dna molecule

The following statements are false but are perceived to be true by many people. Scientific hypotheses and theories are subject to revision on the basis of observations, improvements in technology, and continued scrutiny. Inevitably certain "truths" are reconsidered. This is how honest science works. Brief explanations follow each of the FALSE statements and web site links are provided for reinforcement and/or substantiation. For the few items in which there is controversy or clear disagreement, the scientific view is presented.

T. Ansel Toney
Professor of Earth Sciences (retired)
©1990; last revision May, 2007

Cancer causes more deaths in the United States than any other disease.
Heart disease claims more lives than cancer. However, cancer deaths are fast approaching the number of heart disease deaths, particularly when the elderly are left out of the statistic. Lung cancer is regarded as the most preventable disease in this country!
Man and dinosaurs co-existed.
No humans are known to have existed when dinosaurs were alive. Admittedly, many people disagree with the predominant scientific viewpoint.
Scientists are atheists.
Two current "buzz" terms on this subject are "creation scientists", and "intelligent design". Many scientists all over the world believe in God. The more science I learn the stronger is my belief - though not compatible with most organized religions to which I have been exposed.
Tobacco smoke is harmless to the non-smoker.
It is dangerous to all who inhale it; some studies suggest that it also harms the unborn. One of the least publicized dangers is that of "alpha decay" from certain smoke particles in the lungs. Alpha decay is a nuclear reaction also associated with radon gas.
A few years after quitting tobacco smoking ones lungs will be back to normal.
The lungs may look normal after a few years from quitting the habit but they will never be as healthy as they could have been if smoking had not occurred. This misconception is perpetuated by many, including some healthcare professionals and is the rationale many people use for not having quit sooner.
The primary source of oxygen for our atmosphere is trees.
Phytoplankton (tiny aquatic plants) provides more than half of the molecular oxygen to our air. Most of this oxygen enrichment occurs at the surface of our oceans by what is called "marine" phytoplankton. Of course, trees and other plants are important too - for multiple reasons.
Marketable hen's eggs must be fertilized by roosters.
Grocery store eggs are unfertilized except for the occasional ones which escape detection before packaging.
The color red makes bulls angry.
Bulls are color blind.
Chiggers burrow under the skin and drink blood.
They do neither, nor do they lay eggs under your skin.
It would be good if we could rid the earth of termites.
Termites are the principal decomposers in the earth's valuable tropical rainforests. Without them nutrients would not be circulated fast enough to sustain such forests. They also have significant ecological value in other climates.