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3xaadx
Does quantum tunneling have any appreciable effect on the electrical signals in your brain?
I have read that modern transistors are getting small enough that often the electrons just tunnel to the other side. Looking online I found that neurons are about 3 or 4 orders of magnitude bigger than neurons, but I was wondering if there was still any observed effects.
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/3xaadx/does_quantum_tunneling_have_any_appreciable/
{ "a_id": [ "cy3ddf2" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "Although the electrical signalling in the brain is often compared to currents in wires, there is a major difference: Currents through wires are carried by (negatively charged) electrons, while the signals in neurons are carried by ions, negativel...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://press.mu-varna.bg/ojs/index.php/bmr/article/view/1038/887" ] ]
82t1qo
From a non-religious standpoint, what we're the earliest recordings of the seven deadly sins?
[deleted]
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/82t1qo/from_a_nonreligious_standpoint_what_were_the/
{ "a_id": [ "dvcpuaa" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "The seven deadly sins (originally eight) are a Christian religious concept. Obviously the concept of bad habits/motivations/actions isn't, but the seven deadly sins absolutely are. What are you looking for with \"non-religious\"?" ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1l43il
why is it that a failed lie detector test can be used against you in a court of law, yet that same test when passed can not be used to exonerate you?
I've always been curious about this, and have never received a satisfying answer, it's always just hearsay. Anyone who can break this down for me? In the U.S. the supreme court made a judgement that the results could not be admissible in court, but police departments routinely use them anyways, the results being access...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1l43il/eli5_why_is_it_that_a_failed_lie_detector_test/
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[]
[ "http://www.theguardian.com/uk/2013/jul/01/lie-detector-tests-sex-offenders", "http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/convicted-killer-filmed-passing-lie-detector-test-8449900.html" ]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brain_fingerprinting" ], [], [ "http://www.cca.courts.state.tx.us/OPINIONS/HTMLOPINIONINFO.ASP?OPINIONID=23387" ], [], [], [] ]
cltu42
why isn’t there nearly enough ads against littering as there are against smoking?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cltu42/eli5_why_isnt_there_nearly_enough_ads_against/
{ "a_id": [ "evxtjp4", "evxualj", "evxurj3", "evy4bap" ], "score": [ 4, 8, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "Littering actually has a very minor impact on a global scale. In addition, littering is not physically addictive the way smoking is, nor is it detrimental to one's personal health....
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://youtu.be/j7OHG7tHrNM" ], [] ]
219gjl
why aren't cars made of softer material, or at least have soft padding around them to reduce the impact of a crash?
It seems to me that turning all cars into bumper-carts would be a lot safer than the cars we currently have. Since we haven't done that, I assume there's something wrong with my line of thinking but don't know what it is.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/219gjl/eli5_why_arent_cars_made_of_softer_material_or_at/
{ "a_id": [ "cgawlzx", "cgax5ql", "cgb2aov" ], "score": [ 7, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "with the advancement of material science and alloys they have done a lot to lower the weight of cars along with increasing the survivability. It does have two different parts.\n\n1.) design of roads. Sa...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://youtu.be/QQh56geU0X8" ] ]
1hf7nd
Would there be any advantages to a microprocessor made with superconducting materials?
Apart from (I'm guessing) the lack of heating up and energy efficiency it ensues, would there be any processing power advantages we can fabricate a microprocessor chip where all the circuits are made of superconducting material?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1hf7nd/would_there_be_any_advantages_to_a_microprocessor/
{ "a_id": [ "catqp7w", "cats7mi", "catsmkh", "catsnyt", "catvc5l", "catxz0v" ], "score": [ 4, 10, 4, 2, 29, 2 ], "text": [ "Looking forward to replies, this question is interesting.\n\nThe majority of a microprocessor is semi-conductors which by definition d...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Von_Neumann-Landauer_limit" ], [], [] ]
3undrb
how does the crossfit training program work?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3undrb/eli5_how_does_the_crossfit_training_program_work/
{ "a_id": [ "cxgbx34", "cxged77", "cxglfz3" ], "score": [ 20, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "CrossFit is summed up as \"high intensity, constantly varied, functional fitness\". There's a lot of misinformation about it (see the comments below) but form is *incredibly* important. We do olympic a...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
cs7nw2
why do wifi signals fluctuate in a house when objects remain static?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cs7nw2/eli5_why_do_wifi_signals_fluctuate_in_a_house/
{ "a_id": [ "exd6xlk" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "I'm not very certain about that, so maybe wait until someone else can ELI5 that. But one reason might be that signals from other sources on the same frequency might be interfering." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3pk78z
how do rear view mirrors make things darker when you flip them down?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3pk78z/eli5_how_do_rear_view_mirrors_make_things_darker/
{ "a_id": [ "cw701xj" ], "score": [ 8 ], "text": [ "The mirror is not ground flat -- the front glass surface is at an angle to the very good back-reflecting-surface. So if you looked at this mirror out of its casing, it would be wedge-shaped with the thicker part of the wedge at the top. In its [n...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.edu.pe.ca/gray/class_pages/krcutcliffe/physics521/17reflection/definitions/rearview%20day.bmp", "http://www.edu.pe.ca/gray/class_pages/krcutcliffe/physics521/17reflection/definitions/rearview.bmp" ] ]
5vr4fb
why does electricity heat things up?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5vr4fb/eli5_why_does_electricity_heat_things_up/
{ "a_id": [ "de44ej2", "de4cgk3", "de4dvim", "de4escj", "de4qoo4" ], "score": [ 86, 5, 5, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Due to the wires having electrical resistance, which means that they resist the motion of electrons, the electrons bump into atoms of the wire, and some of t...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
eb5szd
Confederate politicians were quite unambiguous in their defences of slavery. However, by the end of the 19th century, some Confederate veterans were insisting the Civil War had been about "states' rights." What was the contemporary reaction to these attempts to whitewash the Confederacy?
I'm interested in what journalists and politicians, both in the north and in the south, had to say about this abrupt change in rhetoric from the time of the Confederacy to the post-reconstruction years.
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/eb5szd/confederate_politicians_were_quite_unambiguous_in/
{ "a_id": [ "fb2wbfq" ], "score": [ 695 ], "text": [ "[This answer I wrote awhile back](_URL_2_) may be of interest as it touches on this theme and the shifting nature of the memory of the war. In short though, the reaction was pretty much to allow it and to create a unified memory of the war agre...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=65370", "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ce5WpM-JMYg", "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/6dpwtb/did_americans_in_the_1940s_recognize_the_american/di5ac7h/", "http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=15669" ] ]
4fwzvx
How does pixel size on image sensor influence image quality?
Some smartphone manufacturers decided to advertising bigger pixel size as an advantage. Is it really? Let assume two sensors with the same pixel count, but one sensor has bigger pixels (and has thus a higher area). I would expect bigger pixel size to induce poor sensitivity and poor spatial resolution. The image would...
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/4fwzvx/how_does_pixel_size_on_image_sensor_influence/
{ "a_id": [ "d2dpw46" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "What you call \"active ratio\" is called the *fill factor*, and it is true that larger pixels will generally allow for larger fill factor.\n\n\n-\n\n\nIgnoring any differences in fill factor (and quantum efficiency), the performance of large vs. ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2opwu1
Were there any Vice Presidents that did or were on the verge of being removed from office by their running mate? How about any President/Vice President pairs that just didn't get along at all while in office?
I would assume a President knows his running mate fairly well, but I wonder if any of them actually got to the finish line and once they started their work realized they couldn't stand each other? Would be curious to know about specific events that might have caused rifts, if there are any. Thank you all very much in...
