#3 This statement likely refers to Pedro Rodrigues Filho, a notorious Brazilian serial killer. While he was indeed one of Brazil's most infamous criminals, the claim that he killed over 300 children is inaccurate.

Pedro Rodrigues Filho, also known as "Pedrinho Matador" ("Killer Petey"), was responsible for the deaths of around 71 people, with the majority of his victims being criminals themselves. He targeted those he believed deserved punishment, such as drug dealers and other murderers. He gained infamy for his prison killings, which contributed to his large body count. His crimes spanned the 1960s and 1970s, and after spending decades in prison, he was released in 2007.

The reference to a prolific child killer seems to blend elements of different criminal cases, but Pedro Rodrigues Filho was not known for specifically targeting children, nor is he on the run. In fact, he was released and later became a YouTuber, discussing crime and rehabilitation before being killed in 2023.

There is no known serial killer in Brazil fitting the exact description you mentioned, particularly with such a high number of child victims.

#4 No, that statement is not true. Surgically removed brain tissue does not spontaneously grow eyes, even if nurtured. However, there is a fascinating biological phenomenon that might have inspired this misconception.

In some experiments, brain organoids (tiny, lab-grown, simplified versions of organs made from stem cells) have been developed to mimic early stages of brain development. In 2021, researchers successfully created brain organoids with primitive eye structures called optic cups. These organoids are made from stem cells, not from surgically removed brain tissue. The optic cups formed during the development of these brain-like structures in the lab, providing insights into how the brain and eyes develop together in embryos.

Still, this is a far cry from brain tissue growing actual eyes. It is a scientific breakthrough in developmental biology, but it doesn't apply to grown human brain tissue spontaneously forming eyes after being removed from a living organism.

#5 The claim that an adult human can swallow a liter of blood before triggering a visceral reaction, like vomiting, is not accurate for most people. Ingesting even small amounts of blood can induce nausea and vomiting.

Blood contains a high concentration of iron, and when ingested in significant quantities, it can irritate the stomach and lead to a condition called hematemesis (vomiting blood). The stomach has limited tolerance for large amounts of iron, and consuming blood triggers a strong gag reflex for many people, often leading to vomiting much earlier than at a liter.

A liter of blood is quite a large amount, and it's unlikely that someone could ingest that much without feeling ill, as it would also introduce a large volume of fluid to the stomach, causing discomfort or vomiting.

While some people may have higher tolerances, swallowing even a small amount of blood can be quite nauseating for most due to the taste, texture, and biological response to iron overload.

#10

The statement contains a mix of truths and exaggerations. Here’s a breakdown:

Therapy and Psychopathy: It is true that traditional therapy, particularly talk therapy, can be ineffective for psychopaths, and in some cases, it may worsen their behavior. Psychopaths are often highly skilled at mimicking emotions they don’t actually feel, including empathy, and therapy can sometimes teach them new ways to manipulate others more effectively. This can occur because they may learn to use the language of emotions and understanding without actually experiencing the emotional connection.

Recidivism Rate: The claim that psychopaths have a 91% recidivism rate is an exaggeration. While psychopaths (especially those with criminal histories) do have higher recidivism rates than non-psychopathic offenders, it is not universally as high as 91%. Studies suggest that psychopathic offenders are 2 to 3 times more likely to reoffend, particularly with violent crimes, than non-psychopathic criminals. However, exact recidivism rates can vary based on the study, population, and type of crime. Some research points to recidivism rates closer to 60-70% for violent offenders with psychopathy.

In summary, while psychopaths can become more manipulative through therapy, and they have a higher likelihood of reoffending, the 91% figure is an overstatement.

Also accepted

#14 "The sky isn’t really blue."
Yes, it is - on a clear day. Blue is an descriptor created by humans to describe a specific spot on the spectrum. Blue doesn't exist in the mind of an animal but it does exist for humans - and the sky is indeed blue.