20/04/2025

theSunday Special VIII ON SUNDAY APRIL 20, 2025 ON SUNDAY APRIL 20, 2025 theSunday Special VIII Half truths, misquotes and other myths we love to repeat I N today’s age of social media and instant information, myths and misinforma tion spread like wildfire, shaping beliefs and influencing decisions. But what if use of echolocation, a sonar-like ability to emit high-frequency sounds and listen to the echoes to navigate and hunt in the dark. The phrase “as blind as a bat” is misleading. In fact, they are incredibly adapted to navigating in the dark, using tools humans cannot perceive.

everything you thought you knew was wrong? Let’s set the record straight on five widely believed myths. MYTH 1: Bats are blind THE TRUTH: Bats are not blind M any species of bats have perfectly good vision and some can see better than humans in low light. The confusion comes from their

Evidence: Bat Conservation International says bats rely on sight and sound, especially in different environments. For example, fruit bats do not use echolocation as much but depend mainly on their sharp eyesight and sense of smell.

MYTH 2: Carbs are bad for you THE TRUTH: Not all carbs are bad

MYTH 4: Climate change is a natural process THE TRUTH: Human activities drive climate change C limate change can occur naturally over long periods due to volcanic eruptions, solar cycles and Earth’s orbit changes. However, the current rate and scale of climate change are not natural as they are mostly driven by human activities. Natural factors alone cannot explain the sharp rise in global temperatures, extreme weather and melting polar ice observed over the last century. Nasa also confirms that CO₂ levels are now higher than at any point in at least 800,000 years, a spike directly linked to human actions. Evidence: The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change states that over 95% of the observed warming since the mid-20th century is due to greenhouse gas emis sions from fossil fuel use, deforestation and industrial processes.

C arbs are always blamed as the leading cause of weight gain. Carbs are vital to fuel our muscles, brain and organs. Moder ate carb consumption is helpful for overall health and can support weight loss when part of a balanced diet. It is essential to focus on the quality of carbs and avoid overconsumption of processed or sugary foods. Harvard School of Public Health emphasises knowing the quality and type of carbohydrates to determine which ones to consume and reduce. Increase the intake of unprocessed and minimally processed carbs, whereas reduce refined and processed foods in daily diet. Evidence: Not all carbs are created equal as complex carbs like whole grains, vegetables and legumes provide fibre, vitamins and minerals. However, refined carbs (like sugary snacks) can contribute to weight gain when consumed in excess.

MYTH 3: Left-brain vs right-brain theory is correct THE TRUTH: Brains have two halves and both work seamlessly The infamous left-brain vs. right-brain theory that classifies left-brained people as more analytical and methodical or right-brained people as creative or artistic is largely a myth. While it is accurate that certain brain functions are lateralised (language tends to be processed in the left hemisphere, for example), no credible scientific evidence supports the idea that people use one side of their brain more than the other in a dominant, personality-defining way. Evidence: A study using magnetic resonance imaging on over 1000 participants found no correlation to individuals having a dominant hemisphere influence their personality or cognitive style.

MYTH 5: H air and fingernails continue to grow after death THE TRUTH: H air and fingernails do not grow after death In All Quiet on the Western Front , the author describes a friend’s fingernails growing in corkscrews after the burial. This myth does have a basis in a biological phenomenon that can occur after death. A person’s hair, fingernails and stubbles may

appear longer due to dehydration of the body after death and drying or desiccation may lead to skin retraction around the hair or nails. Evidence: According to the Dermatol ogy Clinic at UAMS, skin retraction can create an appearance of increased length or greater prominence because of the optical illusion created by contrasting the shrunken soft tissues with the nails or hair.