q_id
stringlengths
5
6
title
stringlengths
3
301
selftext
stringlengths
0
39.2k
document
stringclasses
1 value
subreddit
stringclasses
3 values
url
stringlengths
4
132
answers
dict
title_urls
list
selftext_urls
list
answers_urls
list
3efeq2
Do we track all activity in space? Would we notice if alien life puts a satellite between our satellites?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/3efeq2/do_we_track_all_activity_in_space_would_we_notice/
{ "a_id": [ "ctefs8m", "ctefxdu" ], "score": [ 6, 7 ], "text": [ "Unlikely. We've [lost satellites](_URL_0_) and won't be able to recover them until we work out where they are and can direct a transmission at them specifically.\n\nThat suggests we don't have full view of the sky so an alie...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Cometary_Explorer#Reboot_effort" ], [] ]
513dzc
when and why did natural things that everyone does like peeing become a private thing?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/513dzc/eli5when_and_why_did_natural_things_that_everyone/
{ "a_id": [ "d78ztzh", "d78zurm" ], "score": [ 2, 153 ], "text": [ "When close knit civilization started. It's unsanitary and can breed a myriad of different deadly diseases. It's better to do it away from people. Through doing it away from people, it became \"private\" due to a cultural t...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1r8evg
How did World War II impact the experiences of African Americans?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1r8evg/how_did_world_war_ii_impact_the_experiences_of/
{ "a_id": [ "cdmgb7f" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "It impacted the lives of African Americans on multiple levels. Most historians put the emphasis on the military involvement of the black population: overture in officialdom, acceptance of A-A in the Air Corps, change of rules in the selective ser...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
tmxu4
what happens when they say Einstein equations "break down"?
I have been reading a lot of books on astrophysics. In those books people say when u combine general relativity with string theory or something along those lines the equations "break down". My question is what does that mean in Layman's terms and the real math that goes with it. bonus question: I really want to be som...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/tmxu4/what_happens_when_they_say_einstein_equations/
{ "a_id": [ "c4nzldv" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "The [Einstein Field Equation](_URL_0_) takes a description of energy (including mass) and tells you how to describe the curvature of spacetime around that energy. ***But***, when we want to put in the description of energy for a quantum particle,...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Einstein_field_equation", "http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/l3hjc/would_it_be_possible_or_perhaps_even_likely_that/c2pi6kk" ] ]
5m0vac
How common were misspellings or grammatical errors in old (Greek, Roman, Midieval Europe, etc) texts?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/5m0vac/how_common_were_misspellings_or_grammatical/
{ "a_id": [ "dbzzu1z" ], "score": [ 11 ], "text": [ "I have been learning how to do paleographical work on Latin Medieval manuscripts since August. If we are taking Ciceronian Latin as the standard, every Medieval manuscript I have looked at so far has diverged from that standard in spelling and g...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
7660jz
how does does drum sheet music work with all the different types of percussion in a drum kit?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7660jz/eli5_how_does_does_drum_sheet_music_work_with_all/
{ "a_id": [ "dobkcgu" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "There are some standard conventions, like in a 5-line staff, the lowest space is the bass drum, two spaces above that is the snare, and cymbals are written above the staff with an 'x' instead of a circle.\n\nHere's a blog that explains those basi...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://takelessons.com/blog/how-to-read-drum-sheet-music", "http://fileserver.freehandmusic.netdna-cdn.com/preview/530x4/wilson/wpawp827dms.png" ] ]
bpz9d8
why do mobile devices perform better when wifi takes over cellular but not the other way around?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bpz9d8/eli5_why_do_mobile_devices_perform_better_when/
{ "a_id": [ "enz91a8" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "The trigger when you go from wifi to cell is because the wifi signal is so bad. The trigger from going cell to WiFi is because wifi exists, assuming it's always better. One is intentional. The other is a failure to connect. So of course ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
tisoe
why foods general taste better cooked on low heat and slowly rather than high heat and quickly
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/tisoe/eli5_why_foods_general_taste_better_cooked_on_low/
{ "a_id": [ "c4n0fg9" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "[Alton Brown explains it pretty well in this episode](_URL_0_)." ] }
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZ2Uj_3v6Dw" ] ]
kzh28
Vaccine conspiracy theories and hard science.
I am girding my loins to bring up vaccination with my non-vaccinating in-laws (their daughter is unvaccinated at 5). I previously posted [this](_URL_0_) hoping to get some other thoughts on vaccines in general. **Note:** They do not believe the autism/vaccine link and are generally evidence based, educated people. They...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/kzh28/vaccine_conspiracy_theories_and_hard_science/
{ "a_id": [ "c2oiktu", "c2oilbq", "c2oin1e", "c2oip2r", "c2ois1u", "c2oj6ie", "c2ojdoa", "c2ol723", "c2onjk7", "c2oowd0", "c2oiktu", "c2oilbq", "c2oin1e", "c2oip2r", "c2ois1u", "c2oj6ie", "c2ojdoa", "c2ol723", "c2onjk7", "c2oowd0" ], ...
[]
[ "http://www.reddit.com/r/TrueReddit/comments/hi5va/new_study_nations_requiring_the_most_vaccines/" ]
[ [], [], [], [ "http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19948578", "http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21881549", "http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21700236", "http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21677008", "http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21666213" ], [], [ "http://www.cdc.gov/rab...
8kgtuz
when trying to delete a file, why can't your pc tell you what programs it's open in?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8kgtuz/eli5_when_trying_to_delete_a_file_why_cant_your/
{ "a_id": [ "dz7jruk", "dz7rpxs", "dz7te5f" ], "score": [ 10, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "Because nobody designed the file management interface to do that.\n\nSeriously; it should be dead simple to do. When you attempt to delete a file, the OS checks to see if the locked bit is set. Howev...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
35dyed
If up quarks and down quarks create protons and neutrons, which make atoms, which make elements, what do other quarks end up making?
