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98if90
how does humidifier work?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/98if90/eli5_how_does_humidifier_work/
{ "a_id": [ "e4g9mhb" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "So unlike boiling water where you have to heat the water to make it vaporize, humidifiers work differently. \n\nWhat happens is there is an item inside the humidifier called a wick. The wick is almost like a sponge the just soaks up water. When y...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
20c0ry
Why is it, whenever I look at snow for a lengthy period of time, my vision turns red?
Just walked my dog, came inside and everything that was originally white turned hot pink.
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/20c0ry/why_is_it_whenever_i_look_at_snow_for_a_lengthy/
{ "a_id": [ "cg3ol2a" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "what you're seeing is probably an [adaptation aftereffect] (_URL_0_) to bluish sky light reflected by all the white reflecting surfaces that are covering everything (the snow). over time, the retina (and the brain) acts to normalize stimulus dist...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afterimage", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Color_constancy", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Black_body_visible_spectrum.gif" ] ]
n8h0t
How much radiation do I get by opening the microwave door before it has finished?
How much radiation do I get by opening the microwave door before it has finished?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/n8h0t/how_much_radiation_do_i_get_by_opening_the/
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[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.gallawa.com/microtech/switch.html" ], [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electromagnetic_spectrum" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.inspectoroutlet.com/internachi-led-microwave-oven-testers-leak-detectors.aspx" ], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.or...
c51soh
Are Palestinians to a significant extent Arabized Jews?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/c51soh/are_palestinians_to_a_significant_extent_arabized/
{ "a_id": [ "erzk9l8" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Apologies, but we have had to remove your submission. We ask that questions in this subreddit be limited to those asking about history, or for historical answers. This is not a judgement of your question, but to receive the answer you are looking...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
sk2z2
If instantaneous communication was possible between a person on Earth and a person accelerating near the speed of light in outer space (supposing this, too, was possible), what would the conversation look like since "time" is going much faster for the Earthbound person than it is for the traveler?
What if the communication were video chat? Would the traveler see the Earthbound person going super-fast on his screen?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/sk2z2/if_instantaneous_communication_was_possible/
{ "a_id": [ "c4en3a4" ], "score": [ 8 ], "text": [ "This question is invalid as stated - the moment you \"pretend\" instantaneous communication is possible, you throw relativity out the window, and thus can;t say anything about how perception of time differs between the two reference frames.\n\nYo...
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[]
[ [] ]
3oq0k7
What common historical misconception do you find most irritating?
Welcome to another floating feature! It's been nearly a year since we had one, and so it's time for another. This one comes to us courtesy of u/centerflag982, and the question is: > What common historical misconception do you find most irritating? > Just curious what pet peeves the professionals have. > As a bon...
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/3oq0k7/what_common_historical_misconception_do_you_find/
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[ [], [ "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/3469g6/when_and_how_we_discovered_that_earth_is_round/", "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/3gq8un/how_did_the_flatearthers_of_the_day_react_when/" ], [], [ "https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/94/2f/08/942f0884f6c06b3a0b...
lb1k4
Why do humans react the way they to music/beats? And why don't other mammals react the same way?
When there's music, humans generally react to it (bobbing of the head, foot/hand tapping, walking to the beat). And why don't most mammals react in a similar fashion?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/lb1k4/why_do_humans_react_the_way_they_to_musicbeats/
{ "a_id": [ "c2r7twy", "c2r8fxb", "c2r7twy", "c2r8fxb" ], "score": [ 2, 5, 2, 5 ], "text": [ "it has been shown to affect other animals. Most notably a cockatu? I believe. It used to be considered an entirely human trait however.", "Parrots dance! Just type \"parrot dan...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWhxCB0ndJE" ], [], [ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWhxCB0ndJE" ] ]
26lfc9
Can you recommend me a couple of books on the history of the Holy Roman Empire, Reformation and the Thirty years war?
The books can be in German, Dutch or English
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/26lfc9/can_you_recommend_me_a_couple_of_books_on_the/
{ "a_id": [ "chs4oev", "chs6ixr" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "On the Reformation: Diarmaid MacCulloch, 'Reformation: Europe's house divided, 1490-1700', London 2004. \nEDIT: This is an excellent read, very informative and entertaining\n\nOn the Thirty years war (and naturally with some...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
cfzc6q
Why is 0-14 used for the pH scale? What are the highest and lowest pH substances both in existence and theoretically possible?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/cfzc6q/why_is_014_used_for_the_ph_scale_what_are_the/
{ "a_id": [ "eudobk7", "eudoccl", "eudpcpx", "eudpez4" ], "score": [ 70, 24, 5, 18 ], "text": [ "The pH scale is related to the molar concentration of hydrogen ions. Normal water has a H+ concentration = 10\\^-7, therefor the pH is 7. Technically, pH is the -log10 \\[ hydr...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PH" ], [] ]
1cbz5j
This morning as I stirred my coffee it happened to be on a kitchen scale. I noticed that the weight of the spoon registered on the scale, even when I was holding it. Why?
To confirm, I dipped and removed it several times while holding the spoon. Each time I dipped the spoon in (without touching the bottom) an extra 2g registered. Is it the weight of the spoon that registers or the weight of the displaced water? Why doesn't the spoon feel lighter when I do this?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1cbz5j/this_morning_as_i_stirred_my_coffee_it_happened/
{ "a_id": [ "c9f16ei", "c9f1e8t" ], "score": [ 140, 25 ], "text": [ "The coffee provides a buoyant force to the spoon, pushing it up, making it lighter in your hand. The counter to this force is added weight on the scale. ", " > Why doesn't the spoon feel lighter when I do this?\n\n >...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
e4kogm
How do donated organs remain viable without blood flow?
If someone sustains a heart attack, the muscle is damaged b/c of no oxygenated blood flow. When a heart is removed for donation, there’s also no blood flow. Icing helps how? What is the window of viability? If the organ is implanted at the far end of the window, is there some substantial damage that might heal?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/e4kogm/how_do_donated_organs_remain_viable_without_blood/
{ "a_id": [ "f9dw47h", "f9e3s63" ], "score": [ 9, 6 ], "text": [ "Organs can usually last a few hours at very low temperatures (but not freezing). This is normally sufficient to get from the donor to the recipient.\n\nSame goes with the heart muscle during a myocardium infarction. Serious ...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://www.transmedics.com/" ] ]
gxy6i
Why are all the planets on the ecliptic plane? Why are there other celestial objects orbiting the sun that are not on the ecliptic plane?
All the diagrams of the solar system that I've seen show the planets on the same plane (except the late pluto). I wondered why and discovered that it's called the ecliptic plane, but the wikipedia article doesn't go into why. So first, all the planets orbit on the same plane, right? And why? Why do we have other or...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/gxy6i/why_are_all_the_planets_on_the_ecliptic_plane_why/
{ "a_id": [ "c1r434g" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "[This is a very frequently asked question](_URL_0_)." ] }
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/sciencefaqs/comments/fui70/why_do_all_the_planets_in_our_solar_system_rotate/" ] ]
4xdtu2
despite intense competition and very small profit margins in the mobile phone market, how do companies like xiaomi manage to provide significantly better hardware specs than relatively larger & older companies like samsung and sony?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4xdtu2/eli5_despite_intense_competition_and_very_small/
{ "a_id": [ "d6elqtg", "d6em2vr", "d6erunu", "d6evjb2" ], "score": [ 6, 5, 3, 4 ], "text": [ " A few reasons. \n\n\n\n\nXiaomi's business model is like that of Kuerig, or Xerox, or HP printers. They will practically *give* you the device, because that is not the actual prod...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
4rqx20
How did anti-miscegenation laws in the USA deal with mixed-race couples where neither partner was white?
