Today's Myths

Q: The human heart is located on the left side of the chest.

Busted: The human heart is actually located in the center of the chest, slightly tilted to the left. While the strongest beat can often be felt on the left, it's situated between the lungs, behind the sternum.

Q: You can't teach an old dog new tricks.

Busted: The saying "You can't teach an old dog new tricks" is a myth. Dogs are lifelong learners and can be taught new behaviors and commands at any age, often with greater focus and less distraction than younger pups. While physical limitations may influence the types of tricks an older dog can perform, mental stimulation through training is highly beneficial for their cognitive health and strengthens the bond with their owners.

Q: Cracking your knuckles causes arthritis

Busted: The sound comes from gas bubbles collapsing in synovial fluid. Studies show no correlation between knuckle cracking and arthritis.

Q: Seasons are caused by Earth's distance from the Sun

Busted: Seasons are caused by the tilt of Earth's axis at 23.5 degrees, not by distance from the Sun. In fact, the Northern Hemisphere's winter occurs when Earth is closest to the Sun in its orbit.

Q: Coffee dehydrates you.

Busted: While caffeine has a mild diuretic effect, meaning it can increase urine production, moderate coffee consumption does not lead to dehydration. Coffee itself is mostly water, and the fluid intake from drinking coffee typically offsets any diuretic effects, especially for regular coffee drinkers who develop a tolerance.

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.

Biology/Health

Today's Myths

“The human heart is located on the left side of the chest.”

“You can't teach an old dog new tricks.”

“Cracking your knuckles causes arthritis”

“Seasons are caused by Earth's distance from the Sun”

“Coffee dehydrates you.”

“Oxford University is older than the Aztec Empire”

“Hydrogen peroxide is good for cleaning wounds”

“Dogs sweat by panting.”

“The Earth's atmosphere is primarily oxygen.”

“The theory of evolution states that humans evolved directly from monkeys.”

“Goldfish grow to match the size of their tank”

“Mirrors reverse left and right, but not up and down.”

“There is no gravity in space.”

“Cracking your knuckles causes arthritis.”

“Dogs see only in black and white”