Are there any examples of what, say, strange/charm quarks might create that could be experienced in daily life, if there aren't, how did we come to know of their existence?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/35dyed/if_up_quarks_and_down_quarks_create_protons_and/
{ "a_id": [ "cr3izn1", "cr3ja9c", "cr3ti3k" ], "score": [ 62, 8, 10 ], "text": [ "[Here](_URL_1_) and [here](_URL_0_) are lists of baryons and mesons, which are particles made out of 3 and 2 quarks, respectively. Only protons and neutrons are stable (and neutrons are only stable in...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_mesons", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_baryons" ], [], [] ]
3j5jr2
Can sound be trapped?
Title says it all.
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/3j5jr2/can_sound_be_trapped/
{ "a_id": [ "cumhjpj", "cumjx34", "cun5dkq", "cun7fmp" ], "score": [ 5, 6, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "Sound is a physical wave i.e. it moves and then causes things to vibrate.\nSound therefore could conceivably be trapped in an echo chamber type thing however it wouldnt last long a...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "https://youtu.be/pktWhH6m_DM" ] ]
c92i5c
If we could poll US Colonials in 1776 what percent would have been in favor of the Declaration of Independence?
I have always been curious about the extent of support there was in Colonial America at the Continental Congress. I assume there would be many who wanted independence but no a bloody war, some who would fight, some who were happy to stay part of the UK, and those who did not care one way or the other. How would these g...
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/c92i5c/if_we_could_poll_us_colonials_in_1776_what/
{ "a_id": [ "estkxrp" ], "score": [ 8 ], "text": [ "I have seen numbers as Pro-independence, 40-45%, Loyalists, 10-15% and the rest undecided, dithering, and trying to keep out of it. About 200,000 soldiers served in the Continental army, out of a total population of 2.5 million. Once you drop wom...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
otf0x
Can you distinguish between the effect antidepressants have on people suffering from depression and other people?
Being unaware of what happens neurochemically within a depressed brain, I wonder whether you can distinguish between the effect of antidepressants on depressed individuals and non-depressed individual? Are there even differences in what happens or is it sufficient to view depression as the outcome of "imbalances" with...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/otf0x/can_you_distinguish_between_the_effect/
{ "a_id": [ "c3jw7sx", "c3k0p11" ], "score": [ 4, 4 ], "text": [ "Distinguish how? Behaviorally? I'm not sure what you mean. Anti-depressants are prescribed for a host of things other than depression (e.g., headache, sexual disorders, etc). Btw, there is no evidence of a \"chemical imb...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
37e0ta
how do places legally get schedule 1 drugs for clinical trials?
Every now and then you see a news article about MDMA or LSD or mushrooms being evaluated for treating depression, PTSD, whatever. Are all these trials exclusively outside of the US? Do researchers ask the DEA for permission? If so do they then make the drugs themselves or is there a facility that does manufacture ...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/37e0ta/eli5_how_do_places_legally_get_schedule_1_drugs/
{ "a_id": [ "crlw3kg" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "If the trial have been approved by the FDA, NIH and the DEA (a very expensive and time consuming process). The researchers are entitled to purchase the otherwise illegal drugs from regulated chemical suppliers (e.g. Sigma-Aldrich--pro, your drug ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2x7oqk
why don't boats/submarines/planes have gearboxes?
It seems that only cars and motorbikes have gearbox. Why don't propeller planes/boats and submarines have a Transmission? Wouldn't it allow better fuel consumption for the same amount of power output?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2x7oqk/eli5_why_dont_boatssubmarinesplanes_have_gearboxes/
{ "a_id": [ "coxnen1", "coxq7c9", "coy58jg" ], "score": [ 3, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Boats do have gearboxes. Mainly they have reduction gears that step down the high RPM's of the engine to the lower RPM's that are manageable by the prop in the water. ", "Just a clarification I'd ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
qhvge
is there anyway to "clean" a body of still water
I have a strong fondness for a local pseudo-river unfortunately it looks like sewer water its not filled with trash just algae and the other things that come with being still. its man-made and is filled with ducks and has a few turtles. is there any way to make it a little clearer without harming the animals? doesnt ne...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/qhvge/is_there_anyway_to_clean_a_body_of_still_water/
{ "a_id": [ "c3xq1ji" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "sounds like a good use for a bubbler/aerator." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
146kua
Is aerobraking feasible?
Yes, it's from a science fiction book, but I was reading Red Mars by Kim Stanley Robinson, and they describe a way of slowing down a spaceship via aerobraking, basically bringing the spaceship in a trajectory that will have it skim the atmosphere of a planet and then hop back out, slowing down the spacecraft and using ...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/146kua/is_aerobraking_feasible/
{ "a_id": [ "c7ab2v7" ], "score": [ 15 ], "text": [ "Absolutely.\n\nEvery entry vehicle that has ever made it to the surface of a planet that has an atmosphere has used aerobraking. That's obviously not what you mean, though. Even some planetary orbiters have used aerobraking to get into orbit. Se...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mars_Reconnaissance_Orbiter" ] ]
bgmgpc
how can alcoholic drinks claim to have only 3 carbs at 170 calories per serving but zero grams of fat or protein?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bgmgpc/eli5_how_can_alcoholic_drinks_claim_to_have_only/
{ "a_id": [ "elly75o", "ellz86l" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ "12 calories is from the carbs. The other 158 is from the alcohol, which has 7 cal per gram iirc.", "Alcohol has calories, 7 calories per gram. A 12 oz beer that is 5% ABV contains about 14 grams of alcohol which is abou...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1z6iz2
Why do we use RGB displays instead of RGY?