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/2opwu1/were_there_any_vice_presidents_that_did_or_were/
{ "a_id": [ "cmphnpy", "cmpq4im", "cmptv4d" ], "score": [ 18, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "So you have Spiro Agnew who resigned as Nixon's Vice President in 1973 after allegations of bribery while he was Governor of Maryland, John C Calhoun who resigned as Jackson's Vice President after the ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
3fozfu
what causes the phenomenon of wind?
I didn't want to get too specific to limit answers, but I am wondering what is the physical cause of the atmospheric phenomenon of wind? A breeze, a gust, hurricane force winds, all should be similar if not the same correct? What causes them to occur? Edit: Grammar.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3fozfu/eli5what_causes_the_phenomenon_of_wind/
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[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3fozfu/eli5what_causes_the_phenomenon_of_wind/ctqrouq" ], [], [ "http://education.nationalgeographic.com/encyclopedia/coriolis-effect/", "http://hint.fm/projects/wind/wind_west_to_east.jpg" ], ...
aeuylw
what’s the scientific term for the tingling sensation (almost like a ground) that you feel when you say “gives me the chills”, and why does it happen?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/aeuylw/eli5_whats_the_scientific_term_for_the_tingling/
{ "a_id": [ "edsvxz0" ], "score": [ 24 ], "text": [ "It is technically called Piloerection! And it’s The same reason a dogs fur or spine-fur sticks out when it’s threatened, scared, or cold. The chills or goosebumps are typically a fear/excitement/body temp reaction. \n\nBack when humans used to b...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2tos8w
why is the 'enter' key called the return key?
As far as I'm aware it doesn't return anything or return me to anything? Edit: Thanks for replies:)
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2tos8w/eli5_why_is_the_enter_key_called_the_return_key/
{ "a_id": [ "co0y4al", "co0y4xw", "co0y5j7", "co0y5on", "co0y7i1", "co18cqg" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 2, 9, 6, 2 ], "text": [ "For typewriters it's the carriage return.\n\nKa-Chunk!", "On typewriters it returned you to the start of the next line down, much as...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
10nels
Do cigarettes actually contain formaldehyde?
I haven't been able to find a conclusive answer online. Many sources say that cigarette *smoke* contains it, but few say the cigarettes themselves do. I'm wondering if the formaldehyde is just formed from burning the cigarette, or if it's actually present in the cigarette itself.
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/10nels/do_cigarettes_actually_contain_formaldehyde/
{ "a_id": [ "c6f09nm" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "Since the FDA was granted oversight of tobacco, the answer is no added formaldehyde can be added. I am not sure if it ever was, however. That said, formaldehyde can easily form from incomplete combustion of organics, and this would be the case ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
4bl13q
why all ancient art from specific geographies and time periods looks exactly the same (ex. egyptian art, etc)?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4bl13q/eli5_why_all_ancient_art_from_specific/
{ "a_id": [ "d1a36uj" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "It doesn't.\n\nAlthough you may not recognize the differences between ancient objects from similar locations and time periods I can assure you that there are differences.\n\nOne reason many objects may look *similar* is because in most ancient so...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1bycve
What information was processed by the language centers of the brain in the prehistoric times before humanity invented language?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1bycve/what_information_was_processed_by_the_language/
{ "a_id": [ "c9baoz9" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Relevant and interesting -\n\n_URL_1_\n\n_URL_0_\n" ] }
[]
[]
[ [ "http://williamcalvin.com/1980s/1983JTheoretBiol.htm", "http://vserver1.cscs.lsa.umich.edu/~crshalizi/notabene/seriatim.html" ] ]
3hegmg
why is it so hard to legally immigrate into the united states that so many are willing to do it illegally? or is it not that difficult, but just easier to do so illegally?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3hegmg/eli5_why_is_it_so_hard_to_legally_immigrate_into/
{ "a_id": [ "cu6oupd" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "It's both difficult to immigrate legally and easy to immigrate here illegally. The naturalization process takes a long time, and has a very clogged up line of people waiting, not to mention there are many tests and background checks to pass. For ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
4w2brv
if i walked around with a blindfold on for an entire year, would my other senses become more powerful?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4w2brv/eli5_if_i_walked_around_with_a_blindfold_on_for/
{ "a_id": [ "d63fmr4" ], "score": [ 17 ], "text": [ "No. You would simply pay more attention to the information coming in from those senses. Blind people don't hear or smell better than anyone else, they just *notice* sounds and smells that the rest of us overlook. \n\nTell a blind person and a si...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3guxjz
how are hidden markov models used in speech synthesis?
I don't even know what a HMM is, so maybe that's a good place to start. I am 5 so I have no knowledge of statistics. 
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3guxjz/eli5_how_are_hidden_markov_models_used_in_speech/
{ "a_id": [ "cu1pfnw" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "A Markov model is anything that changes over time based on random events. For example: most games. There are different types of Markov Models based on whether or not you know everything (Snakes and Ladders, where you know everything, vs. Poker, w...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
4j5mk5
Why does France not have a 'Commonwealth' relationship to its past colonies?
So while France does have the OIF (Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie), I get the impression it is not as closely linked to its past colonies as England is. Can anyone explain why these countries acted differently towards their ex-colonies? (or correct me if I've falled victim to over-generalisation). I've...
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/4j5mk5/why_does_france_not_have_a_commonwealth/
{ "a_id": [ "d34bdj6", "d34gtrb" ], "score": [ 47, 11 ], "text": [ "The French 4th republic went through decolonization very differently thant the english government : When the english accepted pretty early on that they could not keep their Empire and managed to keep a lot of influence wit...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
3mtu3a
what a sinkhole is. i have seen them on the news lately. im scared.
pls help
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3mtu3a/eli5_what_a_sinkhole_is_i_have_seen_them_on_the/
{ "a_id": [ "cvi0wd4", "cvi1fvt" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Water falls as rain, and seeps through the soil to the aquifer below. \n\nOn it's way down, it sometimes reacts with substances in the soil (like decaying plants) that makes it acidic and allows it to wear away at the rock l...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1bvydx
Were there any plans of foreign powers to take advantage of the US divided during the American Civil War?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1bvydx/were_there_any_plans_of_foreign_powers_to_take/
{ "a_id": [ "c9alxyg", "c9amev1" ], "score": [ 7, 3 ], "text": [ "France used the distraction to set up the \"Second Mexican Empire.\" Once the Civil War ended, the US sent a large army (50,000 men) to the Mexican border and the French decided to go home rather than tangle with the US over...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
1tadij
how did einstein come to the conclusion that gravity is the bending of space and time?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1tadij/eli5_how_did_einstein_come_to_the_conclusion_that/
{ "a_id": [ "ce5zy3r", "ce67wym" ], "score": [ 4, 3 ], "text": [ "Hard time to really bring down as it came from multiple issues and debates. \n\nBasically before he made his claims the speed of light was known, it was also known that is does not change.\n\nIE; if you throw a ball forward ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
509xlw
if a brain transplant was successful, wouldn't you be saving the donor and not the recipient, because you are literally your brain?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/509xlw/eli5if_a_brain_transplant_was_successful_wouldnt/
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[ [], [], [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ship_of_Theseus" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.cbsnews.com/news/russian-man-volunteers-for-first-human-head-transplant/" ], [], [], [], [], [ "https://www.rt.com/news/248473-transplant-head-body-c...