So for example, if a Chinese or Punjabi farmer were to marry a Hispanic woman, or if a Japanese man were to marry a black woman, what potential consequences, if any, would these couples face?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/4rqx20/how_did_antimiscegenation_laws_in_the_usa_deal/
{ "a_id": [ "d53k17x" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "The usual disclaimer is along these lines: These listings just indicate previous articles that may be applicable. This is not to discourage new questions.\n\nA search for\n\n > jim crow asian\n\n(merely as likely terms to have been in an articl...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/3biwdx/when_interracial_marriages_were_illegal_in_some/csngk55", "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/3ix499/how_were_nonblack_minorities_treated_in_the_jim/", "https://www.law.cornell.edu/supremecourt/text/388/1", "https://www.reddit.co...
858prz
why do vacuum insulated containers insulate cold beverages longer than hot beverages?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/858prz/eli5_why_do_vacuum_insulated_containers_insulate/
{ "a_id": [ "dvvkv6c", "dvvl22x", "dvvnyba" ], "score": [ 11, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "They don't. It's a difference in your perception of what constitutes \"hot\" and \"cold\", and the way thermal transfer works. \n \nRoom temperature is ~70F; a hot beverage might be ~170F. A 100F ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
97a44t
What caused the guitar, an instrument not found in a typical orchestra, to become the de-facto popular music instrument?
In case I'm not being clear, I mean that most popular music bands ranging from as far back as the forties are guitar-centric, and leading with (or even including) a non-guitar instrument makes your band "niche". Why didn't the piano or the trumpet or the saxophone take off into center stage of popular music?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/97a44t/what_caused_the_guitar_an_instrument_not_found_in/
{ "a_id": [ "e46o9rk", "e46z759", "e47wprl" ], "score": [ 24, 31, 24 ], "text": [ "Relevant question, why did the air instruments (trumpets, saxophones, etc) didn't pass on to later music genres while the percussion and stringed instruments did?", "Hi, not discouraging further ...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/6jj12c/when_did_the_modern_concept_of_the_band_begin_ie/djet13l/", "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/4v8ggm/askhistorians_podcast_067_20th_century_popular/", "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/6ovuj7/how_did_the_defaul...
ps7r2
Why is it that when I eat from an aluminum container with a steel fork I get a similar taste sensation as when I put a battery on my tongue? Is there a reaction going on?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/ps7r2/why_is_it_that_when_i_eat_from_an_aluminum/
{ "a_id": [ "c3rui1e", "c3rykvu" ], "score": [ 17, 3 ], "text": [ "Potentially yes, assuming you cook with salt. When two dissimilar metals are connected together by an electrolyte, they form a galvanic cell.\n\nSee: _URL_0_\n\nThese were the first types of batteries.\n\nIt can also lead ...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galvanic_cell" ], [] ]
4a8uoz
why do some antennas such as the kind for tv have such a rail-like design?
Such as [this one](_URL_0_).
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4a8uoz/eli5_why_do_some_antennas_such_as_the_kind_for_tv/
{ "a_id": [ "d0yb64s", "d0ydsue", "d0yduak", "d0yjdqm", "d0yllgy", "d0yo68g", "d0yp9ve" ], "score": [ 199, 9, 3, 2, 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "The series of parallel elements are called directors, and they, in effect, focus the signal. \n\nA simple wire, ...
[]
[ "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d3/UHF_TV_Antenna_001.JPG/330px-UHF_TV_Antenna_001.JPG" ]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yagi-Uda_antenna" ], [], [ "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/74/Sidelobes_en.svg/220px-Sidelobes_en.svg.png" ], [], [], [], [] ]
np0fp
Are humans evolving to appear more physically attractive?
Neanderthals look pretty ugly compared to modern humans. Is this a process of natural selection? If so, how quickly does "attractiveness" accumulate? Is the modern generation noticeably more attractive than the people of our grandparents' generation?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/np0fp/are_humans_evolving_to_appear_more_physically/
{ "a_id": [ "c3at2sw", "c3at439", "c3at9wx", "c3aubpc", "c3at2sw", "c3at439", "c3at9wx", "c3aubpc" ], "score": [ 15, 2, 5, 2, 15, 2, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "I have read that some scientists believe that beauty is an indicator of good health, and t...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzN-uIVkfjg&t=3m30s" ], [], [], [], [ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzN-uIVkfjg&t=3m30s" ], [] ]
23tici
how come when i put the tip of an aux cable against my skin when its already plugged into another device, how come it appears to make a signal?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/23tici/eli5how_come_when_i_put_the_tip_of_an_aux_cable/
{ "a_id": [ "ch0fdk6" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Going to take a rough while I am on the Thunder dome at work\n\nYou body will act like it is connected to the cable and because you body creates thousands of millions of small electromagnetic pulses throughout your nerves and what not, this then ...
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[ [] ]
1rwdw7
how do you have money to spend when "all your money is in stocks"?
I don't know much about stocks, but how do people like Bill Gates or Warren Buffet have money to spend when their wealth is heavily invested in stocks?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1rwdw7/eli5_how_do_you_have_money_to_spend_when_all_your/
{ "a_id": [ "cdrlco3" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "\"Heavily Invested\" and \"All In\" are not the same thing. If Bill Gates invests 90% of his money in stocks he is still wealthier than you and I by a large margin.\n\nPlus, stocks are pretty liquid assets. Its not hard to sell off some shares ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
4c5htm
Were Normans Vikings?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/4c5htm/were_normans_vikings/
{ "a_id": [ "d1f90zv" ], "score": [ 42 ], "text": [ "Most people living in Normandy were not descended from Vikings. Following Rollo's appointment as Duke there was no mass-migration of Scandinavians. It was primarily the elite that were descendants of the original Viking invaders, and they very o...
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[]
[ [] ]
bo0i34
how do they restore old videos to 60 fps?
Okay, start off with a 10 second 30 fps video that came back in, say, 2008. Now you find out that some guy posts the 60 fps version of the same video 10 years later. How does this happen? Technically, the old original video had 300 frames in total and the restored version has 600. Where do these additional frames come ...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bo0i34/eli5_how_do_they_restore_old_videos_to_60_fps/
{ "a_id": [ "enb0fqp" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "I would say that either they had an original of the record in 60 FPS, which was not uploaded back then or recreated the \"missing\" frames by \"averaging\" of the frames before/after of some sort." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1t6jpx
How far can electricity travel through our electrical grid?
For example, if every power plant in the country shut down save for the Hoover Dam, how far could that electricity travel?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1t6jpx/how_far_can_electricity_travel_through_our/
{ "a_id": [ "ce58vvj" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "For long distance transport, power is converted to a very high voltage and transported in high-diameter cables, usually Al for cost. \n\nA very naive calculation (300kV_RMS and 750mm^2 cross-section aluminum wire @ room temperature) assuming all ...
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[ [] ]
7y7rgs
if air is a better insulator than water, why do clouds trap heat?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7y7rgs/eli5_if_air_is_a_better_insulator_than_water_why/
{ "a_id": [ "due9gkl" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "Heat is transferred in three ways\n\n1. Radiation - This is IR and other energy which is emitted from something warm\n\n2. Conduction - This is energy transferred between two objects that are physically touching\n\n3. Convection - This is the mov...
