Will QR codes be used up soon? Can genetic testing reveal your IQ? Which of these ten "scientific" rumors have you believed?

"QR codes will soon be used up", "Genetic testing can reveal one's IQ", "New energy vehicles radiate strong radiation"... Do you still believe in these so-called "scientific principles" circulating on the Internet?

On December 29, the Beijing Association for Science and Technology and the Beijing Municipal Cyberspace Administration hosted the "Stop Rumors and Seek Truth - The 10th Anniversary Release of the "Science" Rumors List" and was organized by Beijing Radio and Television Station and Beijing Science and Technology Journalists and Editors Association. Experts were invited to sort out and destroy the top ten "science" rumors that have been widely circulated on the Internet in the past decade, helping the public to distinguish right from wrong.

Through diversified presentation methods such as experimental analysis, prop demonstration, virtual technology, and interview interaction, the event highlighted the fun of relevant scientific principles and the practicality of scientific methods, and also allowed the audience to improve their scientific literacy in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.

Since January 2014, the "Science" rumor list has been published monthly to respond to social hot spots and public concerns in a timely manner. So far, a total of 1,141 rumors have been published. The rumor-busting content involves many fields such as science and technology frontiers, current hot topics, aviation and aerospace, life and health, and food safety. It has made positive contributions to helping the public understand the truth and improve social science literacy, and has played a unique role in creating a clear cyberspace.

The top ten "scientific" rumors on the 10th anniversary of the "Science" Rumors Seeking Truth List

01

gossip

According to incomplete statistics, the global usage of QR codes is as high as more than 10 billion per day. Therefore, QR codes will soon be used up.

the truth

QR codes will never run out.

Take the WeChat payment code that we usually use as an example: there are 25×25 or 625 small squares in this QR code matrix. Excluding some squares for positioning, error correction and other functions, there are 478 squares left. Each square has two colors, black and white, which can form 2478 different QR codes. In theory, the variation of the arrangement and combination of black and white squares in a fixed area is limited. When the stored data exceeds the capacity limit, the QR code will be used up. However, in actual applications, the capacity of the QR code is usually very large, far exceeding the amount of data we usually need to store.

QR codes have two core features: real-time and spatiotemporal. First, most QR code services are localized; second, the QR code service itself is time-sensitive, and expired QR codes can be reused.

But in the final analysis, we must realize that the replacement of QR codes is inevitable. In the world of technology, QR codes are just a phased transition. One day, QR codes will disappear from human vision not because of insufficient quantity, but because they will be replaced by higher-level services, just like QR codes replaced credit card services.

QR codes are like names. We can calculate the quantity through permutations and combinations, but with the deepening of the Internet of Things, there will also be images, mobile phones, cameras, Bluetooth and other identifiers. In the future, we will need to communicate with the digital world in a more native way - that is, quantum technology.

Take Greenwich Mean Time for example: before the Second Industrial Revolution, or before the advent of railways, humans did not need standard time. They could tell what to do at what time just by looking at the sun. After all, the range that could be reached by walking was limited. People could work from sunrise to sunset and rest from sunset, so standard time had no effect on them.

However, the emergence of railways has greatly expanded the living radius of human beings, and the concept of "time difference" has become important. At this time, quantum technology is needed to produce "true randomness" to replace the "pseudo-randomness" provided by the traditional operating system, to ensure the absolute uniqueness of the "QR code-like identification" and embrace the era of intelligent all things.

Therefore, we do not need to worry that QR codes will be used up soon, and we must also realize that QR codes will inevitably be replaced.

02

gossip

By collecting oral mucosal cell samples from children, we can use genetic technology to analyze indicators such as IQ and EQ to determine whether the child will become successful in the future.

the truth

There are many kinds of talents, but there is no reliable research or literature to prove which specific genes are related to talents. Therefore, such tests have no scientific basis.

From a scientific perspective, gene-determined traits is only a basic concept, but the relationship between genes is very complex. A person carries a gene locus associated with a certain trait, but this gene locus may interact with the existence and expression of many other gene loci. The regulatory network of such interactions between genes is very complex and is affected by environmental factors, gene methylation, etc. Currently, these regulatory networks have not been thoroughly studied. Even if a very scientific and rigorous method is used to detect genes for associated disease prediction, it is difficult to achieve 100% accuracy. The claim by the testing agency that the accuracy of the association between loci and talent can reach 99.7% is unfounded.

03

gossip

Plastic wrap is a type of plastic. If it is used to wrap food and then heat it, it will release carcinogens into the food and cause various cancers.

the truth

This statement is inaccurate. There are many types of cling film, and people’s concerns about the “carcinogenicity” of cling film are mainly directed at polyvinyl chloride (PVC) cling film.”

Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a plasticizer for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and other plastic products. It can increase the elasticity and toughness of plastics and is widely used in the plastics industry. PVC cling film containing DEHP plasticizer does pose certain risks if used improperly.