3wtvhh
in light of the ny attorney's announcement how is any internet speed test legit? isn't it easy enough for an isp to manufacture good better outcomes?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3wtvhh/eli5_in_light_of_the_ny_attorneys_announcement/
{ "a_id": [ "cxz12dl", "cxz17yc", "cxz1cte", "cxz1gfz" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "You're right - there's a lot of factors that determine how fast you'll be able to access a particular site. There's actually two parts to this issue - how fast is your personal int...
[]
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[ [ "speedtest.net" ], [], [], [] ]
20r9qo
how did hitler come to power?
I'm wondering mostly about the persuasive techniques/propaganda/psychology that was used to convince so many people of his ideas. Thanks!
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/20r9qo/eli5_how_did_hitler_come_to_power/
{ "a_id": [ "cg5zn4v", "cg600uv", "cg62hg1", "cg62nqj", "cg6ai20" ], "score": [ 20, 4, 2, 8, 2 ], "text": [ "Germany was broken after WW1. Their economy was in ruins, their people were looking for leadership, and they were looking for a reason to be proud of themsel...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enabling_Act_of_1933" ], [ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnpTWKKWQ1o" ], [], [] ]
5uygjs
Why is France always portrayed as centralized state on so many maps throughout medieval period?
_URL_0_ Yes it wasn't quite HRE, but I absolutely hate most maps portray France as one unitary state all the time. Why is that when France was so heavily decentralized until French revolution that so many of maps show it as such united centralized state similar to England?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/5uygjs/why_is_france_always_portrayed_as_centralized/
{ "a_id": [ "ddxsxso" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Well the HRE was essentially a collection of many wholly independent countries whereas in France the territorial divisions were fiefdoms that were under the King's final authority. The exceptions are of course Savoy which was a completely separat...
[]
[ "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4b/Eur%C3%B3pa_M%C3%A1ty%C3%A1s_kir%C3%A1ly_uralkod%C3%A1s%C3%A1nak_v%C3%A9g%C3%A9n.png" ]
[ [] ]
33spa6
Tyre's Armoured Warships
I've been reading Arrian, and he mentions that Tyre sent out armoured warships against Alexander during the course of the siege. Do we have any other texts or archaeology which indicate the degree of armouring, whether it was purely utilised for this siege only or the materials which might have been used?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/33spa6/tyres_armoured_warships/
{ "a_id": [ "cqo8y1d" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "Sorry for the delay in seeing this! Unfortunately, I'm not quite sure what section of Arrian you refer to - I'd be more than happy to take a look at the Greek, but I'd need a place to look, first :) Would you be able to get me the section or a qu...
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[]
[ [] ]
365alc
why are "reality" shows so popular? do people really think they aren't scripted?
Just curious because it seems every channel is full of their versions of the same shows.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/365alc/eli5_why_are_reality_shows_so_popular_do_people/
{ "a_id": [ "crauymz" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Human beings crave conflict - it appeals to our sense of alpha dominance, male or female. But we don't like to experience the damage associated with conflict.\n\nMost western drama is based off of the model of the Illiad, with incredibly powerful...
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[]
[ [] ]
6e9wxj
what prevents huge tech giants from just saying "no" when a foreign country says "do this, or be fined"? couldn't a company like google or facebook just laugh and say "try and make us pay. our user base native to your country would sure be upset if you blocked us for not paying."?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6e9wxj/eli5_what_prevents_huge_tech_giants_from_just/
{ "a_id": [ "di8pq1f", "di8ptri", "di8q1fz", "di8seye", "di8tzb1" ], "score": [ 2, 11, 5, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Countries can seize assets that are sovereign without issue. Outside of that we have very complex international laws, that allow for all kinds of things. The...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
clzjpu
why in low light do we lose the ability to see in colour?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/clzjpu/eli5_why_in_low_light_do_we_lose_the_ability_to/
{ "a_id": [ "evyvutp", "evywa1m", "evyz05i", "evyzhv6" ], "score": [ 2, 6, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Color is a reflection of light. So less light means less colors being reflected back to you.", "Our eyes have two types of light sensitive cells called rods and cones. Cones ca...
[]
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2000sl
what is the evolutionary advantage of having a dark skin in sunny places on earth (e.g. africa)?
To me it seems counter intuitive to think that a dark skin is an advantage when the sun shines a lot because it absorbs more of the heat (comparable to a white and black car in the sun, the black one will get way hotter)
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2000sl/eli5_what_is_the_evolutionary_advantage_of_having/
{ "a_id": [ "cfyilh3", "cfyin1d", "cfys7yd" ], "score": [ 6, 12, 2 ], "text": [ "Skin tone is governed by melatonin. It protects people in the tropics and sub-tropics from ultra violet radiation from the sun. Black people rarely get skin cancer. It also blocks too much Vitamin D f...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
292pp7
How would a nuclear bomb detonating from far away sound?
Would it would be loud and noticeable from far away (10 miles/20 miles) from the explosion?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/292pp7/how_would_a_nuclear_bomb_detonating_from_far_away/
{ "a_id": [ "cih9es0", "cihiav4", "cii5lri" ], "score": [ 5, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "[This video](_URL_1_) was taken of a bomb circa 1953 from about 6 miles away, and while the bang is certainly audible it's not quite the giant boom you'd imagine when you think of such a large-scale wea...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.remm.nlm.gov/blast_radiation.htm", "http://www.dvice.com/archives/2012/07/this_is_what_an_2.php", "http://www.gcaudio.com/resources/howtos/loudness.html", "http://home.earthlink.net/~dnitzer/4HaasEaton/Decibel.html" ], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1883_eruption_of_Krakatoa#C...
3scyvf
In a few hundred million years or so when the sun is supposed to grow to be a giant and consume Earth, why is it going to get hotter? Shouldn't it get cooler because it's expanding and dying?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/3scyvf/in_a_few_hundred_million_years_or_so_when_the_sun/
{ "a_id": [ "cwwg7jt", "cwwhbnm" ], "score": [ 6, 2 ], "text": [ "The two are different effects.\n\nThe first, that is causing the Sun to slowly heat up is a result of the delicate pressure balance that is happening in the core of the Sun. You may have heard the gas law: P = nkT. What it t...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
5d83ai
why is it that our neurons synapse in milliseconds but our reflexes and our day to day movements are much more slower (e.g. seconds)?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5d83ai/eli5_why_is_it_that_our_neurons_synapse_in/
{ "a_id": [ "da2inr4", "da2ip0o" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Because there are many neurons that process the information first before it reaches motor output. The information is processed at many levels, until a decision is made. Reflex actions are closer to the timescale you speak of...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
e28r0f
why does mineral sunscreen say to “reapply at least every two hours” when it’s still visibly on the skin’s surface at the end of the day?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/e28r0f/eli5_why_does_mineral_sunscreen_say_to_reapply_at/
{ "a_id": [ "f8u9ptl" ], "score": [ 8 ], "text": [ "Because they take the average amount of time people need to reapply based on perspiration. And just because there is still some visible on your skin doesn't mean the coverage is unaffected. You could have large patches missing or thinned consider...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
ye2r8
Mars rover Curiosity finds indisputable proof that intelligent life once lived on Mars, what goes down?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/ye2r8/mars_rover_curiosity_finds_indisputable_proof/
{ "a_id": [ "c5uphkw" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "I'm sure they'd be excited enough to relay the information right away. At least a handful of them. Just like any issue, I'm sure the response would be split between two major groups. \n\n1) enthusiast: let's put a bunch of money into this bec...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2bo644
what causes heart burn?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2bo644/eli5_what_causes_heart_burn/
{ "a_id": [ "cj8e1o3" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "I've suffered at the hands of the evil that is heartburn for the last few years. I came to realise that eating late was my enemy's power source. Especially crisps and chocolate after 11pm. Which is tough when you get the munchies most nights. Eat...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1viq8u
why do emergency services vehicles sometimes have their strobes on, but not their sirens?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1viq8u/eli5_why_do_emergency_services_vehicles_sometimes/
{ "a_id": [ "cesnmsv" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "No reason to be a public nuisance unless it's strictly necessary to get through traffic quickly and safely. " ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
f74aw
If we created a micro black hole in a particle accelerator, could we stop it from evaporating by feeding it more mass?