Just curious! I've also heard some things about RGBW displays too!
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1z6iz2/why_do_we_use_rgb_displays_instead_of_rgy/
{ "a_id": [ "cfr1d2w", "cfr6rrc", "cfr9w4s", "cfrady2" ], "score": [ 23, 5, 2, 4 ], "text": [ "Displays use additive color schemes while pigments use subtractive color. The cone cells in the eye are sensitive to colored light and the three cones peak in sensitivity around R...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CIE_1931_color_space" ], [], [], [] ]
3ekmh9
why can one not text or export a slow motion video from an iphone 5/6, and have it stay in slow motion?
When you text/export a slow motion video from a newer iPhone it changed the speed from the original slow motion 120fps/240fps to normal speed.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3ekmh9/eli5_why_can_one_not_text_or_export_a_slow_motion/
{ "a_id": [ "ctftnoy" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "The iPhone saves the video as a normal video with a separate file telling the device which part of it should be slowed-down (because you can still change the slowing down or remove it, it's not fixed in the video itself). For some reason, when ex...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
7e80vg
why is queen elizabeth also the queen of many independent sovereign nations (former colonies) ?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7e80vg/eli5_why_is_queen_elizabeth_also_the_queen_of/
{ "a_id": [ "dq33y9a", "dq33ytm", "dq394sp" ], "score": [ 15, 4, 3 ], "text": [ "Because those countries have so far not decided to become republics. They are known as the Commonwealth Realms (note that is different from simply being a member of the Commonwealth of Nations).\n\nMan...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
4se2f7
Did the German peasants truly have theological reasons for their revolt? Did Luther support the Princes for theological or political reasons?
To what degree do historians believe the peasants truly had religious motivations? How has thought on this changed (historiography)? Did Luther side with the Princes for political or theological reasons? How have historians differed on this?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/4se2f7/did_the_german_peasants_truly_have_theological/
{ "a_id": [ "d58rcaw" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "/u/sunagainstgold needs to GET IN on this question. " ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
lel01
Why do some people experience clinical depression when other people don't? (plus more questions inside)
After seeing [this](_URL_0_), it got me wondering: what is the cause or combination of causes which lead to clinical depression instead of a temporary downturn? Are people prone to clinical depression from a pre-existing deficiency in their endocrine or neural systems? Or is there some semi-permanent biochemical chang...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/lel01/why_do_some_people_experience_clinical_depression/
{ "a_id": [ "c2s2q82", "c2s2was", "c2s2q82", "c2s2was" ], "score": [ 3, 5, 3, 5 ], "text": [ " > Are people prone to clinical depression from a pre-existing deficiency in their endocrine or neural systems? \n \nStudies on twins separated at birth suggest that gen...
[]
[ "http://www.reddit.com/r/pics/comments/le56v/some_people_just_dont_get_it/" ]
[ [ "http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2888856/", "http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/abstract/157/10/1552" ], [ "http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v476/n7361/abs/nature10287.html" ], [ "http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2888856/", "http://ajp.psychiatryonli...
9vgmdy
why do airlines have ashtrays in the toilets when you can’t smoke ?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9vgmdy/eli5_why_do_airlines_have_ashtrays_in_the_toilets/
{ "a_id": [ "e9c0n2d", "e9c0puw", "e9c0x47", "e9c3zx9", "e9c9xuz", "e9cf329", "e9cfkn0", "e9cfuks", "e9cggzb", "e9cgsec", "e9ch3n5", "e9ci3oo", "e9cig0k", "e9cj9wz", "e9cjspz", "e9ck1j9", "e9cqxdb", "e9d0vfs", "e9d3nqf", "e9d486j", "e...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/may/25/man-started-fire-plane-toilet-sentence-doubled-john-cox", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_Canada_Flight_797" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "https://wonderfulengineering.com/top-10-commercial-airliners/" ], [ ...
5b4wwl
why are american pro sports championship parades held on weekdays instead of weekends?
It seems like the weekend after a championship win would be the best time for the city to hold a parade since there would be much less commuter traffic to contend with. It would also make it easier for out-of-town fans to visit, thus increasing tourism revenue.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5b4wwl/eli5_why_are_american_pro_sports_championship/
{ "a_id": [ "d9lr7tb", "d9lrvax" ], "score": [ 2, 16 ], "text": [ "It's really what day the championship game falls on. Usually the parade is the following day or day after. Basically a welcome back party for the organization. Kind of like when armies would march back home after a campaign...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
4c9g5r
why do planes have different seatbelts to e.g. cars?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4c9g5r/eli5_why_do_planes_have_different_seatbelts_to_eg/
{ "a_id": [ "d1g605s", "d1g6a3k", "d1g9vsx", "d1g9xxg", "d1gdfsx", "d1gg9bi", "d1gj9lm", "d1gx07i" ], "score": [ 193, 32, 18, 7, 4, 17, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Aircraft seatbelts are designed to hold you down in the seat as turbulence is the bigge...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
vdi6k
from my mother: eli5 what the difference is between downloading and installing.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/vdi6k/from_my_mother_eli5_what_the_difference_is/
{ "a_id": [ "c53ivfg", "c53ivz7", "c53iwnr", "c53iwsk", "c53iz46", "c53j239" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 9, 3, 2, 11 ], "text": [ "Downloading is essentially copying files onto your computer from the internet, and installing is essentially your computer learning how...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
m9xpc
How does the body know to form a callus?
