Today's Myths

Q: Some people mistakenly believe that the Ennead always included Horus, the son of Osiris and Isis, but the facts show that when Horus is included, it is Horus the Elder, an ancient form of the falcon god.

Busted: Another common error is assuming the Ennead’s creation story was accepted throughout ancient Egypt, but in reality, each nome typically had its own local deities, and the Heliopolitan priests’ claims to preeminence were not universally respected.

Q: Dogs sweat by panting.

Busted: Dogs primarily cool themselves through panting, which allows for evaporative cooling from their respiratory tract. While they do have merocrine sweat glands, mainly located in their paw pads, these glands play a minor role in overall body temperature regulation compared to panting.

Q: Trees communicate through underground fungal networks

Confirmed: Trees share nutrients and chemical signals through mycorrhizal networks connecting their root systems

Q: Chameleons change color to blend in with their surroundings.

Busted: While chameleons can use color changes for camouflage, their primary reasons are often communication and regulating body temperature. They change colors to express mood, signal aggression or submission, and attract mates. Environmental factors like light and temperature also influence their color.

Q: Certain dog breeds are inherently more aggressive than others

Plausible: While breed can influence behavioral tendencies, individual temperament, training, socialization, and environment play larger roles in determining aggression. Studies show significant behavioral variation within breeds, and breed alone is a poor predictor of individual aggression.

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.

Culture

“Some people mistakenly believe that the Ennead always included Horus, the son of Osiris and Isis, but the facts show that when Horus is included, it is Horus the Elder, an ancient form of the falcon god.”

Do you believe this?

Animals

Today's Myths

“Some people mistakenly believe that the Ennead always included Horus, the son of Osiris and Isis, but the facts show that when Horus is included, it is Horus the Elder, an ancient form of the falcon god.”

“Dogs sweat by panting.”

“Trees communicate through underground fungal networks”

“Chameleons change color to blend in with their surroundings.”

“Certain dog breeds are inherently more aggressive than others”

“Glass is a slow-moving liquid.”

“The Earth is perfectly round.”

“Microwaving food destroys its nutrients.”

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

“The Great Fire of London ended the plague”

“Piranhas can strip a cow to bone in seconds”

“Sharks are older than trees”

“No two snowflakes are alike”

“The Iron Maiden was a medieval torture device”

“Using cell phones at gas stations can cause an explosion.”