4 everyday science myths that we should stop believing in 

The world of science is still full of mystery, which is why it’s often hard to understand and even keep track of what’s true and what’s not. Also, we come across many science-based information in our day-to-day life which are not real. Let us debunk some of these everyday science myths that the world still believes in. 

Myth: Lightning never hits the same place twice 
Fact: Scientists believe that when a spot is once hit by lightning, be it for its altitude, shape of the terrain or simply long-standing water, it is even more probable that it might be a perfect place for a second bolt. In fact, a NASA report reveals that once during a storm, The Empire State Building got struck by lightning at the same spot, not once, but eight times in just a span of 24 minutes. This is the very reason why lightning rods are installed across the world, so that even if lightning hits a spot more than once, they do not burn the surroundings, but deflect. 

Myth 2: Water conducts electricity 
Fact: Pure water is actually an insulator, which means that it does exactly the opposite of conducting electricity. However, most water found around us are full of chemicals and minerals, that are often made up of electrically-charged ions. This is what makes water a good conductor of electricity. So, practically speaking, distilled or fresh water is safe around electricity. However, they are hard to find in the real world.  

Myth 3: Blood inside our body is blue in colour 
Fact: It is believed that blood is blue when it runs inside our body. However, when exposed to air, it replenishes its oxygen and turns red. This myth is hardly ever questioned, as our veins have a greenish-blue hue. But the fact is, human blood is red, both inside and outside the body. When it’s lighter, it is usually oxygen rich and when its darker, it needs the oxygen replenished. Not only that, the tissue covering human veins affects how the light around us is absorbed and scattered, making the circulating blood appear bluish.  

Myth 4: Chameleons change colour to match their surroundings 
Fact: It is true that chameleons change colour by stretching and relaxing their body cells that contain crystals affecting the reflected light. However, they do not do so for the sake of camouflage or to match their surroundings. The changed colour is the indication of what they want to communicate to their mates. While darker shades are indicative of aggression, lighter shades reflect temperature control. The dull brown and green, that are assumed to be the real colours of chameleons, are nothing but their resting colours. Coincidentally, these colours match their surroundings.