In the age of information, it’s baffling to think that there are still widely accepted beliefs that are, in fact, misconceptions. Whether it’s a piece of historical trivia or a scientific “fact” we learned in grade school, many of us carry these falsehoods into adulthood. Let’s debunk 25 of the most popular myths and set the record straight!

1. Goldfish Have a 3-Second Memory Span: Contrary to popular belief, goldfish have a memory span of months. They can even be trained to recognize different shapes and sounds.

2. People Only Use 10% of Their Brains: Neurologists have refuted this claim for years. Brain scans show activity coursing through the entire organ, even while we’re at rest.

3. Chewing Gum Takes 7 Years to Digest: If you swallow your gum, it doesn’t stick in your stomach. It passes through your digestive system and is excreted, much like any other food.

4. Vikings Wore Horned Helmets: Historians and archaeologists agree that there’s no evidence to suggest Vikings wore these iconic helmets.

5. Touching Baby Birds Will Make Their Mother Reject Them: Birds have a limited sense of smell. They won’t abandon their babies if a human touches them.

6. Eating Carrots Improves Night Vision: While carrots are rich in vitamin A, which is good for eyesight, they won’t give you superhuman night vision.

7. Humans Swallow an Average of 8 Spiders a Year While Sleeping: This urban legend has no basis in fact. Spiders aren’t interested in crawling into the mouths of sleeping giants.

8. Bats Are Blind: Many species of bats have perfectly good eyesight, and some can even see in ultraviolet.

9. The Great Wall of China is Visible from Space: Without aid, the wall is not visible to the naked eye from space.

10. You Should Wait 24 Hours Before Reporting a Missing Person: If someone you know is missing, report it immediately. There’s no need to wait.

Navigational apps like Google Maps and Apple Maps have revolutionized the way we travel, making it easier to get from point A to B without getting lost. But beyond just basic directions, these platforms are brimming with features tailored to the modern traveler. Here’s a roundup of some lesser-known, but incredibly handy functionalities on both Google and Apple Maps that you might not be aware of, but definitely should be using.

1. Offline Maps (Google Maps)

While known to some, the potential of this feature can’t be stressed enough. By downloading a specific region, you can access the map without internet connectivity. It’s perfect for remote destinations or when you’re trying to avoid data charges abroad.

2. Look Around (Apple Maps)

Apple’s answer to Google’s Street View, ‘Look Around’ provides interactive 3D street-level imagery. It’s handy for familiarizing yourself with a new location before you arrive.

3. Indoor Maps (Both)

Both Google and Apple Maps offer indoor layouts for airports, malls, and more. It’s particularly useful for finding that elusive airport restroom or gate in a jiffy.

4. Parking Spot Reminder (Apple Maps)

After navigating to a location, Apple Maps can automatically save your car’s location, ensuring you never forget where you parked in an unfamiliar place.

5. Popular Times and Live Visit Data (Google Maps)

Google Maps displays popular times for businesses and attractions, letting you know the busiest hours. The real-time feature also tells you how busy a place currently is—perfect for avoiding crowds.