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[ [] ]
2ksstv
how can malt-o-meal blatantly rip off every brand-name cereal while apple and samsung have been in legal issues since the beginning of time?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ksstv/eli5_how_can_maltomeal_blatantly_rip_off_every/
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[ [], [ "http://www.google.com/patents/US8105642" ], [], [], [], [ "http://store.inventorprise.com/content_articles.php?id=1049" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
10p4b1
[Physics] Considering that the photons would never be absorbed by the 100% reflective mirror, what would happen inside? It's in the realm of a thought experiment since you'll never be able to measure the result.
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/10p4b1/physics_considering_that_the_photons_would_never/
{ "a_id": [ "c6ff4a5" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "I think that he is asking about the inside of a perfectly reflective box. Yes it would bounce around forever, here's why:\n\nThe photon is an electromagnetic wave in a vaccum, and is classically defined as a pair of coupled wave equations: _URL_0...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electromagnetic_wave_equation" ] ]
1lg3un
What is the effect of strength training on lifespan?
Is there any consensus on the way in which strength training effects lifespan? I did a quick Google search and there weren't many credible sources on the topic that I could find. I admittedly didn't look very hard though.
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1lg3un/what_is_the_effect_of_strength_training_on/
{ "a_id": [ "cbz7v52" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "I think you need to be more specific. Anything that uses your muscles will build strength. Push-ups, pull-ups, and standing squats, all use your own body weight to strengthen muscles. If you use these exercises as aerobic activity you will get...
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[ [] ]
cf0bke
how are hand sanitizer companies able to claim their product is better or more effective than their competitors when they all kill 99.9% of all germs?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cf0bke/eli5_how_are_hand_sanitizer_companies_able_to/
{ "a_id": [ "eu6dcff", "eu6h3h3", "eu6sdjr", "eu7kjly" ], "score": [ 16, 10, 4, 3 ], "text": [ "No government oversight or enforcement of false product claims. Assume all copy on products is a lie.", "They don't. They may claim 99.9% but not of all germs. If you look ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
7nh1cs
how do martial artists break huge stacks of bricks without their hand passing through every brick?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7nh1cs/eli5_how_do_martial_artists_break_huge_stacks_of/
{ "a_id": [ "ds1pcip", "ds1r31s", "ds22i0k", "ds23smu", "ds26dkq", "ds27agz", "ds2ds32", "ds2hujn", "ds2rjx8", "ds2smhm", "ds2wuaj", "ds36sjy", "ds3cloc" ], "score": [ 657, 347, 4, 16, 2, 54, 3, 4, 98, 7, 2, 2, ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "https://imgur.com/a/gUA6r", "https://youtu.be/k_ZnKtpskrE" ] ]
1kzql1
Why do you feel a jerk when a car comes to a complete stop?
Every time when you're in a car in motion, and the car comes to a complete stop, say at a red light, you feel your entire body being shifted forward a little bit (obviously relative to the car). Even if the car is moving at a slow speed, this phenomenon still occurs. Why?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1kzql1/why_do_you_feel_a_jerk_when_a_car_comes_to_a/
{ "a_id": [ "cbubcm2", "cbudwxp", "cbuf3e4", "cbug13g" ], "score": [ 108, 10, 6, 30 ], "text": [ "[Jerk](_URL_0_) is actually a technical term, and part of the answer.\n\nI'm sure you're familiar with that feeling of being pushed forward when you're just braking. That's a r...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerk_\\(physics\\)" ], [], [ "http://scienceblogs.com/dotphysics/wp-content/blogs.dir/342/files/2012/04/i-93de04d1710e8321f0b82ae6990e24e2-friction_graph_.jpg" ], [] ]
ozcxs
what are magnet links?
I see them on lots of torrent sites.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ozcxs/eli5_what_are_magnet_links/
{ "a_id": [ "c3la3yb" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "They tell your PC to open up an application, then send that application some data.\n\nOther uses include: Starting a skype call to a number, Opening up mumble and connecting it to a server, opening up steam to download a game, and more.\n\nThey a...
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[ [] ]
4dk95f
Can any bacteria survive the boiling point of water?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/4dk95f/can_any_bacteria_survive_the_boiling_point_of/
{ "a_id": [ "d1rrjrj", "d1tnld5" ], "score": [ 8, 2 ], "text": [ "Yes, see [wikipedia](_URL_1_) for a list of examples, such as [this one](_URL_0_) which can survive and reproduce above boiling temperature. ", "bacteria that can (or require) extreme conditions to survive are called ext...
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[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strain_121", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperthermophile" ], [] ]
122mdn
Why were Roman replicas of the bronze Greek statues made of marble?
Romans liked classical Greek art so much they tried to copy it, right? Why not replicate the originals in the way they were suppose to be? Wouldn't it take less skill and time to mass produce bronze statues instead of marble ones anyway? Not sure if I worded this question well at all.
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/122mdn/why_were_roman_replicas_of_the_bronze_greek/
{ "a_id": [ "c6rmbhf" ], "score": [ 13 ], "text": [ "They often did, but marble is cheaper than bronze, so *most* replicas were marble. The Roman use of Greek statues was very often a change in context from public to private--many of the most famous statues were originally set up in either officia...
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[ [] ]
1fz3er
does fractional reserve banking cause all money to be created in the form of debt?
Actually, explaining Fractional Reserve banking in general would be supremely helpful, but specifically I'm curious how debt relates to the creation of fiat money. If the Fed creates money by giving it to banks who in turn are only required to hold 10% of this money in reserve and can lend out the other 90%, where is t...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1fz3er/eli5_does_fractional_reserve_banking_cause_all/
{ "a_id": [ "caflkt1" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Fractional Reserve banking is not started from scratch in any of the economies. They simply plug it in to the system. So there is some extent of money already present in the system for the Fractional reserve banking to work.\n\n > where is the m...
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90zu1g
why does fast air feel cold, if temperature is a measure of kinetic energy, even when i'm not sweaty?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/90zu1g/eli5_why_does_fast_air_feel_cold_if_temperature/
{ "a_id": [ "e2uczh7", "e2udtun" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Because the air temperature is lower than you body temperature when it blows past your skin it's still taking heat away from the body.\nCausing the air to feel cool.", "As you exist in a location, your body warms the air...
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[ [], [] ]
4dgw63
What causes light to slow when it travels through a medium?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/4dgw63/what_causes_light_to_slow_when_it_travels_through/
{ "a_id": [ "d1quwv1", "d1rhc07" ], "score": [ 53, 3 ], "text": [ "Dielectric materials are full of electric charges (positive nuclei and negative electrons). The charges aren't free to move around, but they do get tugged around a bit by electric fields: the electrons and nuclei are pulled...
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[ [], [ "https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/wiki/physics/light_through_material" ] ]
1kt5qi
why the martingale betting strategy doesn't work.
Martingale: In a game of 50/50 chance or near 50/50, like European Roulette, bet how ever much you want (1 unit) on either red or black and always stick with the same colour, if you win then bet 1 unit next time. But if you lose then double your bet (2 units) on the next spin, if you win that spin you're 1 unit up. But...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1kt5qi/eli5_why_the_martingale_betting_strategy_doesnt/
{ "a_id": [ "cbsboo3", "cbsbvhr", "cbsecgc", "cbsfoly", "cbsi10p", "cbsi5qv" ], "score": [ 33, 16, 10, 2, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "It does and it doesnt, in THEORY it does, as you explained, eventually your numbers come up and you will always be up your initial st...
