Pieces of False Knowledge 37 - 42

Heading a soccer ball doesn’t hurt the player. – Soccer players don’t just head the ball; frequently their heads collide with another player’s head while trying to head the ball. In both cases there remains a potential for mild amounts of brain damage, especially when the heading is repeated over a long period of time.
38. Free-diving doesn’t cause brain damage. – Do you really think it’s healthy for the human body to remain in deep water with no oxygen for extended periods of time? Based on the complications of pressure equalization and a lack of oxygen, free-diving will cause small amounts of neurological damage no matter how you breathe out while ascending.
39. Brain scan imaging tells us lots about the mind. – Understanding the brain by looking at brain scan images is sort of like trying to evaluate a software-based computer problem by looking inside the computer case. You may locate the hard-drive, but you’ll never know exactly what’s on it. Brain scans are efficient at detecting gross physical abnormalities, which do save lives. However, much of the claims about reading a persons thoughts and future is complete nonsense. Brain scanning cannot even reliably detect early stage Alzheimer’s disease as of yet.
40. Rorschach inkblot tests are reliable. – Various studies have depicted the conclusions found by inkblot test administrators as being akin to fortune teller cold readings. The controversy stems from several factors including the potential variance of interpretation, general verifiability and reliability, the inability to completely baseline testing norms and the limited number of psychological conditions the test is supposedly capable of determining.
41. Positive thinking (and the placebo effect) helps heal cancer. – Medical treatment is the only way to eliminate cancer cells. Positive thinking does nothing more than help cancer patients mentally prepare for medical treatment.
42. Eggs are unhealthy. – Eggs are a food you should eat regularly, but in moderation. They are a great source of essential nutrients and high in protein. Unfortunately, they also contain a high level of cholesterol, which means limiting intake to 1 or 2 eggs a day.