So, how big is the risk of PVC cling film? Current studies show that DEHP has limited potential effects on animal reproduction and development, and most of these studies were conducted under conditions far higher than the exposure in daily life. The concentrations of DEHP we are exposed to in real life are usually far lower than the doses that cause health problems. Therefore, as long as the use of DEHP meets the relevant requirements, there is no need to worry too much about reasonable use. However, it should be noted that you should try not to use the same cling film to cover food multiple times. In addition, be sure to purchase cling film products through formal channels, and never buy unqualified products because of greed. Of course, from an environmental perspective, it is recommended that everyone minimize the use of disposable plastic products.

04

gossip

The radiation from new energy vehicles is very strong, and driving this type of vehicle for a long time can cause cancer.

the truth

There is no scientific basis for this statement.

The state has strict limits on electromagnetic radiation. Any vehicle must undergo an "EMC test" before it is put on the market, which is a comprehensive assessment of the interference size and anti-interference ability of electronic products in the electromagnetic field. According to the restrictions of national standards GB8702 and GBT37130, calculated based on the daily standard frequency of 50Hz, the safety limit of magnetic induction intensity in the public environment is 100 microteslas, and the safety standard of magnetic field intensity is 80 amperes/meter. The magnetic induction intensity of new energy vehicles is less than 1 microtesla, and the magnetic field intensity is less than 0.8 amperes/meter, which is controlled within 1% of the national standard, so users don't have to worry.

In addition, according to the information shared by the China Automotive Engineering Research Institute Co., Ltd. (CAERI) at an industry technical seminar, a total of 92 mainstream vehicle models were evaluated from 2019 to 2023, among which electric vehicles had higher average scores than fuel vehicles. This shows that as long as new energy vehicles are reasonably and well designed, their electromagnetic radiation can be lower than that of fuel vehicles.

05

gossip

In recent years, the "neck hanging fitness" for the elderly has become popular on the Internet. As long as the head is hung on a tree and the body swings along the rope, regular practice can cure cervical spondylosis.

the truth

Although "hanging the neck for fitness" refers to the clinical traction principle, it is not advisable to do it blindly. Some middle-aged and elderly people have some cervical spine diseases, and the human body has a certain physiological curvature. Blindly "hanging the neck" not only cannot exercise, but also has great safety hazards, which may damage the nerves and spinal cord, and in severe cases, it will lead to high paraplegia or even death.

In addition to "hanging neck" fitness, there are many other "fitness" methods, such as headfirst to the ground, hitting the tree, "spinning" on parallel bars, etc. Some of these "fitness" violate the human physiological structure and are not suitable for everyone.

Therefore, it is recommended that you make a reasonable assessment of your body before exercising. Athletic ability varies from person to person, so you must not blindly imitate others and cause unnecessary damage to your body.

06

gossip

The crabs I bought had "pin holes" and it was suspected that they were injected with water, glue or stimulants.

the truth

The small holes on the crabs in the market are not caused by water injection, glue injection, or stimulant injection . Crabs shed their shells more than a dozen times in their lifetime. The bodies of crabs that have just shed their shells are soft. These small holes may be scars left after the crabs are squeezed and injured during fishing or transportation after the last molting before they are put on the market. The shell of the crab is very hard when it is put on the market. It is time-consuming and laborious to penetrate it to inject liquid or medicine, and there is a high probability that the crab's internal organs will be punctured. In addition, because the crab meat is delicate and has a very low water storage rate, experiments have shown that a 100-gram crab can store no more than 2 grams of water. The liquid components injected into the body will flow out quickly, and will also take away some tissue fluid, causing the crab to die in a short time. Therefore, the above injection operation is not worth the loss for merchants who currently sell live crabs by number rather than weight. The transparent gelatinous substance in the crab's body is the secretion of the male crab's accessory glands, commonly known as crab paste. It is not only nutritious but also delicious. It is not exogenous gelatin.

07

gossip

Irradiated food has been exposed to radioactive rays and is radioactive and cannot be eaten.

the truth

When it comes to food being radioactive, people are generally concerned that two processes will produce radioactivity. The first is the use of a radioactive radiation source in the food irradiation process, which causes the food to become radioactive. The second is that the rays emitted by the radioactive radiation source shine on the food, causing the food to become radioactive.

First of all, food irradiation mainly uses electrons or gamma rays with a certain amount of energy emitted from a radiation source to irradiate food, effectively killing harmful substances such as insect eggs and bacteria in food, inhibiting food germination and decay, and achieving the purpose of extending the shelf life of food. In this way, we can know that food irradiation has three elements: food, radiation source, and particles or rays emitted from the radiation source to the food.

