Today's Myths

Q: Stomach acid can dissolve metal

Confirmed: Human stomach acid (hydrochloric acid) has a pH of 1.5-3.5, strong enough to dissolve certain metals like zinc and iron. It can also dissolve razor blades, though this would take considerable time.

Q: You can 'starve' a fever or 'feed' a cold.

Busted: The old adage 'feed a cold, starve a fever' is a myth. When you're sick with either a cold or a fever, your body needs adequate nutrition and hydration to fuel your immune system and fight off infection. Depriving your body of food, especially during a fever, can be detrimental to recovery. It's best to listen to your body and eat what you can, focusing on fluids and easily digestible foods.

Q: The dark side of the Moon is always dark

Busted: The far side of the Moon receives just as much sunlight as the near side. The term 'dark side' refers to the fact that it faces away from Earth, making it hidden from our view, not that it lacks sunlight.

Q: A dog's mouth is cleaner than a human's.

Busted: The idea that a dog's mouth is cleaner than a human's is a common misconception. Both human and dog mouths contain a vast array of bacteria, though the specific species differ. While some dog bacteria are not harmful to humans, others can cause serious infections. Dogs also explore their environment with their mouths, exposing them to various pathogens.

Q: Some people assume Anubis was always depicted with a canine head, but fact-checked records show he is also shown as a full canine.

Busted: Another common error is believing that Anubis was always the chief god of the dead in Egyptian religion; in fact, he held that role primarily in the Old Kingdom and was later replaced by Osiris during the Middle Kingdom.

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.

Human Body

“Some people assume Anubis was always depicted with a canine head, but fact-checked records show he is also shown as a full canine.”

Do you believe this?

Animals

Today's Myths

“Stomach acid can dissolve metal”

“You can 'starve' a fever or 'feed' a cold.”

“The dark side of the Moon is always dark”

“A dog's mouth is cleaner than a human's.”

“Some people assume Anubis was always depicted with a canine head, but fact-checked records show he is also shown as a full canine.”

“Cats always land on their feet”

“Bulls are enraged by the color red”

“Napoleon Bonaparte was unusually short.”

“Hair and nails continue to grow after death”

“Cracking your knuckles causes arthritis”

“You can see the Great Wall of China from the moon.”

“Organic food is always healthier than conventional food.”

“Eating spinach makes you super strong like Popeye.”

“The average person needs 8 hours of sleep per night.”

“Eating greasy foods causes acne.”