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[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
9y4tqp
carbs, protein, fats - in which order are these used by the body and why?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9y4tqp/eli5_carbs_protein_fats_in_which_order_are_these/
{ "a_id": [ "e9y9b59" ], "score": [ 14 ], "text": [ "Glucose is our staple energy source. If the body needs energy, glucose is broken down producing ATP and releasing CO2 and H20. If the body does not need energy, the glucose is built in to chains for easy storage in liver. These chain molecules a...
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[ [] ]
4pejof
Was the failure of communism due to inherit flaws in the ideology or because the countries that adopted it were poorer and fewer than their capitalist counterparts?
Russia had always been poorer than England, France and eventually Germany. Here is a map of the GNP per capita of European countries between 1880 and 1938 _URL_0_ Russia and many of the countries that would come to be part of the Soviet Union are much poorer than countries in Western Europe. China was also a poor, wa...
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/4pejof/was_the_failure_of_communism_due_to_inherit_flaws/
{ "a_id": [ "d4kbx21" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "You seem to have a bunch of different questions here. For the questions in the last paragraph you might consider /r/HistoryWhatIf ." ] }
[]
[ "https://i.imgur.com/oVivRC1.png" ]
[ [] ]
3dp58j
why did people in places like africa develop darker skin when black absorbs the most light compared to lighter colors?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3dp58j/eli5_why_did_people_in_places_like_africa_develop/
{ "a_id": [ "ct7bia7", "ct7bivu", "ct7jcj1" ], "score": [ 7, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "Dark skin is caused by melanin. When the sun hits your skin it gets absorbed by melanin and not by your skin cells. This is a good thing because if your skin cells absorb the sun it can cause damage tha...
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[ [], [], [] ]
1gn2ja
in electromagnetic waves, how are photons produced, how does the electric force and magnetic force interact and what factors effect the energy of a photon/wave?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1gn2ja/eli5_in_electromagnetic_waves_how_are_photons/
{ "a_id": [ "calvvr9" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "A photon is a little packet of energy in the form of oscillating electric and magnetic fields. They fly around at the speed of light. When certain photons hit our eyes, they tell our brain that we're seeing something.\n\nThe energy of a photon de...
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[ [] ]
1r5dpm
How expensive were candles in the 18th century? Could only the rich afford to light their homes after dark? Was it a major expense to host a party at night considering candles were made of beeswax or the wax extracted from sperm whales?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1r5dpm/how_expensive_were_candles_in_the_18th_century/
{ "a_id": [ "cdjqohi", "cdjvbyl", "cdkhlsv" ], "score": [ 17, 10, 2 ], "text": [ "You are forgetting about [tallow](_URL_0_) candles, which have also been around for a long time. They are made from rendered animal fat. Candles would not have been very expensive, though the very p...
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[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tallow" ], [], [] ]
7t8u5z
Why are some of the heavier elements more common than the lighter ones in the universe?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/7t8u5z/why_are_some_of_the_heavier_elements_more_common/
{ "a_id": [ "dtawbw6" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Different elements, different methods of formation.\n\nSome of the heavier atoms [like iron] are made in every star, but a few of the lighter ones are only formed in cosmic ray collisions [ lithium, beryllium, and boron ].\n\n\n\nIf you are inter...
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[]
[ [ "https://www.google.ca/search?q=the+magic+furnace+by+marcus+chown&oq=The+Magic+Furnace%22+by+Marcus+Chown&aqs=chrome.1.69i57j0.1641j0j8&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8" ] ]
62257p
Are there any families from the Roman Republic period that survived into Late Antiquity?
I have heard that the Anicii family dated their ancestry to the Roman Republic. Is there any truth to that? Any other families?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/62257p/are_there_any_families_from_the_roman_republic/
{ "a_id": [ "dfjxc42" ], "score": [ 36 ], "text": [ "There are plenty of claims, but there is no way for modern historians to confirm any of them. The Anicii only appear in 298, when Anicius Faustus became the consul and I don't think there's any indication that they publicised their Republican he...
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8t79qv
it’s so important that we keep our hands washed, but our housecats literally touch their waste and don’t wash their paws. why is this ok?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8t79qv/eli5_its_so_important_that_we_keep_our_hands/
{ "a_id": [ "e15auqc", "e15bb8r" ], "score": [ 4, 3 ], "text": [ "Until the 20th Century it was not common for people to wash their hands so often. But we have decided that we really don't like getting sick as much as older generations, or as cats do.", "Two main reasons:\n\n1. Poop is...
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[ [], [] ]
68quet
why do some people get off on being angry all of the time? what does it do for them?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/68quet/eli5_why_do_some_people_get_off_on_being_angry/
{ "a_id": [ "dh0ls77" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Sometimes it is a defense mechanism. I've seen angry people use a general anger-filled disposition to hide insecurities and in doing so they become highly irrational. " ] }
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[ [] ]
1ukk8p
Is there a point as the temperature drops that it stops feeling colder? in other words, once a certain temperature is reached does it all just feel the same after that?
Lets assume no wind is involved.
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1ukk8p/is_there_a_point_as_the_temperature_drops_that_it/
{ "a_id": [ "cej4fna", "cej67y6", "cejbsoe", "cejqms0" ], "score": [ 45, 21, 10, 3 ], "text": [ "You don't feel temperature directly, you feel the rate at which heat leaves your body. So it really depends on the material's heat conductivity and how it's arranged as a heat s...
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[ [], [], [], [] ]
9idjun
what happens to all the bleach and washing liquids and chemicals we use. is any of it filtered out or degrades once it goes down the drain or are we simply polluting the seas?
I see a lot of warning labels saying harmful to fish etc on the labels, is the hope that it just gets diluted enough to cause no effect? Because it must be a colossal amount of chemicals we flush away from cleaning toilets and dishes to shampoos and soaps.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9idjun/eli5_what_happens_to_all_the_bleach_and_washing/
{ "a_id": [ "e6ivyxk", "e6iw05l", "e6iw363", "e6iwboz", "e6iztha" ], "score": [ 7, 4, 62, 25, 10 ], "text": [ "The quick answer is that we're polluting the seas. And the land. And the air.\n\nBut yeah, it gets diluted. Usually to the point of not being harmful, at l...
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[ [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wastewater_treatment" ], [], [] ]
4hpkmh
Were "perfume cones" a thing in ancient Egypt?
As a child, I read in one of those "101 Wacky Historical Facts"-type books that Egyptian women would put cones of scented wax on their heads, which would melt throughout the day and drip down their bodies, perfuming their skin. It popped into my head recently and I Googled around, but I can't seem to find anything defi...
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/4hpkmh/were_perfume_cones_a_thing_in_ancient_egypt/
{ "a_id": [ "d2s0yg3" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "Yes, its pretty well accepted that the yellow and white cones seen in Egyptian art from the New Kingdom are cones of fat that were meant to perfume the person as they melted. However, they were only worn in scenes where people were meant to be en...