Take the irradiation of food with Co-60 radioactive source as an example: during the irradiation process, the Co-60 radioactive source decays to produce gamma rays, which are then irradiated onto the food for sterilization. During this process, the radioactive element Co-60 is not emitted onto the food, and Co-60 does not come into direct contact with the food, so the irradiated food will not be contaminated with Co-60. The first process we are worried about is that it will not make the food radioactive.

The second concern is that when the gamma rays emitted by Co-60 are irradiated into food, will the food produce radioactivity? The answer is no. Irradiated food is supervised by relevant national regulatory departments, and a strict food safety assessment mechanism is adopted. There are strict requirements for the energy and other related parameters of the rays irradiated to food. Food irradiation is carried out in accordance with relevant standards, just like when the weather is good, we will take out the quilt to dry it to kill mites and sterilize it. The principle is similar. During the drying of the quilt, the sun is like a radiation source, emitting light (mainly ultraviolet rays), irradiating the quilt to sterilize the quilt, but the quilt will not leave ultraviolet rays, and the quilt will not emit ultraviolet rays outward. So the conclusion is that irradiated food will not produce radioactivity.

08

gossip

Mobile phone base stations all have radiation. There are more 5G base stations than 4G, so 5G radiation will be greater than 4G, which is very harmful to the human body!

the truth

5G is faster than 4G, relying on larger bandwidth and more advanced communication technology, rather than increasing transmission power. It is like expanding multiple lanes and adopting more advanced traffic rules to increase road transport volume. Due to the distance from the human body, the radiation intensity of 5G base stations to the human body is much lower than that of mobile phones. The closer we are to the 5G base station, the lower the signal power between the mobile phone and the base station will be, the better the call and Internet access effect will be, and the less radiation the human body will be exposed to. Therefore, the closer we are to the base station, the lower the radiation we will be exposed to.

The earth itself is an electromagnetic field. Lightning, thunder, sunspot activity, etc. in nature generate radiation all the time. In life, radio stations, microwave ovens, computers, televisions, hair dryers, radios and other household appliances that are inseparable from people's lives also generate radiation. The electromagnetic radiation values ​​of hair dryers, induction cookers, and wireless routers to the human body are much greater than the radiation values ​​of 5G base stations. According to the national standard for public electromagnetic radiation limits, the radiation amount in the frequency bands of mobile phones, base stations, and household appliances must be less than 40 microwatts/square centimeter.

In actual implementation, operators will take signal superposition into consideration and control the construction work within 8 microwatts per square centimeter. Therefore, the radiation from communication base stations is negligible and will not cause harm to the human body. This is the consensus of the World Health Organization, the International Telecommunication Union, and the global scientific community, so there is no need to worry.

09

gossip

The “big” and “odd-shaped” strawberries are because they are injected with hormones.

the truth

There is no scientific basis for this statement.

The size of strawberries is affected by innate genetic factors, as well as the acquired growth environment and cultivation measures. For example, the strawberry varieties such as "Jingzangxiang" and "Jingquanxiang" independently cultivated by Chinese breeders are large-fruit varieties, and they are naturally large, which is determined by genetic factors. The growth environment also affects the size of strawberries: at low temperatures, strawberry fruits grow slowly, and the more days it takes to mature, the larger the fruit; when the temperature rises, the fruit grows faster, and the size of the strawberry will become significantly smaller. Another factor is the influence of scientific planting technology. By thinning out flowers and fruits and removing some small flowers and fruits, the remaining strawberry fruits will naturally become larger. Hormones can regulate the flowering and fruiting, ripening, aging, dormancy and germination of plants, and are a growth regulator. In most cases, strawberries can be self-sufficient and do not need hormones. It can be seen that the "hormone strawberry identification method" circulated on the Internet is actually "unreliable."

"Hollow strawberries" are mainly determined by genetic factors. The reason for the hollowness is that the cortex and pith of the fruit develop out of sync, which is a variety characteristic. In addition, unsuitable temperature, light, fertilizer and water can also cause hollowness.

Weird-looking strawberries are mostly caused by uneven pollination. When the temperature is low and the light is scarce, the activity of bees decreases, which affects pollination. It is normal for strange-looking strawberries to grow.

10

gossip

Foods with a longer shelf life must have more preservatives added.

the truth

The shelf life is for pre-packaged food. The length of the shelf life of food is related to the characteristics of the food itself, the sterilization process, and the packaging form. For example, products like vinegar and alcohol have a relatively long shelf life because these foods have the function of inhibiting the growth of microorganisms.

Take milk, which we often drink, for example. Some milk products have a long shelf life because they are sterilized at high temperatures and vacuum packed to isolate oxygen. Another type of milk is pasteurized, and this type of milk has a short shelf life of only a few days under low-temperature refrigeration conditions. From the food labels, we can see that the raw materials of these two types of milk products are only milk, without any additional preservatives.

In short, the shelf life of food and the amount of preservatives added do not correspond.

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