Common Myths

Does sugar make kids hyperactive?

Bowl of American Candy

Image from https://www.2foodtrippers.com/best-american-candy/

Neha Prathivadi

The expression “sugar rush” is one that has been in our vocabularies since our early childhood days. Many parents are concerned about their children’s consumption of candy and other sugary foods, because they fear it will lead to overexcitement and hyperactivity. However, is there actually a link between sugar and hyperactivity in children? Researchers seem to disagree.

The concept of the “sugar rush” originated from the theory that since sugar is a source of energy for our bodies, consuming more sugar should lead to higher energy levels. In reality, our bodies don’t break down all the sugar immediately. Rather, we store it and use small amounts when needed, so we shouldn’t actually show signs of hyperactivity after eating large amounts of sugar. 

An analysis of multiple research studies found that sugar does not impact the behavior or mental performance of children. So, if there is no impact, how do we explain children appearing “hyper” after consuming sugar? The answer may be confirmation bias. Most kids tend to eat sugary foods in fun settings, like birthday parties or family holidays. Our minds may falsely link  the excitement surrounding the event to the sugar. 

Another interesting fact is that sugar blocks the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis, which is a component of our brain that is associated with stress. Therefore, sugar might lessen stress levels and could actually calm us.

So far, there is no evidence to show a connection between sugar and hyperactivity in children. Nevertheless, it is still important to be aware of what you are consuming in order to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle. So have fun and enjoy your occasional ice cream, cookie, or candy, but make sure to snack in moderation!

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All, Common Myths

DO CELL PHONES CAUSE CANCER?

Is There A Cell Phone Link To Cancer? A Definite Maybe

Image from sciencefriday.com

Prachi Shah

In the 21st century, cell phones are considered a utility rather than a luxury. Sometimes one hears that waves emitted by these ubiquitous devices might promote tumor formation. That sounds frightening–let’s take a look at the evidence. 

Cell phones, like FM radio and microwave ovens, operate using electromagnetic (EM) waves. When the cell phone is held up to the body, the waves can be absorbed by the body in an amount known as the specific absorption rate (SAR). The SAR can vary dramatically by factors such as the phone model and the method/frequency/duration of use, meaning that each user may experience a different SAR based on their cell phone habits. Cell phones emit and receive RF waves, which are located in between FM radio waves and microwaves on the spectrum of EM wave frequency. 

The idea that absorbed radiation from a cell phone might be harmful came from research showing that ionizing radiation (such as the high-frequency waves released by an x-ray or CT scanner) could harm a human if they were exposed to it regularly over long periods of time. 

A number of studies on both humans and animals have not found a link between cell phone EM waves and cancer. RF waves are non-ionizing, meaning that they are not high-energy enough to directly damage the DNA within cells (unlike other known, dangerous types of waves known as ionizing radiation). In addition, cell phones emit this RF radiation in very small amounts such that the waves are not able to noticeably heat up the tissue that is in contact with the cell phone.

The idea that cell phones cause brain cancer can make us anxious and perhaps less able to function in the modern world. Given the potential for negative and frightening ideas to cause this type of harm, we feel they should not be promoted without solid experimental evidence. So far, all the studies performed have important limitations that prevent us from conclusively stating that cell phones do not have any harmful health effects. On the other hand, the scientific rationale for their safety is sound, there is no experimental evidence of potential harm, and the idea itself is harmful. So when it comes to cell phones and tumors, it’s probably best to think twice.   

https://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/31/technology/personaltech/31basics.html

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/radiation-exposure/cellular-phones.html

All, Common Myths

Do we only use 10% of our brain?

Image from medicalnewstoday.com

Emily Samson

The human brain is complex. Despite advances in neuroscience and brain imaging, much of how the brain functions remains a mystery. This vast uncertainty may be one reason many misconceptions about how the brain works persist in popular culture. For example, one common myth is that humans only use 10% of our brains.     

The origins of this myth can be traced back to the early 1900s. Psychologist and philosopher, William James, wrote a book in 1908 in which he claimed that humans only use a small part of our mental resources. This theory was backed up only by observation and anecdotes, without any scientific evidence to support the claim. However, the idea that humans have untapped brain potential was popularized and has become the topic of many motivational speeches, self-help books, and Hollywood movies.

However, using a technique called functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), scientists and doctors can see which parts of the brain are activated during different tasks. The fMRI scans show that even during simple and routine tasks like talking, walking, or listening to music, people use almost every region of their brain.

In addition to conscious tasks, the brain is responsible for performing many functions that you might not be aware of, such as coordinating movement and balance, regulating your body temperature, and making sure your organs are functioning. So even when you think you are doing nothing, you are using far more than 10% of your brain to control things like your heart rate or breathing. In fact, in a 24-hour period, you have likely activated every region of your brain.  

While it’s exciting to think that we could tap into unused portions of our brain to expand our intelligence or creativity, we have no evidence to think that there are any unused portions. On the bright side, our brains are working harder than we might think to keep us functioning!

 

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/do-people-only-use-10-percent-of-their-brains/

 

https://www.britannica.com/story/do-we-really-use-only-10-percent-of-our-brain