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kr0o9
I've heard that the Y chromosome is shrinking. Is it true, and what does it mean for future generations?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/kr0o9/ive_heard_that_the_y_chromosome_is_shrinking_is/
{ "a_id": [ "c2mhxhl", "c2mnue4", "c2mqkep", "c2mhxhl", "c2mnue4", "c2mqkep" ], "score": [ 5, 2, 3, 5, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "talk presented by hhmi:\n[youtube video](_URL_0_)", "I don't think it's entirely true that the Y chromosome is shrinking. Certainly ...
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[]
[ [ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2U9rLnoyV0A" ], [ "http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v432/n7019/full/nature03021.html" ], [], [ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2U9rLnoyV0A" ], [ "http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v432/n7019/full/nature03021.html" ], [] ]
78nndn
How do we know this? - origins of elements from the periodic table. /physics/
_URL_0_
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/78nndn/how_do_we_know_this_origins_of_elements_from_the/
{ "a_id": [ "dovhv4a", "doxtvfw" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "The Big Bang created everything. As it cooled down atoms formed. Most were hydrogen. Some helium and lithium fused as well. \n\nEverything else is understanding supernovae and how stars die.. Most of those percentages are ca...
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[ "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/31/Nucleosynthesis_periodic_table.svg/2000px-Nucleosynthesis_periodic_table.svg.png" ]
[ [], [] ]
7tto2x
what is laveyan satanism
me want to know.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7tto2x/eli5what_is_laveyan_satanism/
{ "a_id": [ "dtf3jfx", "dtf8bwn", "dtfsd9p", "dtfwys6" ], "score": [ 38, 8, 5, 14 ], "text": [ "Anton LaVey basically made up a faith based on his Ideals. Taking the satan figure as a symbol of defiance from western religions.\n\nLavey did not believe in the existence of an...
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[ [], [], [], [] ]
5crn17
does software updates always increases its filesize?
Like a 60GB game, when patched/updated with a 1GB update. Is it going to be 61GB permanently until it gets updated again? Is it the same thing for Operating Systems like Android and Windows 10, for applications, etc?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5crn17/eli5_does_software_updates_always_increases_its/
{ "a_id": [ "d9ysxzd" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "No, sometimes a file is overwritten. So as long as the original file isn't saved as a backup, there's a chance that a 60gb game with a 12gb update will likely stay 60gb.\n\nIf a more efficient code is produced, you can get lower file sizes. Somet...
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3d7h5s
how is it possible that 50 cent who made $100 million from the sale of vitamin water, is bankrupt?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3d7h5s/eli5_how_is_it_possible_that_50_cent_who_made_100/
{ "a_id": [ "ct2i6fu" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Saw a comment before that said some woman is trying to sue him for $5 million for who knows fucking what. They said its his business side and not his personal side. So he is still super rich, at least from what I know so far" ] }
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[ [] ]
3qf59h
How was lumber in the middle ages measured and cut?
I'd like to imagine that even before very precise tools, we liked our buildings straight and square. How did humans measure and cut lumber in the middle ages to meet these needs?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/3qf59h/how_was_lumber_in_the_middle_ages_measured_and_cut/
{ "a_id": [ "cwevmva" ], "score": [ 13 ], "text": [ "Indeed, medievals liked their timber as square and smooth as we do. \n\nI love [this manuscript illustration](_URL_12_), which comes from the [Bedford Hours](_URL_8_), a prayer book from ~1423 CE. It is supposed to depict the building of Noah's ...
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[]
[ [ "http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ef8tgk3bEB0/VM_0ibIjRrI/AAAAAAAAGT4/MU82tzvZySg/s1600/2015-02-02_225727.jpg", "http://books.google.com/books?hl=fr&id=4MG3AAAAIAAJ&redir_esc=y", "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1w29oq/the_primitive_forms_of_sanding_wood/cey29wb", "https:/...
2nt0uy
how did "a/an" evolve from "one"?
The words "a" and "an" mean the same as "one". So how did this words come to replace "one"? They seem to be pretty far apart from each other
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2nt0uy/eli5_how_did_aan_evolve_from_one/
{ "a_id": [ "cmgmyqb" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "It happened the other way around. Beyond that... let's talk about a few things about how the English Language developed. (This being ELI5, I'm oversimplifying a little bit because the *full* version is more complicated and, not being a specialist...
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[ [] ]
698ohr
finding and moving specific genes between organisms
How do scientists know which gene is which and how can it be moved into another organisms DNA?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/698ohr/eli5_finding_and_moving_specific_genes_between/
{ "a_id": [ "dh4nyja" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "Biology PhD student here. In the interest in ELI5ness and not writing a wall of text no one wants to read, I'll write an overview and let you ask if you want to me elaborate more on how any particular part actually works.\n\n**Finding the gene:**...
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[]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polymerase_chain_reaction" ] ]
1fmxfv
Who were the first Jamestown colonists? How were they selected?
There were 105 men in addition to the 39 crewmen on the three ships that settled Jamestown in 1607. Who were these men that they would leave civilization and brave the unknown? Did they pay to be there, or were they paid to be there? Were they unskilled laborers or craftsmen, commoner or gentry?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1fmxfv/who_were_the_first_jamestown_colonists_how_were/
{ "a_id": [ "cabvq8q", "cabzbsx" ], "score": [ 9, 2 ], "text": [ "While I can't speak to the specific members of the crew that first founded Jamestown, the initial motivations of colonists in the first half of the 17th century were as follows: \n\na) For the rich: A quick profit - either f...
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[ [], [] ]
7l1grd
Does dust/particles on the glass affect space telescopes significantly and how is this problem addressed?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/7l1grd/does_dustparticles_on_the_glass_affect_space/
{ "a_id": [ "drit0x3" ], "score": [ 65 ], "text": [ "In general, no, dust on the mirror doesn't really affect the image produced by a telescope.\n\nMost telescopes are focused at infinity, so a speck of dust sitting on the mirror won't actually be in the image plane. All it does is *very* slightly...
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[ [ "https://i.imgur.com/m0BzMkh.jpg" ] ]
ao9ml0
I've asked all over Reddit for help identifying this unknown object. Recently, someone said it was part of a WWII Cryptography Radio. Someone else commented that since it may have historical significance, I should ask for help here.
Album of pictures of the unknown object: _URL_0_ Like I said, I've asked all kinds of different subreddits about this object already, including /r/whatisthisthing, /r/ww2, /r/amateurradio, etc. They're pretty much all stumped. So, I figured I'd ask historical experts in hopes than one of you may know something about i...
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/ao9ml0/ive_asked_all_over_reddit_for_help_identifying/
{ "a_id": [ "eg0uip1", "eg11san", "eg2heiw" ], "score": [ 4, 9, 3 ], "text": [ "It looks like there was some kind of handle that selected between \"Voice\" and \"Tone\". The CAD files don't show that detail. Does that mounting seem to do anything inside?", "My father is a radio...
[]
[ "https://imgur.com/a/5cM7SrE" ]
[ [], [], [] ]
5nigf4
why do web pages viewed on mobile devices keep changing layout as they load, and then change again just as you try to tap a link after it seems like they were finished loading?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5nigf4/eli5_why_do_web_pages_viewed_on_mobile_devices/
{ "a_id": [ "dcbrt3r" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "Main reason is asymetric loading of elements and bad programming. \nIn detail: The main goal of a mobile page is to load as fast as possible. \n\nThere are certain methods to achieve this. The two most important (for your question) are: \n1)...