How does the body, or specifically the skin, know to form a callus instead of just regular skin? Example: I wear a new pair of shoes that doen't quite fit right and get a blister. The blister heals and a callus forms. I burn myself on a hot pan fresh from the oven and a blister forms, heals, but no callus.
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/m9xpc/how_does_the_body_know_to_form_a_callus/
{ "a_id": [ "c2zatvi", "c2zcsqf", "c2zdeyl", "c2zatvi", "c2zcsqf", "c2zdeyl" ], "score": [ 4, 2, 3, 4, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "Not a doctor or anything, but a biology senior here. \n\nSkin cells differentiate into cells that produce keratin (keratinocytes), the ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
2996pz
[Physics] If you drop a ball from 100 feet in the air, and throw a second ball up 100 feet...will they travel down at the same speed?
So pretend you have a ball 100 feet in the air. Let's say you have another ball that's on the ground and you launch it up exactly 100 feet. If you drop the ball that was suspended in air at the same exact time that other ball starts traveling down, do they fall at the same speed? Will the momentum from the second ball ...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/2996pz/physics_if_you_drop_a_ball_from_100_feet_in_the/
{ "a_id": [ "ciin5h0", "ciinlvc", "ciiom13" ], "score": [ 7, 6, 3 ], "text": [ "The two balls will behave exactly identically, and if you were to blind an experimenter who could take perfect measurements until the moment they started falling, the experimenter would not be able to d...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
kcfsj
the california deficit, why is the state in such a deep hole???
How did this end up happening?? Is the state spending it on useless things??
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/kcfsj/eli5_the_california_deficit_why_is_the_state_in/
{ "a_id": [ "c2j6tb1", "c2j7k75", "c2j6tb1", "c2j7k75" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Well, from what I understand, there are two major operators that have driven California into the ground more quickly than other states.\n\n1) They make it easy for everyone in Cali...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
1y1yvo
Why do humans and most other animals have a soft "underbelly?" Why doesn't our rib cage protect our digestive organs as well?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1y1yvo/why_do_humans_and_most_other_animals_have_a_soft/
{ "a_id": [ "cfgp922", "cfgp9eb", "cfgpb8j", "cfgq6vw", "cfgr6cy", "cfgt9oa", "cfgu7mu", "cfhc7tu" ], "score": [ 90, 335, 17, 8, 2, 5, 48, 3 ], "text": [ "Because the evolutionary conditions that would produce such morphology didn't happen, o...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.mom365.com/pregnancy/posts/2012/jun/~/media/b13e436bae6d4a83a2f7ad4d567ed1a2.ashx" ], [ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDvtxdzQlAU", "http://www.wgrz.com/video/1845548540001/1/Robot-Researchers-Learn-Lessons-of-Lizard-Locomotion", "http://www.sa...
qyu5a
how do internet browsers (ie, firefox, chrome, netscape :p) make money/profit?
Obviously they do make money, I just can't work out how. There's no 'Pro' paid versions. Is there some sort of subtle advertising system I've never noticed?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/qyu5a/eli5_how_do_internet_browsers_ie_firefox_chrome/
{ "a_id": [ "c41kczq", "c41m9n6", "c41mfh0", "c41mhxa", "c41najb" ], "score": [ 153, 6, 9, 2, 5 ], "text": [ "They don't, at least not directly in most cases.\n\nInternet Explorer and Safari are \"part\" of their respective operating systems, there's no reason for t...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/qyu5a/eli5_how_do_internet_browsers_ie_firefox_chrome/c41najb" ], [], [], [ "http://my.opera.com/chooseopera/blog/2011/01/03/how-does-opera-make-money-aka-our-most-asked-question-ever", "http://www.opera.com/company/investors/faq/#faq3", ...
yp0xa
no child left behind and race to the top
What are the criticisms? Benefits?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/yp0xa/eli5_no_child_left_behind_and_race_to_the_top/
{ "a_id": [ "c5xjn43" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "NCLB was a Bush43 era law enacted to improve the educational system. \n\nThe idea was that the education system wasn't doing very well (pretty accurate) and we needed to do something about it (good idea) and we needed some way to measure our succ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
difncp
What kind of battle tactics did the Huns use against the Romans during their wars?
Recently I've become somewhat interested in the Huns. Reading a bit online I was able to learn some about how they fought the Romans during the decline of the empire, however I can't really find many specifics so, that's basically my question. What kind of tactics did the Huns use? Outside of just "they were fast" what...
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/difncp/what_kind_of_battle_tactics_did_the_huns_use/
{ "a_id": [ "f3wmf6c" ], "score": [ 11 ], "text": [ "Hey there, not necessarily my area of expertise, but I'll take a shot at it (no pun intended). One of the key problems with studying the Huns style of warfare is that it's not very well recorded. All our records of the Huns, as far as I know, co...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1sftl4
how were brochures, posters, magazines and ads edited before inexpensive pc's, digital photography and photoshop?
ELI5: How were brochures, posters, magazines and ads edited before inexpensive PC's, Digital Photography and Photoshop? I wonder how they did it, and so effectively as well. Nowadays you just take an image of the middle-aged female model eating cereal, you use that special close-up lense, transfer it to the PC, drag ...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1sftl4/eli5_how_were_brochures_posters_magazines_and_ads/
{ "a_id": [ "cdx6llk" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "[Here you go.](_URL_1_)\n\n[And here is a picture of some classified advertising being pasted-up to produce a page.](_URL_0_)" ] }
[]
[]
[ [ "http://west-sacramento.blogspot.com/2009/06/news-ledger-since-1964.html", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paste_up" ] ]
b0w3sc
how do things you ingest (pills, specific foods like fish, etc) make their way up to the brain?