Or would it probably evaporate too fast to get any extra mass in there? If, in the future, we were to build a dedicated black hole-generating machine, like a ridiculously scaled-up National Ignition Facility or something, how much energy would we need to focus into a tiny volume in order to make a black hole that it *...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/f74aw/if_we_created_a_micro_black_hole_in_a_particle/
{ "a_id": [ "c1drzdd", "c1ds59v" ], "score": [ 7, 12 ], "text": [ "I'm not an astrophysicist but I'd hazard a guess that the amount of matter a black hole can consume is related to the surface area of its event horizon and thus a tiny black hole will evaporate far before it ever has enough...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2gwvme
how does the us gov connect to the internet? (in the white house, government offices, military bases, embassies, etc.)
I was wondering if the government has its own ISP as some of the things they do are extremely classified. Do they contract one out or did they build their own?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2gwvme/eli5_how_does_the_us_gov_connect_to_the_internet/
{ "a_id": [ "ckn9mrx", "cknaaf1" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "the gov doesn't use the INTERNET to do anything classified. the gov INTERNET stuff is like the white house website, the fbi website. there's no classified information on there at all.\n\nclassified networks are always be...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "www.blah.gov", "www.google.com" ] ]
2tgkdp
[Meta] can someone explain the difference between Primary and Secondary sources?
As an amateur historian I'm mostly self taught and concentrate on 1930s-1970s I've learnt a lot but one thing I missed out on from taking real classes is source content. What is the difference between primary and secondary sources? And why is one or the other good to use in a historical context? I'd like to reply here ...
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/2tgkdp/meta_can_someone_explain_the_difference_between/
{ "a_id": [ "cnyv2zn" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "Simply put, a primary source is an item/letter/document/diary/photograph/video/etc. that was written or created during that specific time you're looking at, they give a firsthand/inside account (usually from an individuals point of view) of the e...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/10k4b5/as_a_history_student_how_can_i_improve_my_source/", "http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/u8kiy/what_are_the_key_questions_that_should_be_asked/", "http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/14ttc7/what_method_is_used_to_determine_th...
6xlfx7
How does electricity get to the load with AC?
Hello reddit, first of, English is not my native language, so my apologies in advance if I make any mistakes. I'm an electrical engineering student but I haven't really understood how the electricity gets to the load with alternating current. I know that with AC, the polarity changes (50Hz in Germany), so the electr...
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/6xlfx7/how_does_electricity_get_to_the_load_with_ac/
{ "a_id": [ "dmguh5f", "dmgz1zd", "dmh06ck" ], "score": [ 14, 3, 10 ], "text": [ "Imagine a very simple circuit: an AC power source and a resistor connected in a single loop.\n\nThe voltage supplied by the power supply takes the form V(t) = V*_0_*sin(wt).\n\nUsing Kirchhoff's volta...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
5hqgj6
why is head-butting a commonly used attack? doesn't it hurt the person giving as much as the person receiving?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5hqgj6/eli5_why_is_headbutting_a_commonly_used_attack/
{ "a_id": [ "db240b1", "db247j3" ], "score": [ 8, 6 ], "text": [ "With a proper head butt, you're using the top of your head, which is very hard, to hit your opponent in the face which is made up of a lot of smaller bones and relatively soft by comparison.\n\nDoing it wrong would hurt you ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
64ev6h
why did older crt monitors for computers typically work in a black background with green text?
Why didn't they use white on black since that would give them a higher contrast?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/64ev6h/eli5_why_did_older_crt_monitors_for_computers/
{ "a_id": [ "dg1lw53", "dg1lwpn", "dg1r7go", "dg25t5o" ], "score": [ 3, 4, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "Green was easy on the eyes and cheap to implement. The same applies to amber, the other popular color in the early days of CRTs.", "Actually, human eyes are most sensitive to t...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phosphor" ], [] ]
1wl4fs
How does voluntary movement happen?
Being a medical student (graduating in 1 year), I feel really embarassed to ask this question. I have neurology exam in 1 week and I have learned all about the pyramidal and extrapyramidal tract, alpha-gamma coactivation, motor control etc. But still I haven't been able to answer the question : where does this process...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1wl4fs/how_does_voluntary_movement_happen/
{ "a_id": [ "cf3j092" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "As far as I know, the answer to your question about 'what is the original stimulus' (the thought about moving) is unknown and goes into the 'do we really have free will' and 'neural correlates of consciousness' territory. You might like to look i...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benjamin_Libet", "http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK10847/" ] ]
xbwwe
how do equations explain the universe around us?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/xbwwe/eli5_how_do_equations_explain_the_universe_around/
{ "a_id": [ "c5l0ko6", "c5l2jul" ], "score": [ 17, 3 ], "text": [ "Long story short; we have equations for describing the universe because we can measure so many aspects of the universe. \n\nImagine you're going to the shop to get a pie or something. The shop is about one kilometer away ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
9ltjvr
how and why is flash a security threat on a computer, and what makes it different from other programs?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9ltjvr/eli5_how_and_why_is_flash_a_security_threat_on_a/
{ "a_id": [ "e79gslh" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "There is a major difference and that is that the program was downloaded and executed automatically when you loaded a web page. You need to download and install regular programs so is it a lot harder to convince someone do that compare to be execu...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2715pt
what is happening in our brains when a song becomes "old" to us?
For instance, I will be listening to this one song I really like, but after overplaying it I lose my appeal and actually start to dislike it. Why?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2715pt/eli5_what_is_happening_in_our_brains_when_a_song/
{ "a_id": [ "chwe2if", "chwfc9p" ], "score": [ 70, 6 ], "text": [ "One theory of music is that the composer/performer is playing a sort of game with the audience. They provide patterns for the audience to try to anticipate. When the audience can't see any pattern at all, it just seems li...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
3rhpef
I've heard the electron described as a point particle - since it has mass, wouldn't that make it a black hole?
Or is that proof the electron has a radius, since it would evaporate if it were a black hole?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/3rhpef/ive_heard_the_electron_described_as_a_point/
{ "a_id": [ "cwo8f1k", "cwprwr2", "cwpujgr" ], "score": [ 143, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "this is an interesting question that many other important people have asked themselves (google \"black hole electron\"); the answer is roughly that it most likely isn't a black hole or like a black ho...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://www.reddit.com/r/Physics/comments/2p7o80/susskind_asks_whether_black_holes_are_elementary/" ], [] ]
s33p7
After a workout, would it be more beneficial to drink 4oz of very cold water or 8oz of room temperature water?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/s33p7/after_a_workout_would_it_be_more_beneficial_to/
{ "a_id": [ "c4ap3fk" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "IIRC, uptake on cold water is faster.\n\nyep... _URL_0_\n\nAlso, depending on how long and hard you work out, you probably will want some electrolytes too. You can drink too much water and wash all the salts out of your body resulting in a condit...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://walking.about.com/od/fluids/f/coldwatermyth.htm" ] ]
36kwtp
how do people grab your information through skype, kik, snapchat, etc?