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1ww4u3
Why do amputees feel a part of the body even though it is physically not present?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1ww4u3/why_do_amputees_feel_a_part_of_the_body_even/
{ "a_id": [ "cf5z01s" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "It's called 'phantom limb syndrom' and is thought to be related to the the somatosensory system (the neuronal system that senses pain, amongst other things). It's currently thought that this system does not readjust appropriately when a limb is a...
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[ [] ]
orhyg
The charger for my electric toothbrush has no metal parts that touch the toothbrush. How does it recharge?
It's an all plastic base and plastic bottom of the toothbrush
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/orhyg/the_charger_for_my_electric_toothbrush_has_no/
{ "a_id": [ "c3jhuza" ], "score": [ 28 ], "text": [ "Through [magnetic induction](_URL_0_). It's the same mechanism for [transformers](_URL_2_), the electrical circuits of which are not physically connected either. See [this diagram of a simple transformer](_URL_1_).\n\nBasically, the electricity ...
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[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electromagnetic_induction", "http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/64/Transformer3d_col3.svg", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transformer" ] ]
ovzxs
Do you get your memories back after electroconvulsive therapy?
If someone has retrograde amnesia as a result of ETC, do they usually regain some of their lost memories in time? Or is the memory loss permanent? And not the immediate "waking up from surgery" amnesia, but the amnesia that appears during the weeks between treatments.
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/ovzxs/do_you_get_your_memories_back_after/
{ "a_id": [ "c3khhlx" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "With our current methods of ECT, memory loss is quite common. There are a lot of complex idiosyncrasies and variables that play into the pattern and permanence of memory loss (i.e., age, bilateral vs. unilateral ECT, number of ECT treatments, ps...
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[ [] ]
27u6us
How did the early advocates for LGBTQ rights in the US begin pushing their case? What were the methods of the earliest advocacy groups?
To clarify, who did the groups appeal to, raise funds, etc.? I'm curious as to how the movement began its efforts, so I can then try to understand how it gained strength and changed those methods! Thanks!
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/27u6us/how_did_the_early_advocates_for_lgbtq_rights_in/
{ "a_id": [ "ci4ipiw" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Great question! Before I get into it, I want to provide a little context. I've talked quite a bit on here about different understandings of 'homosexuality' throughout history. How sexuality was understood and conceptualized has changed dramatical...
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[ [] ]
9j1v8d
how did the original mathematicians prove their formulas and theories, and to who?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9j1v8d/eli5_how_did_the_original_mathematicians_prove/
{ "a_id": [ "e6o280g", "e6o681i" ], "score": [ 7, 2 ], "text": [ "To their own community of academics. But how far back are we talking? Ancient greece? Renaissance? Isaac Newton era?", "Originally, they wouldn't. Or at least they would rely on intuition, self-evidence, or consensus. An...
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[ [], [] ]
15wexw
How are we self aware? What does our self awareness come from?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/15wexw/how_are_we_self_aware_what_does_our_self/
{ "a_id": [ "c7qfn5w", "c7qh0rg", "c7qj3xg" ], "score": [ 14, 6, 2 ], "text": [ "This is an awesome question, and one that straddles the line between science and philosophy. The real answer is \"we don't know\" and there are fascinating arguments for multiple viewpoints (including...
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[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mind%E2%80%93body_problem" ], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hard_problem_of_consciousness" ], [ "http://www.cs.indiana.edu/ftp/techreports/TR130.pdf" ] ]
1kh18l
why guitar hero / rockband died.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1kh18l/eli5_why_guitar_hero_rockband_died/
{ "a_id": [ "cbouiep" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "IMO it's because there isn't much room to expand on the core gameplay. Sure you can add more songs, but are you willing to spend another $50+ dollars on basically the same game? Not to mention that the equipment (guitar, drumset, etc.) can also...
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192zgt
Were the Romans cynical about their downfall (or perceived downfall) as (some) tend to be today in America? Was there any "sky is falling" moments or movements?
I'm not limiting this to the actual downfall of Rome, I mean, were there Romans who threw in the towel earlier, citing their then present trends?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/192zgt/were_the_romans_cynical_about_their_downfall_or/
{ "a_id": [ "c8kbeef", "c8kbr1l", "c8kc1v0", "c8kc5s6", "c8kcmm4", "c8kfyi0", "c8kh48u", "c8kkmmm" ], "score": [ 56, 17, 7, 5, 134, 9, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "There is a large difference in response to this based on where in Rome you were at the t...
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[ [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/25010639?uid=3737536&uid=2&uid=4&sid=21101715940421", "http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Plutarch/Lives/Cato_Major*.html" ], [ "http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Cassius_Dio/72*.html" ...
3ocqyn
Was classical music by German composers less popular after World War II?
If more specifics are required to give a reasonable answer, this is how I would ideally narrow down the question, but outside information would be neat as well: **Did American symphony orchestras program fewer pieces by Richard Strauss, Richard Wagner, Gustav Mahler, or Johannes Brahms after 1942 explicitly because of...
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/3ocqyn/was_classical_music_by_german_composers_less/
{ "a_id": [ "cvw3i45" ], "score": [ 31 ], "text": [ "Not talking about symphony, because the real drama is at the opera, c'mon! The Metropolitan opera had been performing German-language opera since the 1880s. During 1914-17 the Met did German opera as usual, but when the US entered WWI in late 19...
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[ [ "http://archives.metoperafamily.org/archives/scripts/cgiip.exe/WService=BibSpeed/gisrch31.r?Term=1944-45&limit=5000&xBranch=ALL&xmtype=&xsdate=&xedate=&theterm=1944-45&xhome=http://archives.metoperafamily.org/archives/bibpro.htm&xhomepath=http://archives.metoperafamily.org/arch...
2vvubw
how did calling shotgun for a vehicle's front passenger seat begin? where did it come from?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2vvubw/eli5_how_did_calling_shotgun_for_a_vehicles_front/
{ "a_id": [ "colc52s", "colc6gu" ], "score": [ 27, 8 ], "text": [ "The term calling \"Shotgun\" came from when stage coaches would transport money from bank to bank like in the old west movies. The person in the passenger seat would be holding a shotgun for defense against robbers.", "...
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[ [], [] ]
2yecbg
how can my computer distinguish between my wifi and my neighbors wifi if they are both running on 2.4 ghz?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2yecbg/eli5_how_can_my_computer_distinguish_between_my/
{ "a_id": [ "cp8qupt" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "It isn't just your router! every Wifi device is listening and broadcasting to everything! It is really chaotic at the signal level. There are several tricks wifi routers use to get around this\n\n1 collision avoidance - the devices actively tr...
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1tfyjm
Can humans be predisposed to enjoying warmer or cooler environments?
Are there established biological or psychological differences between individuals who have a declared preference for overly warm climates versus overly cool climates? If so what are they?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1tfyjm/can_humans_be_predisposed_to_enjoying_warmer_or/
{ "a_id": [ "ce7nxxv" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "I've coupled several articles to get this conclusion, and therefore it could be a simplified conclusion: A person with two short (homozygotes) alleles of the upstream regulating region of the serotoninreceptor encoding gene (5-HTT) are likely to ...
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jc4m7
Under what conditions does matter emit light?
If you can answer I would be eternally grateful. Let me know if I phrased the question naively. I couldn't decide between this phrasing and "What kind(s) of matter emit light?"
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/jc4m7/under_what_conditions_does_matter_emit_light/
{ "a_id": [ "c2axg7v", "c2axg7v" ], "score": [ 3, 3 ], "text": [ "As far as I'm aware, in order for light (or other electromagnetic radiation) to come into being, an electrostatically charged particle needs to either *a) accelerate*, or *b) transition between states with different energies...
