Have you ever been reminded to take off your coat indoors or you won't "feel the benefit" when you leave? That what you need to cool down is a nice cup of tea? And that you have to let that red wine breathe to improve its taste? Tackling the facts we all think we know, one-by-one, award-winning science writer David Bradley's clear and witty writing examines the science behind the statements to reveal why what you thought was right...is wrong.

Entries include:

• Why urinating on a jellyfish sting does not help (in fact it can make things worse)
• Why cats are not smarter than dogs
• Why the 10,000-hour practice rule is not what it seems
• Why your mobile phone won't give you cancer
• Why hangover cures do not work (sorry about this one!)