Fish is "brain food" and some pills help solve headaches. But how exactly do they enter the bloodstream? Isn't it all gastric acid before the digestive process actually begins?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/b0w3sc/eli5_how_do_things_you_ingest_pills_specific/
{ "a_id": [ "eihls51" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Your stomach acid breaks down the food you eat. The broken down food next goes to the intestines. The intestines absorb nutrients from broken down food. The microscopic nutrients pass through microscopic channels in the intestines to enter the bl...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
98h71g
Has any nation ever overcome/reformed its own corrupt government through peaceful means?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/98h71g/has_any_nation_ever_overcomereformed_its_own/
{ "a_id": [ "e4g13gu" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "This submission has been removed because it involves current events. To keep from discussion of politics, we have a [20-year rule](_URL_2_) here. You may want to try /r/ask_politics or another current-events focused sub. For further explanation...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/3nub87/rules_change_throughout_history_rule_is_replaced/", "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/45wqkl/rules_roundtable_5_the_current_eventsmodern/", "http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/wiki/rules#wiki_no_current_events", "https://www...
47iqvj
why does putting a mug of water in the microwave keep bread from getting soggy when heated?
Edit: For everybody asking about microwaving frozen bread I was meaning like a biscuit or a roll, not slices of sandwich bread.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/47iqvj/eli5_why_does_putting_a_mug_of_water_in_the/
{ "a_id": [ "d0d7vhg", "d0d7wq9", "d0d8m0c", "d0d9cb0", "d0d9vko", "d0da428", "d0dasfk", "d0dbrxl", "d0dbvy2", "d0dctls", "d0de866", "d0defup", "d0dfha7", "d0dglnh", "d0dhov3", "d0djj5h", "d0dmy84", "d0dnqgx", "d0dohrx", "d0dor1q", "d...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.slate.com/blogs/browbeat/2012/11/19/why_does_steam_make_bread_light_and_crusty_it_slows_down_the_cooking_process.html", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maillard_re...
50lvkc
Why do multiples of 9, always come back to 9 when their digits are added together?
Sorry I could have probably worded the title better. I remember my second grade teacher taught me this but never explained why she just said it was a a magic number lol. Example: 9*2=18, 1+8=9 9*3=27, 2+7=9 9*4=36, 3+6=9 etc, etc, etc....., Of course there are many interesting recurrences with small number an...
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/50lvkc/why_do_multiples_of_9_always_come_back_to_9_when/
{ "a_id": [ "d754kmb", "d755k71", "d757kbv", "d75abhg", "d75cvhr" ], "score": [ 156, 2, 10, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "To see why this works, we first have to start with how a number, when written down, is constructed.\n\nTake the number 123. This notation means: 1 * 100 + ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
3tqczh
if genders are equal than why are women's live valued over men's lives in disasters?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3tqczh/eli5_if_genders_are_equal_than_why_are_womens/
{ "a_id": [ "cx8atx7", "cx8axpe", "cx8bez7", "cx8bwy7", "cx8cp7q", "cx8dq4d", "cx8drbv", "cx8dyrr", "cx8evzf" ], "score": [ 50, 10, 7, 12, 3, 6, 9, 6, 3 ], "text": [ "Its not that they value them more, it comes from an old instinctual...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
2l43uk
How do cold blooded animals like fish live in the Arctic/Antarctic?
How do their biological processes continue at sufficient rates?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/2l43uk/how_do_cold_blooded_animals_like_fish_live_in_the/
{ "a_id": [ "clrjs94", "clsb701" ], "score": [ 2, 3 ], "text": [ "The method of adaptation varies between species. In the most extreme regions of the poles, marine organisms are known to harbour antifreeze materials/proteins to keep themselves from being frozen over. But apart from a few s...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/79/Saltwater_freezing_point.jpg", "http://www.nutripro.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Saturated-Fatty-Acids.gif", "http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/da/Cell_membrane_detailed_diagram_en.svg/2000px-Cell_membrane_detailed_diagram...
bjdj1x
how does nasa prevent asteroids from hitting the earth?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bjdj1x/eli5_how_does_nasa_prevent_asteroids_from_hitting/
{ "a_id": [ "em7bj67", "em7bzaj", "em7c8fw" ], "score": [ 26, 3, 9 ], "text": [ "They don't. Currently we have no systems to stop something that's big enough to be a threat, and everything else doesn't really matter or can't be spotted in time.", "Uh. Hate to break it to you bu...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
1j8k23
How difficult is it to damage or kill microorganisms mechanically? If I strike an anvil with a hammer, do I leave a briefly sterile surface behind?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1j8k23/how_difficult_is_it_to_damage_or_kill/
{ "a_id": [ "cbc71t7", "cbc7feu", "cbc8124" ], "score": [ 4, 13, 2 ], "text": [ "You can kill some cells with mechanical forces, but you won't create a sterile field by doing it. \n\nIn tissue culture, you'll lose thousands (##,000) of cells every time you harvest a flask, just fr...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdpB8xF_yOw", "http://www.nature.com/news/insect-wings-shred-bacteria-to-pieces-1.12533" ], [ "http://cdn.intechopen.com/pdfs/26471/InTech-Immunoimmobilization_of_living_salmonella_for_fundamental_studies_and_biosensor_applications.pdf" ] ]
301a3x
Did the Western Allies in WW2 pre-D-Day ever consider sending troops directly to the Eastern Front? If not, why?
I've heard a lot about the huge amount of material support that made its way to the USSR from the USA and Britain through Arkhangelsk, Vladivostok, etc. My question is, with Stalin strongly desiring more direct involvement from the British and Americans in fighting the Germans, why couldn't actual troops be sent as wel...
