Quartz Debunks 15 Viral Myths, From the Great Wall's Visibility to Napoleon's Height

A Quartz article refutes 15 misconceptions. Contrary to popular belief, the Great Wall of China cannot be seen from low Earth orbit, a fact confirmed by astronaut Yang Liwei in 2003. Brain imaging reveals that the entire brain is active, debunking the myth that only 10 percent is utilized. Bulls react to movement rather than the color red. Napoleon Bonaparte's height was approximately 5 feet 6 or 7 inches; his reported height of 5 feet 2 inches was based on the longer French pouce. Gum is expelled from the body in a few days, and goldfish can remember associations for weeks. Research shows no connection between sugar and hyperactivity. The Empire State Building experiences 20 to 25 lightning strikes each year. Dr. Donald Unger received a 2009 Ig Nobel Prize for his knuckle-cracking study. Einstein was proficient in mathematics. An uncovered head can lose 7 to 10 percent of body heat. Poinsettias are safe; shaving does not impact hair growth. No horned helmets from Vikings have been discovered; the Viking helmet found in 1943 was a rounded iron cap. Twinkies have a shelf life of 25 to 45 days.