As in, how do "hackers" 'dox' you?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/36kwtp/eli5_how_do_people_grab_your_information_through/
{ "a_id": [ "crevoo2" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Your device, whether it be your computer, phone, tablet, and so on, uses an IP address that is your connection to the outside 'Internet' world. In order for any website or Internet based application to send YOU packets, your IP address must be sa...
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[]
[ [] ]
2jvh0t
why do live versions of songs sometimes sound drastically different than studio versions of the same song?
Hypothetically, if they could create the song on equipment in the studio, couldn't the same song be played on the same equipment in the same way live? I've noticed in some songs that even the timing of the song changes live. Lyrics are sung faster, the instruments might play faster or slower, sometimes to the point th...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2jvh0t/eli5_why_do_live_versions_of_songs_sometimes/
{ "a_id": [ "clffm3l", "clfgj41", "clfjmon" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ " > Hypothetically, if they could create the song on equipment in the studio, couldn't the same song be played on the same equipment in the same way live?\n\nNo, because songs in the studio are heavily ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
qhcjy
Toxicology/Anatomy questions?
Hey guys, I'm studying for a test in Enviro Toxicology and having a hard time with a couple concepts that my teacher is conveniently on a research trip the week before the test.. So I thought I'd ask the geniuses over here: 1. In the Blood Brain Barrier, why is a low protein content advantageous? I thought proteins we...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/qhcjy/toxicologyanatomy_questions/
{ "a_id": [ "c3xoahy", "c3xokc2" ], "score": [ 3, 3 ], "text": [ "I don't quite understand question 1, so I'll leave it to the more knowledgeable expert there.\n\nFor 2., you want a fairly high degree of liphophilicity in order to cross the phospholipid membrane. You'll find that common dr...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
19oe5u
Why are people in old westerns portrayed as wearing long sleeves and vests in the hot sun?
I've noticed in the portrayal of the "Wild West" men and women seem to always be wearing warm fabrics and layers, too. Is this historically accurate? Was it as hot as it looks?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/19oe5u/why_are_people_in_old_westerns_portrayed_as/
{ "a_id": [ "c8pylhd", "c8q0v4i", "c8q0vg2", "c8q4lx2", "c8q6erq" ], "score": [ 31, 12, 34, 4, 8 ], "text": [ "Sun protection (all the \"Wild West\" people were white), and culturally it wasn't acceptable to show a lot of skin, especially for women. The idea that sh...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [ "http://blogs.denverpost.com/captured/2011/02/23/from-the-archive-frontier-life-in-the-west/2713/" ] ]
d78856
how do phone thieves sell a locked device?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/d78856/eli5_how_do_phone_thieves_sell_a_locked_device/
{ "a_id": [ "f0y85rx", "f0yc27j" ], "score": [ 16, 7 ], "text": [ "Think like stolen cars. \n\nThey get scrapped for parts. An iPhone 10 or up has a screen that’s still worth more than a hundred if it’s in good condition. \n\nProtect your phones everyone!", "At least on android phon...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
5ginmt
why is i [sqrt(-1)] the only kind of imaginary number. as all others are derived from it i.e 2+3i.
• why is 1/0 not considered an imaginary value? • why is |x|=-1 not considered an imaginary value
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5ginmt/eli5_why_is_i_sqrt1_the_only_kind_of_imaginary/
{ "a_id": [ "dasjqco", "dasnofe" ], "score": [ 9, 3 ], "text": [ "That's like saying 1 is the only real number. All others are derived from it, i.e 5 = 5 *1.\n\n > Why is 1/0 not considered an imaginary value?\n\nBecause an imaginary number has a specific definition. In some extended compl...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
5xorgd
How did the leftover energy of the Big Bang "condense" into the first protons, neutrons, electrons, and other sub-atomic particles? Was it some form of reverse matter-antimatter annihilation?
I know that it took electrons about 300,000 to 400,000 years post-Big Bang to calm down enough to start "orbiting" protons and form atoms, but I would like to know how the electrons and protons were formed.
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/5xorgd/how_did_the_leftover_energy_of_the_big_bang/
{ "a_id": [ "dejuedd" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "First, when we talk about the Big Bang, it's important to specify if you mean the Big Bang singularity or the Hot Big Bang. The BB singularity is the literal beginning of the universe, but we don't know exactly how it happened, if at all, since w...
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[]
[ [] ]
10yry1
why do people try to strive for maintaining eye contact while communicating?
I see this come up often enough as an issue online, people want to learn how to maintain eye contact during a conversation. Why bother? I consider a somewhat confident and well rounded person but rarely strive for this. It makes me feel a little uncomfortable so I just don't do it at length. What are the benefits of th...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/10yry1/eli5_why_do_people_try_to_strive_for_maintaining/
{ "a_id": [ "c6hs8kp", "c6ht858", "c6huzbr", "c6hvb74", "c6hvgxh" ], "score": [ 6, 14, 2, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Some people don't make eye contact at *all* while communicating, and that comes off as either rude or evasive. There's no particular reason to stare someone ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
355jsb
The Siege of Vienna
Hello /r/AskHistorians, I was talking with a friend and the topic of The Siege of Vienna (1683) came up. We were wondering if someone could enlighten us as to why Britian and France did not support defense troops at the Siege of Vienna at the hands of the Ottomon Empire? They seemed well enough equipped but did not hel...
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/355jsb/the_siege_of_vienna/
{ "a_id": [ "cr19hyo" ], "score": [ 18 ], "text": [ "First, it is important to remember that all of Europe was not united against the Ottoman Empire. \n\nWhen the Vatican created the \"Holy League\" in response to their \"hereditary enemy\" invading Christendom (Holy League: Holy Roman Empire, Pol...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
6f4wdk
If there was life on Mars in the past, would fossils form like they did on Earth?
I wonder if the way that fossils formed here on Earth would also form the same way on Mars. Would they form differently or would they even form at all?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/6f4wdk/if_there_was_life_on_mars_in_the_past_would/
{ "a_id": [ "dih7xo2", "dih7yla" ], "score": [ 2, 3 ], "text": [ "One of the quirks on Mars is the [shortage of carbonate minerals compared to Earth.](_URL_0_)\n\nOn Earth these rocks are chock full of visible fossils and in a way made of fossils. White cliffs of Dover? Single-celled diato...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbonates_on_Mars", "https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.php?release=2011-071" ], [ "http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/ast.2014.1218" ] ]
4i1fqt
we all know how destructive nuclear weapons are at the blast radius, however, how terrible would life be for those who were not in immediate harm's way?
Let's say I saw a plane drop what I thought looked like a bomb that was being slowed by a parachute, so I instinctively dove into a culvert and waited out the explosion (would I still be dead if I was inside the blast radius?). How long should I wait for the fallout to settle, and then is there any possible way I could...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4i1fqt/eli5_we_all_know_how_destructive_nuclear_weapons/
{ "a_id": [ "d2u6cf7", "d2ueiqy" ], "score": [ 4, 25 ], "text": [ "Nukes vary greatly in power and there isn't a set blast radius between \"dead\" and \"not dead\", especially for the radiation. They roughly set out areas where \"this is where you have ~a 90% chance of dying from radiation...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://nuclearsecrecy.com/nukemap/" ], [] ]
1vi2he
why i do some things left handed and some thing right handed
Typically I do gross motor actions (batting, golfing etc.) left handed while I do fine motor actions (writing, scissors etc.) right handed.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1vi2he/eli5_why_i_do_some_things_left_handed_and_some/
{ "a_id": [ "cesjl8o" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Try an [eye dominance test.](_URL_0_)\n\nI am right handed, but left eye dominant, so I throw a frisbee and shoot leftie, but bat and write rightie. I think eye dominance has something to do with these gross and fine motor skills." ] }
[]
[]
[ [ "http://m.wikihow.com/Determine-Your-Dominant-Eye" ] ]
19x8jc
A question about temperature
is there a specific temperature where no matter how much more heat you add no more energy is added ? if so what happens thanks for the answer in advance !