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/301a3x/did_the_western_allies_in_ww2_predday_ever/
{ "a_id": [ "cpo7693" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "You're correct in that Stalin did desire a more direct involvement from the Western Allies prior to the D-Day landings, but the involvement he sought (aside from material support) from the Western Allies wasn't troops to be deployed alongside Sov...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.worldcat.org/title/army-at-dawn-the-war-in-north-africa-1942-1943/oclc/49383747&referer=brief_results", "http://www.worldcat.org/title/guns-at-last-light-the-war-in-western-europe-1944-1945/oclc/864085868", "http://www.worldcat.org/title/inferno-the-world-at-war-1939-1945/oclc/70723587...
3aswan
when i lay down and stare at my wall sometimes and everything in the room seems to look very far away until i look around again, what's happening?
Usually happens at night when I lay down to go to bed and the room is dark, but not very often. It's also sometimes followed by strange changes in senses like everything feeling prickly, like needles. Hope I'm not the only one!
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3aswan/eli5_when_i_lay_down_and_stare_at_my_wall/
{ "a_id": [ "csfrimc", "csfysee" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "your not the only one i know what your saying but i lack proper explanation. To me it happens often if i'm either concentrating on a single object or on solely myself and my guess is the shaped focus stops me from focusing o...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1y33er
Are mammals also reptiles?
In the same way that humans are still apes and birds are still dinosaurs?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1y33er/are_mammals_also_reptiles/
{ "a_id": [ "cfh0se1" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "The classic perception of a \"reptile\" is neither taxonomically nor evolutionarily valid (ideally these would be the same thing!). Reptiles were basically defined by what they're *not*: they were animals that lay hard-shelled eggs that [aren't m...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amniote", "http://sysbio.oxfordjournals.org/content/53/5/815.full", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Traditional_Reptilia.jpg", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mammal-like_reptiles", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sauropsida" ] ]
267h6n
what would happen if we genetically engineered/modified humans?
Would there be a breed of superhumans? Or would it be a total disaster?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/267h6n/eli5_what_would_happen_if_we_genetically/
{ "a_id": [ "chode9x", "chodi2y", "chodv73", "choe4so", "choeh39" ], "score": [ 12, 9, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "There are only ethical reasons for us to get over. It will not be long until we can perfect the technology. But, we will need to test and breed humans to ver...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "http://www.cfgenetherapy.org.uk/aboutus.html" ], [] ]
3x63l1
How do modern historians judge how accurate ancient histories are?
Taking Livy as an example, are historians using Livy as a jumping off point because there are no other primary sources, or is it more a case of looking at archaeological findings and trying to create a narrative independent of Livy?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/3x63l1/how_do_modern_historians_judge_how_accurate/
{ "a_id": [ "cy20vuu" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "This is a very difficult question to answer, but I will do my best to keep it succinct. There are a few ways in which modern historians test the veracity of their ancient sources:\n\n1. Comparing one source to another. While, as you astutely ment...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
eh77lx
What's the history of American Sign Language? How did come about and how was it standardised?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/eh77lx/whats_the_history_of_american_sign_language_how/
{ "a_id": [ "fcw283s" ], "score": [ 10 ], "text": [ "There are a lot of misconceptions about sign language in general. Let's clear some of the big ones up before we jump in.\n\n* Sign language is different all over the world. While there are families and relationships between sign languages, prett...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2015/09/marthas-vineyard-sign-language-asl/407191/", "https://web.archive.org/web/20080528181023/http://library.gallaudet.edu/pdf/Retirement.pdf", "https://www3.gallaudet.edu/clerc-center/info-to-go/deaf-education/200-years-of-deaf-education.html" ] ]
1489b3
why does electricity appear blue?
Or, at least it looks blue to me. Why would it have any color? Isn't it just a stream of electrons?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1489b3/why_does_electricity_appear_blue/
{ "a_id": [ "c7aqa87", "c7aqcae", "c7aqe0e", "c7aqf82", "c7aunba", "c7ay5wa" ], "score": [ 8, 113, 21, 3, 12, 4 ], "text": [ "As the electricity arcs through the air it heats up the air molecules. As the air heats up it starts glowing. The particular color i...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ionized-air_glow" ], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_arc" ], [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury-vapor_lamp", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodium-vapor_lamp" ] ]
3z2afz
Why did Turkey not take all of Cyprus?
Compared to Cyprus, Turkey is FAR stronger and it can easily spam reinforcements to the island. Despite this, the Turks only managed to occupy a third of the Island (North Cyprus), why is this? Did they not want to advance further? Was there too much international pressure? Was the Turkish advance too costly in terms o...
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/3z2afz/why_did_turkey_not_take_all_of_cyprus/
{ "a_id": [ "cyio4a0" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "Here is a past post on the topic:\n\n* [*Why did Turkey invade Cyprus?*](_URL_0_) \n^(24 Apr 2014 | 3 comments) \n^(/u/tayaravaknin gives a few reasons for Turkey taking only 1/3 of Cyprus, with a longer comment further up providing an overview...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/23vzsb/why_did_turkey_invade_cyprus/ch1ls95" ] ]
1xhu8s
why are there so many white men/asian women couples?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1xhu8s/eli5_why_are_there_so_many_white_menasian_women/
{ "a_id": [ "cfbgxs4" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Pairings between Asian women and Caucasian men are twice as common as matches between Caucasian women and Asian men, a gap that has often been attributed to the hypersexualization of Asian women and the emasculation of Asian men in US pop culture...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/us/2013-06/29/content_16685433.htm" ] ]
3q1oaz
Is a cat's field of view the same as ours, or is it more ovular as opposed to circular because of their pupils?
