Today's Myths

Q: Redheads require more anesthesia

Confirmed: Studies have shown that people with natural red hair often need about 20% more anesthesia. This is linked to mutations in the MC1R gene that affect pain sensitivity.

Q: Eating carrots dramatically improves your eyesight

Plausible: Carrots contain beta-carotene which supports eye health, but eating extra carrots will not give you superhuman vision. The myth was amplified by British WWII propaganda.

Q: A goldfish grows to match the size of its tank

Plausible: Goldfish growth is affected by tank size due to growth-inhibiting hormones that concentrate in smaller water volumes, but genetics and diet also play major roles.

Q: Human trafficking is the fastest growing criminal enterprise

Plausible: While human trafficking is a massive global problem, cybercrime has grown even faster in recent years

Q: Waking a sleepwalker is dangerous

Busted: Waking a sleepwalker may confuse or startle them but poses no medical danger

Discover the truth behind popular myths — busted, confirmed, or plausible? Vote on what you believe, debate with the community, and learn something new every day.

Medicine

Today's Myths

“Redheads require more anesthesia”

“Eating carrots dramatically improves your eyesight”

“A goldfish grows to match the size of its tank”

“Human trafficking is the fastest growing criminal enterprise”

“Waking a sleepwalker is dangerous”

“Water drains in opposite directions in the Northern and Southern hemispheres”

“You can start a fire with two sticks”

“Marie Antoinette said, 'Let them eat cake.'”

“The human nose can detect over one trillion scents”

“Bananas grow on trees”

“Vikings wore horned helmets”

“Peanuts are true nuts”

“MSG is bad for you and causes 'Chinese restaurant syndrome.'”

“You should "feed a cold, starve a fever."”

“Ancient Romans used vomitariums to clear their stomachs during feasts.”