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/19x8jc/a_question_about_temperature/
{ "a_id": [ "c8s4a0b", "c8saipb" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Are you asking if there is a maximum temperature? If so, there's the Planck temperature, which may or may not be the hottest possible temperature - physicists are still debating that one.\n\nOtherwise, your question doesn't...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fuHzC9aTik" ] ]
2ki7n2
what would happen if someone, after receiving a "not guilty" verdict, would yell: "i knew i was gonna get away with it"?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ki7n2/eli5what_would_happen_if_someone_after_receiving/
{ "a_id": [ "clljck8", "clljmsd", "clljn0w", "cllju86", "cllk5ev", "cllqqfo", "cllvibw", "cllw4wk", "clm2s80", "clm84ts" ], "score": [ 213, 4, 40, 6, 15, 4, 3, 5, 3, 5 ], "text": [ "Nothing... double jeopardy. Purple have lite...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
b0qe1n
Why did combatants in the U.S. civil war use muskets, when Wild West stories (which typically take place either during or immediately after the civil war) always have citizenry armed with repeating rifles? Is this a false portrayal, or were soldiers of the time equipped with outdated weapons?
Apologies if this has been asked before, I didn't see anything for several pages when searching
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/b0qe1n/why_did_combatants_in_the_us_civil_war_use/
{ "a_id": [ "eigiy4y", "eigl31v" ], "score": [ 15, 14 ], "text": [ "not to disuade further answers, but I've [written here](_URL_1_) about this question, and for a bit more context, [this answer](_URL_0_) talks about the post-Civil War weapons testing program, and what the US Army was look...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/5di9uq/why_was_the_m1917_enfield_rifle_never_fully/da4wsyb/", "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/6s0pqr/why_was_the_american_civil_war_fought_mainly_with/dla9wz8/" ], [] ]
14b7tf
Why are pictures taken on the moon not blindingly bright?
I was just looking at the moon and it struck me how incredibly bright it is. Now, it's my understanding that things get dimmer the further away you are from them, and we're pretty damn far from the moon (relatively speaking). And yet the moon is staggeringly bright, from so far away. If you stick your face next to a ...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/14b7tf/why_are_pictures_taken_on_the_moon_not_blindingly/
{ "a_id": [ "c7bih3x", "c7biman", "c7bncgr" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "High shutter speed, small aperture, and low film sensitivity. Same basic photography techniques you'd use for taking pictures of anything very bright. Also why you can't see stars in photos taken on the...
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[]
[ [], [], [] ]
3kdtd6
reddit has seemed to change their algorithm for how often the front page updated. why?
I know Reddit must have had a reason. That being said: The front page used to change for everyone much more often. Now the same stories stick for much longer. Why did they do this?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3kdtd6/eli5_reddit_has_seemed_to_change_their_algorithm/
{ "a_id": [ "cuwmp1s" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Tinfoil hat on. It's an easy way to guarantee advertisers time on the front page and therefore a wider viewing audience. " ] }
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[ [] ]
1y2eud
how is the oxidation process of aluminum different than that of steel?
Why do people refrain from calling the process of aluminum oxidation 'rust'?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1y2eud/eli5_how_is_the_oxidation_process_of_aluminum/
{ "a_id": [ "cfgqsoy" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "because \"rust\" is a specific name for iron oxide. you can't get iron oxide out of aluminum...you get aluminum oxide. In one of its forms it's called corundum. This oxidized material is actually stronger than regular aluminum and everytime yo...
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[]
[ [] ]
1mbm8o
why are some words in comics written in bold?
It has always bugged me since I was a little kid.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1mbm8o/eli5why_are_some_words_in_comics_written_in_bold/
{ "a_id": [ "cc7muak", "cc7mvf5", "cc7r0o6" ], "score": [ 12, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "Without specific examples, it's hard to be sure, but **probably** for emphasis.", "I've always assumed it is so that you can tell which words are stressed.", "Text makes it difficult to express...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0zvGVYva8M" ] ]
8f0g9y
Can you become colorblind after birth?
Whenever I hear about someone being colorblind it is a condition they've had since birth, but is it possible for someone to become colorblind at another point in life? If so, how?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/8f0g9y/can_you_become_colorblind_after_birth/
{ "a_id": [ "dy05g9u", "dy1jlnt" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Yes, you can become colorblind as a result of brain damage. This is called [cortical or cerebral achromatopsia](_URL_0_). There is also color agnosia, but that has more to do with color naming than seeing colors.", "You ...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cerebral_achromatopsia" ], [] ]
72oy7g
What is the history of calling police officers "pigs"?
In a recent /r/AskEurope thread about nicknames of police, I learned that many countries refer to their police derisively as "pigs." How did this get started? Is it related to the insult "fascist pigs"? Or overweight officers? Do we know if it started in the U.S., Europe, or somewhere else?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/72oy7g/what_is_the_history_of_calling_police_officers/
{ "a_id": [ "dnkjaqh" ], "score": [ 40 ], "text": [ "Could I also ask why the British use the term \"Filth\" for their police?" ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2t0xti
Is it possible for two truly simultaneous events to occur?
There is a quote on the internet that goes something like "You were once the youngest person on Earth".. This brought me to wondering is it ever possible for two simultaneous events to occur? If two people are born at 2:48 PM, they are considered born at the same time. Unless there is a clock that can measure in millis...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/2t0xti/is_it_possible_for_two_truly_simultaneous_events/
{ "a_id": [ "cnupx8u", "cnuq8k8", "cnuq9tn", "cnuu3pu", "cnuxjn3", "cnv98lx" ], "score": [ 238, 24, 3, 5, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "In principle nothing prohibits two events from taking place at the same time--and essentially you're bringing up a notion from Zeno's...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/78/Relativity_of_Simultaneity_Animation.gif" ], [], [], [ "http://youtu.be/ngWJLsotedI?t=22m" ], [], [] ]
409zlt
Have any nations ever redrawn their internal borders?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/409zlt/have_any_nations_ever_redrawn_their_internal/
{ "a_id": [ "cysn3ch" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "This is quite a bit outside my field, but the first answer that comes to mind would be France during the period of the French Revolution. The National Constituent Assembly dissolved the traditional provinces of France in favor of a system of depa...
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[]
[ [] ]
3w43kz
why does maintenance medication expire? i.e. why can't a doctor prescribe a lifetime supply of insulin to a diabetic?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3w43kz/eli5_why_does_maintenance_medication_expire_ie/
{ "a_id": [ "cxt5wt6", "cxt60x4", "cxt84b0" ], "score": [ 8, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "Are you talking about the prescription or the chemical? The chemical expires because natural processes break it down, and you need to use fresh supplies. The prescription has a fixed time period becau...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQZ2UeOTO3I" ] ]
1z8a8l
Looking for resources on the history of metallurgy (especially 1850-present)
Hi /r/AskHistorians, I’m a materials science student that would like to learn more about the history of materials processing, especially regarding metals. My primary interest is in the steel industry and how processing has improved over time. However, I am also interested in the people behind the industry, as well as...