Cats pupil shape is very different from ours. I was wondering if that made things look different to them as opposed to us. Related question, is our FOV circular? It is actually really hard to tell what mine is haha.
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/3q1oaz/is_a_cats_field_of_view_the_same_as_ours_or_is_it/
{ "a_id": [ "cwbblds", "cwbilm1", "cwbzkxs" ], "score": [ 2304, 10, 6 ], "text": [ "There are important differences between the vision of cats and humans, however these are not due to the field of vision, which is fairly similar for us and cats, extending out to 180^(o) and 200^(o)...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://i.imgur.com/xtFz0Lo.png", "http://orig07.deviantart.net/d9e2/f/2007/045/a/2/1500_px_cat_eye_by_hoschie_stock.jpg", "http://advances.sciencemag.org/content/1/7/e1500391", "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d7/Eye_Coburger_Fuchsschaf.jpg", "http://www.humintell.com/wp-cont...
1obnfr
How do trees know when to shed their leaves in the fall, and begin re growing them in the spring? How does this process work?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1obnfr/how_do_trees_know_when_to_shed_their_leaves_in/
{ "a_id": [ "ccqlg7d", "ccqvz99" ], "score": [ 6, 4 ], "text": [ "The trees or any plants that lose leaves or petals are categorized as deciduous. \nPlants are living organisms, and like humans they have hormones, which in plants are referred to as, phytohormones. Hormones are technically ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
3cp3d2
Why did food become rarer and more expensive during world war 1 in Britain?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/3cp3d2/why_did_food_become_rarer_and_more_expensive/
{ "a_id": [ "csxn5fz" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "One major reason was that the German navy began to operate a campaign against shipping to Britain. This used both surface raiders, including converted merchant ships, and submarines. Cruisers operated in 1914, mainly in the Indian Ocean and Pacif...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2wit3z
What consumes more energy in the long run: A water heater set to very hot, or one set to a lower temperature?
This is an ongoing playful argument my dad and I have. I've threatened to put a amp-meter on the water heater to settle things once and for all. Say you like your showers a certain temperature. To reach that perfect temperature, you have to mix in a certain amount of cold water at the shower faucet. If your water heat...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/2wit3z/what_consumes_more_energy_in_the_long_run_a_water/
{ "a_id": [ "cortcr5" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "My opinion (unfounded) would be that keeping the water heater itself hotter requires more energy, it would use less energy if it is kept cooler. \n\nI'm thinking of it this way:\n\nRunning your air conditioner 24/7 at 60 degrees is more expensive...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
484bul
Do high O2 generating genetically modified (or not) trees exist?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/484bul/do_high_o2_generating_genetically_modified_or_not/
{ "a_id": [ "d0i0w8z" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Sort of. When you ask this question what you're really asking is can we increase the *rate* of photosynthesis. The answer is yes. There are transgenic tobacco plants that have had their productivity increased in such a way. Most research it seems...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
6zfu21
what will happen many years down the road when inflation makes it so that buying small things like a pack of gum requires ridiculously high amounts of money?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6zfu21/eli5_what_will_happen_many_years_down_the_road/
{ "a_id": [ "dmuvneq", "dmuvq02", "dmuvq0q", "dmuw357" ], "score": [ 7, 7, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "First, we'll stop using cents. The dollar will be the smallest unit of currency. Then later on, we'll just re-denominate when things get ridiculous (\"one New Dollar is worth 10/10...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://www.google.ca/amp/gizmodo.com/the-u-s-killed-the-half-penny-when-it-was-worth-what-a-1639266183/amp" ], [], [] ]
1opyz9
did people in history "know" what year they were in?
For example, did people in 450 AD know that they were in the year 450 AD? When did the current standard year system start? Obvious items to note - -I understand that people before Christ (BC) couldnt have know what year they were in. -Each civilization had their own calendar so not all of them know the present calen...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1opyz9/eli5_did_people_in_history_know_what_year_they/
{ "a_id": [ "ccudruc", "ccudxus", "ccue0o7", "ccufdns" ], "score": [ 5, 8, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Yes, people knew what year they were in. They just called it something else. \n\nFor example, the Hebrew calendar is currently on 5774. ", "The Julian calendar was introduced...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "http://www.obliquity.com/calendar/index.html" ] ]
3ixohy
p and s waves in earthquakes
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3ixohy/eli5_p_and_s_waves_in_earthquakes/
{ "a_id": [ "cuklpfx" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "I think, this is best explained with an [image](_URL_0_). In that image, the blue arrow indicates the direction in which the wave is travelling.\n\nBut to put it in words: \nP waves shake the ground on the axis on which they travel. So, if the P...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://alabamaquake.com/Images/PS%20Wave%20Picture.jpg" ] ]
1lqclg
What percentage of our total body volume is given over to the circulatory system?
Given that every cell needs access to oxygen and nutrients via the circulatory system, how much of us is blood vessels, plasma and blood? are interstitial spaces counted as a part of that as well?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1lqclg/what_percentage_of_our_total_body_volume_is_given/
{ "a_id": [ "cc1znu5" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "circulatory system includes the heart.\n\nThis question is more suited for asksciencediscussion as the answer depends on multiple factors. The volume of blood in adults will be like ~ 5 litres." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
enlck7
how do cpap machines work? how exactly do they benefit you to get more sleep at night?
