to be stung by a jellyfish, the best course of action is to rinse the affected area with vinegar to neutralize the venom. Be sure to avoid touching the sting with your bare hands to prevent further irritation or spreading the venom.

Image: Chewy

As kids, many of us grew up hearing that dogs only see in black and white. Luckily for our pets, that's just a myth!

Dogs perceive colors in a way that's different from ours. While the human eye has three types of color receptors, dogs have only two. In other words, while we can see a broad spectrum of colors, dogs see a more limited range, similar to someone with red-green color blindness.

FROM FACT TO FICTION

10 Real People Who Inspired Famous Fictional Characters

Image: Sergey Semin

Does life imitate art more than art imitates life? We don’t know. But regardless of where you stand on Oscar Wilde’s famous conundrum, one thing is certain: many of the most beloved fictional characters in film and literature have been inspired by real people. From Sherlock Holmes to Miss Piggy, the influence of real-life personalities on fictional creations knows no bounds. Here, we explore 10 intriguing examples of characters who were molded after actual individuals!

Image: Clément Falize

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's legendary detective, Sherlock Holmes was heavily inspired by Dr. Joseph Bell, a Scottish surgeon renowned for his sharp observational skills and deductive reasoning. Bell's knack for diagnosing patients based solely on observation laid the foundation for Holmes' exceptional investigative abilities.

Doyle, who had studied under Bell at the University of Edinburgh, was profoundly impacted by Bell's methods. In his autobiography, Doyle reminisced about his former teacher and speculated that "if he were a detective, he would surely reduce this fascinating but unorganized business to something nearer to an exact science."

Image: Boston Public Library

Margaret Mitchell's Southern Belle protagonist from Gone with the Wind was inspired by Mitchell's own ancestors, particularly her feisty great-grandmother.

Mitchell's family stories and the oral histories she grew up with shaped Scarlett's resilient and ambitious character, capturing the spirit of the American South during the Civil War and Reconstruction. She blended these anecdotes with her own observations of Southern society, crafting a unique but believable character loved for both her complexity and tenacity.

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The noble and principled lawyer Atticus Finch from Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird was modeled after her own father, Amasa Coleman Lee. Like Atticus, A.C. Lee was a lawyer who defended African American clients in racially charged cases in Alabama during the 1930s.

Harper Lee admired her father's sense of justice and moral integrity, qualities she infused into the character of Atticus Finch. Through Finch, Lee tackled themes of racial injustice and moral courage during a period when few dared to do so, making him a timeless literary hero in the process.

Image: Milad Fakurian

The sophisticated and cannibalistic serial killer Hannibal Lecter, created by Thomas Harris in The Silence of the Lambs, was inspired by Mexican physician and convicted murderer Alfredo Ballí Treviño.

Ballí Treviño was known for his charm and intelligence, traits that Harris integrated into Lecter's chilling persona. Harris, a journalist at the time, covered Ballí Treviño's trial and drew upon his demeanor and intellect to shape Lecter, creating one of fiction's most captivating and terrifying villains.

Image: Joey Nicotra

Johnny Depp's portrayal of the eccentric pirate Captain Jack Sparrow in Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean series was famously inspired by Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards.

Depp modeled Sparrow's mannerisms, speech patterns, and rock 'n' roll attitude after Richards, whom he admired for his rebellious spirit and iconic style. The character's swagger and unpredictable nature have made Sparrow a beloved figure in popular culture and an affectionate homage to the rock star.

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F. Scott Fitzgerald's mysterious and enigmatic millionaire Jay Gatsby was partially inspired by Max Gerlach, a notorious bootlegger during the Prohibition era. Gerlach's lavish parties and extravagant lifestyle in Long Island served as the backdrop for Gatsby's opulent world in The Great Gatsby.

Interestingly, Fitzgerald claimed that Gerlach was his neighbor at some point in time, and it would make sense for him to draw inspiration from his immediate surroundings to tackle the essence and moral complexities of the Roaring Twenties.

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Sylvester Stallone's iconic underdog boxer Rocky Balboa was inspired by Chuck Wepner, a journeyman boxer who famously went the distance with Muhammad Ali in 1975. Stallone claims that he was inspired by Wepner's determination, as well as his own struggles as an actor trying to break into Hollywood.

In any case, both the character and the film resonated deeply with audiences worldwide for their heartfelt portrayal of perseverance and the human spirit in the face of adversity.

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Although George Lucas never fully explained where he drew his inspiration from—and there may have been multiple individuals with similar characteristics—it is speculated that his iconic character, Indiana Jones, an adventurous archaeologist and professor, was significantly inspired by Roy Chapman Andrews.

Andrews was an American explorer, adventurer, and naturalist known for his daring expeditions across Asia, especially Mongolia, during the 1920s.

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Thought Popeye was just a stereotype of a sailor? Well, it turns out he was based on a real person. The spinach-loving, pipe-smoking comic strip and cartoon character created by Elzie Crisler Segar was inspired by Frank "Rocky" Fiegel.

Fiegel was a tough, strong-willed man from Segar's hometown of Chester, Illinois, known for his physical strength and willingness to fight to protect his friends. In homage to his friend, Segar based Popeye's demeanor, accent, and strong moral compass on Fiegel's persona.

Image: Matt Botsford

Miss Piggy, the glamorous and assertive Muppet diva from The Muppet Show, drew inspiration from singer and actress Peggy Lee. In fact, the iconic Muppet's full name was initially Miss Piggy Lee. Known for her sultry voice and charismatic stage presence, Lee influenced more than just Miss Piggy's name; her character pays homage to Lee's theatrical persona and romantic aspirations.

It should be noted that there was no disrespect intended; quite the contrary, and as Piggy's fame grew, the show’s creators decided they did not want to risk upsetting Peggy Lee, whom they greatly admired, and decided to shorten the name to Miss Piggy.