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1z8a8l/looking_for_resources_on_the_history_of/
{ "a_id": [ "cfrjgf5" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "I don't want to discourage further contributions, but a quick search yielded [this excellent comment](_URL_0_) giving sources about the railroad and steel industry, courtesy of /u/ThatDamnCommy" ] }
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[]
[ [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1il08d/where_do_i_found_good_academic_work_on_the_early/cb5qzvv" ] ]
4oug5k
why didn't most people ride bikes before cars were invented?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4oug5k/eli5_why_didnt_most_people_ride_bikes_before_cars/
{ "a_id": [ "d4flv8n", "d4fm20q" ], "score": [ 5, 3 ], "text": [ "Bikes - or [bone shakers](_URL_1_) as they were referred to back in the day, were not comfortable like the modern day bikes we are used to riding.\n\n\nThat said, there have been [bike booms](_URL_2_), but it wasn't until th...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Safety_bicycle", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Velocipede#Boneshaker", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bike_boom" ], [] ]
yqz5f
What was the last major battle to be fought between great powers?
I searched the subreddit and didn’t find any similar posts. I’ve been reading up on the battles of WWII lately and I was wondering; has the world witnessed any major battles since then where both sides had sizeable and strong armies? (As opposed to the Russia-Georgia war of 2008, or Israel-Lebanon war of 2006 for examp...
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/yqz5f/what_was_the_last_major_battle_to_be_fought/
{ "a_id": [ "c5y16au", "c5y1bjd", "c5y1k2q", "c5y1wpc", "c5y28ix" ], "score": [ 5, 2, 5, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "Not a historian, but according to the Wiki India and China had a small military conflict in [1987](_URL_0_). Excluding the many, many proxy wars during the C...
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[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1987_Sino-Indian_skirmish" ], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Chinese_Farm", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Tololing" ], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iraq_Iran_War" ], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eritrean%E2%80%93Eth...
4t14kn
How unique of a battle strategy was the use of wagon forts by Hussites in 15th century Bohemia?
The Hussite Wars in the 15th century were a very important time in Bohemia. As Czech, I have always heard from history teachers that one reason for the initial succes of Hussites was their use of wagon forts, a mobile way of building up defenses. However, I wonder just how actually unique that was, since it seems like ...
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/4t14kn/how_unique_of_a_battle_strategy_was_the_use_of/
{ "a_id": [ "d5dwhd6" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "I am not overly familiar with the Hussite Wars, as there doesn't seem to be a great deal of English scholarship on it. The use of wagon forts is not entirely unprecedented in medieval warfare. Edward III seems to have created one out of his bagga...
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[ [] ]
2yiwe4
Since the Big Bang certainly influenced every event in the universe, does this mean that the origin of the Big Bang is in the past light cone of every point in the universe?
But isn't this also impossible, since the universe is more light-years across than years there have been *since* the Big Bang? Is there a concept that rectifies this?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/2yiwe4/since_the_big_bang_certainly_influenced_every/
{ "a_id": [ "cp9ykp8" ], "score": [ 22 ], "text": [ "First off, dismiss the idea of the Big Bang as an explosion whose ejecta have been traveling outward. That is not the Big Bang.\n\nThe Big Bang is simply the event when all of space began stretching. The universe is very probably either infinite...
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[ [] ]
4xi5sb
why is there so much unknown about sleep paralysis while it isn't very rare?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4xi5sb/eli5_why_is_there_so_much_unknown_about_sleep/
{ "a_id": [ "d6fp3h8", "d6fp8c6" ], "score": [ 2, 4 ], "text": [ "There's been some pretty interesting research [link](_URL_0_) on the subject. Modern advancements of EEG technology and better understanding of the sleep phases has thrown up some added light, but afaik there's still very li...
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[]
[ [ "http://www.thesleepparalysisproject.org/about-sleep-paralysis/neurobiology/" ], [] ]
3dkswd
how long could we live?
If we had perfect diets, did the perfect amount of exercise, weren't susceptible to diseases and did everything we could to lengthen our lives except for replacing body parts. [No self inflicted injuries or injuries inflicted by others or anything else either] How long could we possibly live and what would be the caus...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3dkswd/eli5_how_long_could_we_live/
{ "a_id": [ "ct648t1" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "biologists have found that human cells can only devide 51 times sucessfully on average with a standard deviation of about 3. \n if we start with 2 cells, the total number of cells we can have is 2^50 (1,125,899,906,842,624). if we take the absol...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://i.imgur.com/MARm09Q.gif" ] ]
93xzag
Galaxies are hundreds of thousands of lightyears in diameter, and gravity only travels with the speed of light. Does this not distort the shape of them?
Or is this the reason for that galaxies have "arms"?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/93xzag/galaxies_are_hundreds_of_thousands_of_lightyears/
{ "a_id": [ "e3gseao", "e3h1nhg" ], "score": [ 28, 9 ], "text": [ "The Sun's orbit around the galaxy needs about 250 million years and the overall mass has been there for billions of years.\n\nTens of thousands of years are simply negligible on the timescale of galaxies.", "The main th...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
88h0y1
how does a computer program talk to someone over a phone call?
you know the automatic calling system that says "Press 1 to confirm" or "Press 9 for main menu" . How does that read the input I give , over a phone call ?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/88h0y1/eli5how_does_a_computer_program_talk_to_someone/
{ "a_id": [ "dwkjkp2" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Every button you press causes a different combination of tones (beeps) to be sent over the phone line to whoever, or whatever, is listening on the other end.\n\n_URL_0_" ] }
[]
[]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dual-tone_multi-frequency_signaling" ] ]
47yl2k
How much did the british help out in the war in the Pacific?
I know the early parts of the Pacific War had all kinds of battles. My great grandfather was a british officer at the Fall of Singapore (or Burma?). The Japanese very early on started attacking New Zealand, Thailand, Burma, Australia, etc. When the United States started going on a serious offensive and started Islan...
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/47yl2k/how_much_did_the_british_help_out_in_the_war_in/
{ "a_id": [ "d0g8n4i" ], "score": [ 8 ], "text": [ "While the United States is rightly credit with bearing the brunt of the fighting, the British did do their part in combating the Japanese. As you point out, British soldiers fought the Japanese in Hong Kong, Burma, Malaya, Singapore among other p...
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[ [ "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/3gyzs2/osprey_publishing_pacific_war_megathread_contest/cu2vles" ] ]
1shvji
Regarding sex, Ancient Greece/Rome, and The Golden Ass
Apuleius' *The Golden Ass* was written regarding Greece in the 2nd C. CE. However, one bit in particular intrigued me - and that was the scene in which Lucius (The main character) has a good romp with a slave girl, to who he says: > I have always rejected even ladies' embraces, but those glittering eyes of yours, an...
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1shvji/regarding_sex_ancient_greecerome_and_the_golden/
{ "a_id": [ "cdxt43d", "cdxtoaz", "cdxu304", "cdy4ke1" ], "score": [ 290, 19, 6, 4 ], "text": [ "Ooooooh, you are *totally* trying to get me to ignore all my other work and really spend the time on this one, aren't you? Well, congrats, you've tempted me. CHALLENGE ACCEPTED....
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[]
[ [ "http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=ZRhBAQAAQBAJ&pg=PA49&lpg=PA49&dq=martial+kisses+like+a+dove&source=bl&ots=zcA1JILzwe&sig=A4KUKYn3Vh_BVs3Ca1BvkF14X5o&hl=en&sa=X&ei=YkimUtT5EYejhgevwoGICg&ved=0CC8Q6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=martial%20kisses%20like%20a%20dove&f=false",...