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ewe288
How much was crusader governance and culture in the Kingdom of Jerusalem influenced by local customs?
Was there feudalism like in Europe? I am a Jerusalem-born Frank, would I live more or less the same as my relatives in Paris or would I go to the Hammam and eat falafel (perhaps anachronistic)?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/ewe288/how_much_was_crusader_governance_and_culture_in/
{ "a_id": [ "fg410ur" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "This is what I study in the real world, and partially what my thesis is about, so there’s a lot to say about it! Hopefully this answer doesn’t go on and on forever…I think I've written most of this in previous answers, so here they are, all colle...
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1a8vbh
What would it take for scientists or doctors to be able to see what a human is currently thinking?
Say you're in a lab, hooked up to this machine and the scientist says "think of a happy memory" and as you see it in your head and the scientist also sees it on a screen. What would it take for this to become real?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1a8vbh/what_would_it_take_for_scientists_or_doctors_to/
{ "a_id": [ "c8v584v" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "We don't know yet -- that's what makes it research!\n\nThere are many people working on [brain-computer interfaces](_URL_1_) to try to develop algorithms to 'decode' brain activity. At this point, however, the outputs that can be measured are rel...
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[ [ "http://abcnews.go.com/Health/MindMoodNews/scientists-youtube-videos-mind/story?id=14573442", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brain%E2%80%93computer_interface" ] ]
4fflx8
why is president obamas amnesty executive order being brought before the supreme court?
Didn't Reagan and Bush senior do similar things? Why are we now questioning the constitutionality (SP?). Obama himself said he wasn't sure it was within the scope of presidential power.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4fflx8/eli5_why_is_president_obamas_amnesty_executive/
{ "a_id": [ "d28gksh", "d28jzaw" ], "score": [ 4, 2 ], "text": [ "Reagan amnesty was a lawful compromise with Congress, tax cuts for so many immigrants. I am not familiar with any Bush amnesty so I decline to remark. Obama's executive amnesty otoh is a complete go around of Congress. E...
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305cka
what incentivizes companies to raise wages?
It seems right now, that one of the big economic issues is stagnant wages. What causes companies to increase wages? Why aren't companies increasing wages right now?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/305cka/eli5_what_incentivizes_companies_to_raise_wages/
{ "a_id": [ "cpp8em2", "cppdzau", "cppghqp" ], "score": [ 19, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "When labor is short in supply, companies must increase wages to attract workers.\n\nYou can see this in (pre-oil-bust) Alberta, Canada. You can get paid $15/hr to be a Barista in Fort McMurray, while a...
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[ [], [], [] ]
30r8kp
how does executive order qualify as constitutional and fall in line with the system of checks and balances?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/30r8kp/eli5_how_does_executive_order_qualify_as/
{ "a_id": [ "cpv11jf", "cpv1c0n", "cpv4cxo" ], "score": [ 5, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Executive orders (at least in theory) don't grant the executive branch more powers, they work within the powers already granted to the President by the Constitution or by Congress. The courts can overru...
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[ [], [], [] ]
26oa7m
why does the face of a golf club have lines on it?
Do the lines serve a purpose, or is it just for looks?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/26oa7m/eli5_why_does_the_face_of_a_golf_club_have_lines/
{ "a_id": [ "chsws8x", "chswsjl" ], "score": [ 6, 2 ], "text": [ "The grooves are cut into the face of the club to increase the grip between the ball and the face. The puts a controlled spin on the ball, which makes the ball travel in a predictable path.\n\nIf the ball does not have a cont...
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70deyt
what's the difference when a medication commercial says a child under 6 can't take it, and kids 6-18 should not take it?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/70deyt/eli5_whats_the_difference_when_a_medication/
{ "a_id": [ "dn2bf2i" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Pediatric medication is weight-based, so for many medications, the dosage strength would have to be severely diluted to be usable for young children to avoid overdose. This is why certain drugs are good for certain age groups of children - the we...
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3vyden
why do my ears tickle/itch when listening with headphones?
I notice that when I use over-the-ear headphones, that my ear canal will start to tickle/itch, and after I scratch it once it's usually fine. curious what is causing this, is the sound vibrations causing a reaction to the area?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3vyden/eli5_why_do_my_ears_tickleitch_when_listening/
{ "a_id": [ "cxrsqqk", "cxrvurl", "cxrw3ep" ], "score": [ 3, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "I'm not a doctor, yet, but every time I have experienced something similar to this, and found that I have the option of \"scratching\" it as best I can or turning down the volume. I think that the itch ...
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2dkmqt
why do you say "a european" and not "an european"
Aren't you supposed to use "an" if the first letter of the next word is a vowel?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2dkmqt/eli5why_do_you_say_a_european_and_not_an_european/
{ "a_id": [ "cjqdezf", "cjqdflc", "cjqeooo" ], "score": [ 16, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "You use an when the beginning *sounds* like a vowel regardless of if it is one. European starts with a \"y\" sound which in this case counts as a consonant.\n\nEdit: another example you would say \"an ...
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21rp2j
why is pre-made food cheaper than the ingredients?
Why is it that frozen pizza is cheaper than the ingredients separately? I understand that they use sub-par ingredients, but why can't I buy these sub-par ingredients?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/21rp2j/eli5_why_is_premade_food_cheaper_than_the/
{ "a_id": [ "cgfuwx2", "cgfvq7o" ], "score": [ 2, 7 ], "text": [ "If you could buy an entire truck-full of tomatoes and wheat, you could probably make pizzas for less. You'd have to make a lot of pizzas though to make it worthwhile.\n\nCosto/Sams Club/BJs work on this model, though it's no...
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4t55cv
how long do you have to stop drinking for your tolerance to alcohol to go down to that of a new drinker's?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4t55cv/eli5how_long_do_you_have_to_stop_drinking_for/
{ "a_id": [ "d5ena4r", "d5end6q", "d5eqwg5", "d5eswwg", "d5evrew" ], "score": [ 5, 6, 24, 218, 8 ], "text": [ "I tried searching google but found nothing concrete. ", "In my personal experience, if I'm taking a break from a drug to let my tolerance build back up...
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[ [], [], [], [], [ "http://alcoholrehab.com/alcoholism/alcoholic-wet-brain/" ] ]
7z4n0m
in determining blood type, the o allele is recessive to both the a and b alleles. why is it then that o is the most common blood type and it's prevalence hasn't declined?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7z4n0m/eli5_in_determining_blood_type_the_o_allele_is/
{ "a_id": [ "dulat9f", "dulb5u3", "dum7ds0" ], "score": [ 8, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "So this is an interesting question. If I recall correctly from school, type O is what the earliest people had (postulated). Over time mutations have occurred leading to difference surface antigens like ...
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102kan
The big bang theory is the accepted theory for the genesis of the universe. I've always accepted and (I thought) understood this as a scientific theory. How does this theory justify/explain the creation of something (spacetime, matter) out of essentially nothing?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/102kan/the_big_bang_theory_is_the_accepted_theory_for/
{ "a_id": [ "c69uo18", "c69uqca" ], "score": [ 3, 10 ], "text": [ "We don't know. Our models of physics go back to just after the big bang. They cannot explain the state of matter at the moment of (just before) the big bang - in part because physics as we understand it didn't exist before ...
