12 ‘Facts’ You Learned In School That Are No Longer True

Embark on a journey of discovery as we uncover 12 commonly taught “facts” from school that have since been debunked. From historical misconceptions to scientific inaccuracies, these revelations challenge our understanding of the world and prompt us to question long-held beliefs. Join us as we explore the fascinating evolution of knowledge and the ever-changing nature of truth.

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#1 Pluto is the Ninth Planet in Our Solar System

Planets, Father and daughter
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Pluto used to be called the ninth planet, but scientists changed their minds in 2006 because Pluto is much smaller than the other planets and doesn’t follow the same path around the sun. Now, scientists call Pluto a “dwarf planet,” and we only have eight main planets in our solar system.

#2 The Great Wall of China is Visible from Space

Aerial Photography of Great Wall of China
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Some people say you can see the Great Wall of China from space, but that’s not quite true. Astronauts need special tools like binoculars or cameras to see it. Without these tools, the Great Wall isn’t visible because it’s narrow and blends in with the landscape.

#3 Deoxygenated Blood is Blue

Nurse taking blood sample with syringe
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Blood is always red, whether it has oxygen or not. The reason veins sometimes look blue is because of how light interacts with your skin. The skin and tissues absorb different colors of light, but blue light can penetrate deeper into your skin, making veins underneath look blue.

#4 Christopher Columbus Discovered America

Person Holding Magnifying Glass on Map
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Christopher Columbus didn’t really “discover” America because there were already people living there for a long time before he arrived. He did, however, make a famous journey across the Atlantic Ocean, which helped Europeans learn more about the Americas.

#5 Humans Only Use 10% of Their Brains

Realistic rendering of the human brain anatomy - three dimensional model
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Contrary to the popular belief that humans only use 10% of their brains, scientific research indicates that our brains are remarkably active and engaged most of the time. Our brains play a crucial role in facilitating a wide range of functions, including thinking, moving, and experiencing emotions. Through intricate neural networks and complex interactions between different regions, our brains efficiently process information, regulate bodily functions, and support cognitive and emotional processes. In essence, rather than being underutilized, our brains are dynamic and constantly at work, orchestrating a multitude of tasks essential for our daily functioning and overall well-being.

#6 The tongue Has Specific Taste Regions

Grimacing ethnic woman with tongue sticking out in studio. Gross.
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You might have learned in school that different parts of your tongue taste different flavors, like sweet, sour, salty, and bitter. But actually, your whole tongue can taste all these flavors, not just certain areas.

#7 There are Four Oceans

sky and ocean beautiful sunset on the ocean. surfers waiting for a wave.
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In school, you may have learned about four oceans: the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, and Arctic Oceans. But in 2000, scientists decided to officially recognize another ocean: the Southern Ocean. This ocean surrounds Antarctica and is special because it has its own unique characteristics and ecosystems.

#8 Hair and Fingernails Keep Growing after Death

Selective focus of memorial stone crosses placed in row at graveyard / tombstone.
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You might have heard that hair and nails continue to grow after a person dies, but that’s not true. When someone dies, their body stops working, including the parts that help hair and nails grow. What actually happens is that as the skin dries out, it shrinks, making the hair and nails look longer.

#9 There are Three States of Matter

Experiment
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In school, you probably learned that there are three main states of matter: solids, liquids, and gases. But did you know there are actually more? Scientists have discovered at least two additional states: plasma and Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC). Plasma is like super-hot gas and is the most common state of matter in the universe, although we don’t see it much on Earth. BEC is super cold, almost stopping molecules from moving, and it’s only been found in labs so far.

#10 Bats are Blind

Selective Focus Photo of Black Bat on Brown Stone
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Most bats can see just fine, just like us. But what makes bats really cool is that they can use something called echolocation to help them navigate and find food, especially when it’s dark. So, while some bats do rely more on echolocation than others, it doesn’t mean they can’t see at all.

#11 Humans Can Be Classified into Caucasian, Mongoloid, and Negroid

Man dusting an old book.
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In the past, racial classification relied heavily on simplistic categorizations based on physical features, such as skin color and facial features. This led to the widely accepted belief that humans could be neatly divided into three main racial groups: Caucasian, Mongoloid, and Negroid.

However, advancements in genetics and anthropology have debunked this outdated notion, revealing the complexity and fluidity of human diversity. Researchers emphasize the continuous nature of genetic variation, with more differences observed within groups than between them. This understanding underscores the importance of recognizing and celebrating the rich tapestry of human diversity, transcending simplistic racial classifications that perpetuate harmful stereotypes and divisions.

#12 George Washington Had Wooden Teeth

Statue of George Washington in front of Indiana Statehouse
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You might have heard that George Washington, the first president of the United States, had teeth made of wood. Washington did have dental problems and needed dentures (false teeth), but they weren’t made from wood. Instead, they were made from things like ivory (a hard material from animal tusks), gold, and even other people’s teeth.

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10 Subtle Signs of a Wealthy Person

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While taking my daily scroll on the front page of the internet, I came across an interesting question. Someone asked, “What are subtle signs of wealth?” Here are the top responses.

10 Subtle Signs of a Wealthy Person

12 Essential Things That Are Frozen In Time Since 2020

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As the world gradually finds its footing after the unprecedented upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s clear that the effects are still lingering in various aspects of our lives.

12 Essential Things That Are Frozen In Time Since 2020

11 Incredibly Valuable Pieces of Advice That Most People Initially Ignore

Student Child covers his ears because he does not want to hear reproach of the parents
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In this list, we’ll explore the words of wisdom that, at first glance, might have seemed ordinary but turned out to be life-changing for those who heeded them.

11 Incredibly Valuable Pieces of Advice That Most People Initially Ignore

10 Unusual Hobbies That Are An Immediate Red Flag For Most People

Beautiful young female artist drawing on table in studio. Hobby.
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Hobbies can tell you a lot about a person, and sometimes, you stumble upon some that instantly raise your eyebrows. On a recent social media thread, users got into a spirited discussion about hobbies that are major red flags. From peculiar pastimes to downright disturbing activities, these hobbies have sparked quite the debate. Let’s dive into some of these eyebrow-raising interests, as discussed by various users.

10 Unusual Hobbies That Are An Immediate Red Flag For Most People

12 Of The Craziest Things Overheard on a Plane

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Air travel can often be an amusing, sometimes bewildering, experience. So fasten your seatbelts, and let’s take a look at what some folks have overheard during their airborne adventures.

12 Of The Craziest Things Overheard on a Plane