29a8ps
Does "doggy dementia" exist? Can my dog have progressive memory loss and difficulty recognizing me as he ages?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/29a8ps/does_doggy_dementia_exist_can_my_dog_have/
{ "a_id": [ "cij6cbq", "cijc7lg" ], "score": [ 78, 26 ], "text": [ "I see dogs at my clinic with canine cognitive dysfunction fairly regularly. Owners will usually comment that their dog is barking at nothing, getting lost in corners/behind doors, and being restless at night. Sometimes it ...
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[]
[ [ "http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22720812" ], [ "http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=2549" ] ]
4x8otl
Does air pressure override the concept of heat rises?
To give a good example of what I mean by this question... When I get into my car that has been sitting outside all day and open my sunroof, is the heat actually rising out of the car or is the pressure overruling that concept and causing no heat to actually leave or very little? It just seems that when I open my sunro...
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/4x8otl/does_air_pressure_override_the_concept_of_heat/
{ "a_id": [ "d6dji52" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "In order for hot air to rise, some other air needs to replace that air; this is termed \"continuity\" or \"conservation of mass\". \"Hot air rises\" is a result of conservation of momentum: lower density hot air has less gravitational force on it...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rayleigh%E2%80%93Taylor_instability" ] ]
560eg6
why does alcohol sink to the bottom of my drink?
So I am trying to determine why when you set a cocktail down for a while the alcohol settles to the bottom and you have to stir it. I can't make sense of it. Based on different liquids and their densities (shown below) I would think all the alcohol would start to layer on top. However, whenever I I get to the bottom of...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/560eg6/eli5_why_does_alcohol_sink_to_the_bottom_of_my/
{ "a_id": [ "d8f7g2w", "d8f7rhx" ], "score": [ 3, 3 ], "text": [ "This doesn't make sense. Alcohol is a bigger molecule than water, but highly missable. Once the two liquids are mixed entropy should dictate them remaining mixed.\n\nIs it possible another phenomenon is causing the effect?...
[]
[ "http://www.fao.org/docrep/017/ap815e/ap815e.pdf", "http://www.the-bartender.org/tips-tricks/alcohol-density-chart/" ]
[ [], [] ]
5tpcbt
why do nearly all religions involve praying on one'a knees?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5tpcbt/eli5why_do_nearly_all_religions_involve_praying/
{ "a_id": [ "ddo0v5m" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Its a sign of submission. Which is something every religion relies on, as logic would blow any religion apart." ] }
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[ [] ]
4jk5mv
Where might the iron ore for the Eiffel Tower have been mined?
I just visited it and became curious about this question. I guess a more answerable question might be - "Where were large iron ore mines in the late 19th century that France would've had access to?"
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/4jk5mv/where_might_the_iron_ore_for_the_eiffel_tower/
{ "a_id": [ "d37ad12" ], "score": [ 21 ], "text": [ "All the iron used for the Eiffel Tower was produced at the refineries of Fould & Dupont in Pompey, near Nancy in the Lorraine basin in North-Eastern France.\n\n > \"Tous les fers de la Tour Eiffel, 24 types de cornières ouvertes et fermées, en...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://archive.org/details/lesminesetusine00laurgoog" ] ]
7iqr4a
if your body repairs it's self better while you sleep, then why not put people to sleep for a few days after surgery or treatment after a disease?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7iqr4a/eli5_if_your_body_repairs_its_self_better_while/
{ "a_id": [ "dr0p0if" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "would it be the same thing as a medically induced coma?" ] }
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[ [] ]
50jgfe
What does serotonin do in the gut, why is it there and how closely related is it to the serotonin in brain?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/50jgfe/what_does_serotonin_do_in_the_gut_why_is_it_there/
{ "a_id": [ "d74lxyp", "d74u9fl", "d74z41z" ], "score": [ 24, 6, 14 ], "text": [ "Increases gut motility, propelling stuff along.\n\nWhy is it there? It just is. Serotonin is evolutionarily conserved. Tiny worms use it, fish use it, humans use it. Its functions can vary wildly, but...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://www.cumc.columbia.edu/psjournal/archive/archives/jour_v19no2/second.html" ] ]
ewwecx
Photoelectric effect and electrons explanation?
From what I understand, solar panels are made of materials that can be used with the photoelectric effect. Light reaches the object, and eventually the atoms receive so much energy that electrons break-off the atom and start moving freely. An example of these materials is silicon, a semiconductor. My question is, don't...
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/ewwecx/photoelectric_effect_and_electrons_explanation/
{ "a_id": [ "fg4x30f", "fg56c9x", "fg5g1wh", "fg6y08n" ], "score": [ 13, 3, 6, 2 ], "text": [ "So silicon doesn't have free electrons. You dope it with something like phosphorus called N-type doping to add electrons and boron that adds an electron-hole in the silicon lattic...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://memeguy.com/photos/images/a-mechanical-wave-created-by-each-point-moving-in-its-own-circle--103754.gif", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photovoltaic_effect" ], [] ]
3dj5oh
AskScience AMA Special: We’re Carolyn Porco, imaging scientist on the New Horizons mission, and Miles O’Brien, veteran aerospace journalist. Ask us anything about New Horizons, Pluto, and beyond!
Hi reddit! We are Carolyn Porco and Miles O’Brien, and we’re here to answer your questions about the New Horizons mission to Pluto and beyond. Thanks to [NOVA](_URL_0_) and the [PBS Newshour](_URL_1_) for organizing this AMA. Carolyn Porco is the leader of the imaging science team on the Cassini mission presently in...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/3dj5oh/askscience_ama_special_were_carolyn_porco_imaging/
{ "a_id": [ "ct5mosf", "ct5mpw7", "ct5mukc", "ct5mwc0", "ct5n15d", "ct5n9cr", "ct5ng0r", "ct5njmp", "ct5njto", "ct5nkb9", "ct5nwes", "ct5nys0", "ct5o05w", "ct5o0cu", "ct5o3ys", "ct5o4wa", "ct5o8ca", "ct5o93p", "ct5oaea", "ct5omxa", "c...
[]
[ "http://www.pbs.org/nova", "http://newshour.pbs.org/" ]
[ [], [], [], [ "https://i.imgur.com/meaqdRP.png", "http://redd.it/3d9bof" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://pluto.jhuapl.edu/Multimedia/Science-Photos/pics/CHARON%20GRAPHIC%207-16.jpg"...
5milfh
What happened to Julius Caesar's Second Wife Pompeia?
I know that he divorced her after the Bona Dea scandal, saying that his wife should be above suspicion. I'm wondering if we know of anything about her after this. Did she get her full dowery back? Did she remarry? Did she get killed because of some political hoopla?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/5milfh/what_happened_to_julius_caesars_second_wife/
{ "a_id": [ "dc3xq2v" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "I believe this question has been asked before, but I may be getting deja vu. We know nothing of Pompeia other than her descent from Sulla, jer marriage to Caesar, and her alleged misconduct during the Bona Dea incident. We know nothing of her lat...
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[ [] ]
1jz2fi
why can humans regen skin and some organ parts, but not teeth and other parts?
googled it, but cant find an answer that I understand
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1jz2fi/eli5why_can_humans_regen_skin_and_some_organ/
{ "a_id": [ "cbjosyp", "cbju301" ], "score": [ 24, 4 ], "text": [ "Simply put: we didn't evolve a way to do it. Some tissues are just special and our body doesn't have the necessary genetic code to replace them. \n\nConsidering that for most of human history something like losing an arm wa...
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[ [], [] ]