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8cjfe8
what does it mean when a cough “moves into your chest”? was it somewhere else before?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8cjfe8/eli5_what_does_it_mean_when_a_cough_moves_into/
{ "a_id": [ "dxgcb3j" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "People generally say that in references to colds.A “cold” is a blanket term for any viral infection of the nose and throat. In the early stages of a cold, your body is fighting the cold directly and most of the symptoms are in your sinuses, nose,...
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[ [] ]
140aig
Is there any evolutionary benefits other than sexual selection in having blue or green eyes instead of brown?
And other than Caucasian is there any examples known other than those of mixed race with Caucasian that have had the mutation that causes blue or green eyes?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/140aig/is_there_any_evolutionary_benefits_other_than/
{ "a_id": [ "c78qh0d", "c78r05o", "c78wr00" ], "score": [ 32, 17, 2 ], "text": [ "Like skin tone, lighter eye color is simply a reflection of lower pigmentation (less melanin). As with many genes, if those genes that influence eye color can mutate to less active forms without dicou...
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[ [], [], [] ]
2wbty1
why do these videos of opening kinder eggs receive hundreds of millions of views.
The highest viewed video on the channel has over 250 million views. _URL_1_ Whilst multiple videos on the channel have tens of millions of views. _URL_0_
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2wbty1/eli5_why_do_these_videos_of_opening_kinder_eggs/
{ "a_id": [ "copd2g3" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Because kids love to watch them being open and seeing what surprises are in them, even if they aren't getting the toy." ] }
[]
[ "https://www.youtube.com/user/SurpriseToys/videos?flow=grid&view=0&sort=p", "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QG4n3-rKTs" ]
[ [] ]
21fm7t
what's the difference between embezzlement and theft?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/21fm7t/eli5_whats_the_difference_between_embezzlement/
{ "a_id": [ "cgcjr2m", "cgck3r6" ], "score": [ 8, 6 ], "text": [ "Embezzlement is taking funds that you been entrusted with, and converting them to your own use. Theft is just taking property to which you are not entitled.\n\nSo, Janice is a teller at a bank. She's required to keep a drawe...
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7l4v0f
Would I measure the generated magnetic field of a charged particle, if I am moving alongside with it?
Stationary charges do not generate a magnetic field, but ones with velocity do. So as far as I understand, this velocity is in regard to the one measuring the effect - therefore my question is what would I measure if I have the same velocity as the particle?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/7l4v0f/would_i_measure_the_generated_magnetic_field_of_a/
{ "a_id": [ "drks6dw" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "The fields produced by a point electric charge moving arbitrarily are given [here](_URL_0_). If you assume that the particle has no magnetic moments, these are the only fields it will produce. If you look at the magnetic field equation, it looks ...
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[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liénard–Wiechert_potential" ] ]
26p1cs
What are the best books or online resources for acquiring a pre-Federalist Papers understanding of the debates of the United States Constitutional Convention?
Are there any documents such as unedited transcripts of debates, letters or publications from the time that describe the process without reference to the Federalist Papers. What I'm looking for is an understanding that would enable someone to say upon reading the Federalist Papers for the first time, "so this is the ...
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/26p1cs/what_are_the_best_books_or_online_resources_for/
{ "a_id": [ "cht3tfr", "cht8ej9", "chteheb", "chttqnp" ], "score": [ 12, 5, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "The [Avalon Project](_URL_2_) at Yale is one place where you can find many of primary sources related to the topic you are interested in. \n\nIn addition, [this website](_URL_0_) ...
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[ [ "http://www.let.rug.nl/usa/documents/", "http://oll.libertyfund.org/", "http://avalon.law.yale.edu/default.asp" ], [], [ "http://teachingamericanhistory.org/convention/debates/" ], [ "http://founders.archives.gov" ] ]
6t17ap
why are france and spain 1 hour ahead of the uk when part of those countries are directly below us?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6t17ap/eli5_why_are_france_and_spain_1_hour_ahead_of_the/
{ "a_id": [ "dlh2d1d", "dlh5evb" ], "score": [ 4, 21 ], "text": [ "Because, logistically, it is easier for them to be on the same timezone as the rest of Europe.", "Because Nazis.\n\nThey used to be in the same time zone as the UK. But then when the Nazis took over France in WW2, they ...
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2dj4xx
if we can achieve every existing color by mixing the basic ones, why do cymk and rgb look different?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2dj4xx/eli5_if_we_can_achieve_every_existing_color_by/
{ "a_id": [ "cjpyps7" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Red, green, and blue (RGB) are the primary colors for **light (i.e., additive color)**. In this case, \"black\" is the absence of any light, and \"white\" is 100% of all three colors.\n\nCyan, yellow, and magenta (CYM) are the primary colors for...
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1d0d3a
Any good books on Stone Age?
I am looking for a book about Stone Age, like "Stone Age for Dummies". The book should cover all of the stone age and the book should be popular. I am not a historian or archaeologist, and so I am looking for a "For Dummies" type of book.
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1d0d3a/any_good_books_on_stone_age/
{ "a_id": [ "c9lo909" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Although it is not a book about the Stone Age, Ian Morris's book *Why the West Rules -- for Now* spends several chapters on prehistory as part of a sweeping treatment of the entire history of East and West.\n\nOtherwise, I suggest asking this on ...
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3mkayv
why do people have the urge to grab cute babies' cheeks and smush their face?
I don't see the evolutionary advantage to this!
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3mkayv/eli5_why_do_people_have_the_urge_to_grab_cute/
{ "a_id": [ "cvfoet5" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "[This article explains why.](_URL_0_) TL;DR \"Cute Aggression\" is the brains response that could be protective, or a way of venting extreme feelings of giddiness and happiness" ] }
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[ [ "http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/cuteness-inspires-aggression/" ] ]
60bkcj
the concept of wells/underground water. is there just water everywhere beneath our feet that we can access as long as we dig/drill far enough down?
Update: Wow! Thanks for the responses everyone. I'm currently visiting my sister in Arizona and on a desert jeep tour was told that one of the original landowners in the Sedona area had to drill 1000 feet to reach water which sparked my curiosity. Only had an occasional few moments after posting to check back in but I ...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/60bkcj/eli5_the_concept_of_wellsunderground_water_is/
{ "a_id": [ "df5058e", "df512vk", "df519m2", "df55xbg", "df56xxa", "df57h1m", "df584yv", "df59ohn", "df5gg03", "df5m8hf", "df5n1ge", "df5sbb6", "df5y3mx", "df5yihh", "df607sv", "df62g2t", "df6n5k5" ], "score": [ 22, 6, 2665, 16, ...
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[ [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://scans.bgs.ac.uk/sobi_scans/boreholes/790558/images/14959295.html" ], [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.mercurynews.com/2014/03/29/california-drought-san-joaquin-valley-sinking-as-farmers-race-to-tap-aquifer/" ], [ "http://www.vancouversun.com/untamed+t...
1cpatw
was there a large difference between various Native American tribe creation myths?
Every society has a creation myth, it seems. I wondered if different tribes of Native Americans had largely different creation myths or if the myths were mostly the same, or if they all shared the same creation myth.
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1cpatw/was_there_a_large_difference_between_various/
{ "a_id": [ "c9irwbv" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Most tribes had their own unique myths but most of these myths shared many common themes. In North America in particular, a common theme is the idea of humans climing out of a dark, shadowy underworld into the earth. In this view life originated ...
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