Continuous positive airway pressure is what the acronym means. How do all the components work together to produce more sleep for the user?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/enlck7/eli5_how_do_cpap_machines_work_how_exactly_do/
{ "a_id": [ "fe0yhu7" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "When you sleep, the muscles that keep your airway open relaxes, sometimes causing your airway to collapse. The machine has a sensor in it. The sensor monitors airflow when you exhale. If it's too low, it indicates some sort of blockage (such as y...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
4qh57h
What happened to bullets used by planes in dogfights in WWI/II? Are there any instances of falling bullets killing someone on the ground?
I don't know if my question makes sense. But basically, planes shot bullets at each other. A lot of them probably missed. Gravity brings those bullets to the ground... was there any damage/casualties from these falling bullets?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/4qh57h/what_happened_to_bullets_used_by_planes_in/
{ "a_id": [ "d4teo5w" ], "score": [ 9 ], "text": [ "Not to discourage further discussion, but this has been answered before [here](_URL_0_) by /u/The_Alaskan and [many](_URL_1_) other times on this subreddit." ] }
[]
[]
[ [ "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1e85yv/during_the_air_battles_over_western_europe_in/", "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/211nhd/i_imagine_dogfighting_between_two_planes_would/cg8uz5k" ] ]
2sh87h
what is the difference between nitrites and nitrates in the nitrogen cycle?
I want to understand how these keep my fish tank healthy.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2sh87h/eli5_what_is_the_difference_between_nitrites_and/
{ "a_id": [ "cnpgkn3" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "fish breathe out and poo out ammonia NH3. NH3 in concentration prevents the fish gills from exchanging O2 and CO2. \n\nthere's a bacteria that's literally EVERYWHERE that eats NH3 and expels out nitrites NO2. NO2 is slightly less dangerou...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3z11sj
why a lot of americans become so passionate/aggressive about whether they are democrats or republicans.
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3z11sj/eli5_why_a_lot_of_americans_become_so/
{ "a_id": [ "cyid713", "cyieqhh" ], "score": [ 3, 6 ], "text": [ "Europe has a long tradition of classism, and the general idea that the government was a bunch of out of touch fuckwits, you're never gonna be one, you're not gonna be rich unless your born rich, and there are the \"nobles\" ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
11gvgf
the difference between american and canadian football?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/11gvgf/the_difference_between_american_and_canadian/
{ "a_id": [ "c6md3o8", "c6md5pb" ], "score": [ 3, 3 ], "text": [ "Their respective wikipedia articles are great.\n\nBiggest 3 I can think of?\n- 3 downs in CN, 4 in US\n- 110 yd fields\n- 12 man teams", "I am assuming you know the basic rules to Football. There are a few main differen...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_American_and_Canadian_football#Differences" ] ]
7fj7ci
why do humans have temperature sensors in our stomach?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7fj7ci/eli5_why_do_humans_have_temperature_sensors_in/
{ "a_id": [ "dqc94o9" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Human beings sense the temperature of food with their mouths, not with their stomachs. If you have a sensation of heat in your stomach, what you are sensing is acidity, not temperature. Excess stomach acidity causes a burning sensation." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2a2dus
Can we use radar to detect asteroids?
With the increasing interest in detecting near earth objects, would it be possible to detect them by using ground-based or even space-based radar. I keep hearing how hard it is to detect them with telescopes and it just seems like with the radar technology we have today that it would be much easier to scan the skies wi...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/2a2dus/can_we_use_radar_to_detect_asteroids/
{ "a_id": [ "cir4abc", "circ931" ], "score": [ 4, 3 ], "text": [ "Radar wouldn't be much use in space, it will spread out and be very weak when it comes back since you are talking about such extreme distances. A standard USN radar array is the [AN/SPS-49](_URL_1_), its got a range of abou...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://neo.jpl.nasa.gov/programs/intro.html", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AN/SPS-49", "http://www.space.com/25590-asteroid-impacts-earth-day-b612-video.html" ], [ "http://www.naic.edu/~pradar/radarpage.html" ] ]
13v9m4
the advantages and disadvantages of wep, wpa and wpa2
Advantages and disadvantages for all three.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/13v9m4/eli5_the_advantages_and_disadvantages_of_wep_wpa/
{ "a_id": [ "c77gym2", "c77i8x0", "c77vhnq" ], "score": [ 22, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Basicly these are the locks you put on your wifi (wireless internet/network)\nWEP is the oldest lock, this has the advantage that everything knows how to make a key for it (if you know the password). I...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
3ux4mh
how can certain breeds of animal have an inherent behavioural trait?
For example, how can all Labradors have similar behavioural traits? I understand that physical traits can be selected for, but how can behaviour traits be selected for? Can the same logic be applied for humans?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3ux4mh/eli5_how_can_certain_breeds_of_animal_have_an/
{ "a_id": [ "cxii8q9" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "People tended to select dogs for breeding based on both physical and behavioral traits. A pit bull's perfectly powerful musculature isn't much use if it can't be taught to attack. (I think the way I phrased that should avoid the nature vs. nurtu...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
7si52e
What was the money collected by the Tea tax that sparked the Boston Tea Party supposed to be spent for?
I've read that in one way the tax was just there to show the colonists that Parliament could do what they pleased. But there must have been some earmark, as it were, for spending what was collected. At one time I found that the revenue was to pay benefits to retired military personnel who had served protecting the co...
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/7si52e/what_was_the_money_collected_by_the_tea_tax_that/
{ "a_id": [ "dt50pxm" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "The British Empire ran into a ton of debt after the Seven Years' War (about 130 million pounds, which was the most any country has ever been in debt for up to that time in history) and one of the ways to pay back some of the debt, the Parliament ...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.taxhistory.org/www/website.nsf/Web/THM1756?OpenDocument#1756", "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/7o5a96/what_was_the_impact_of_the_seven_years_war_on_the/ds7cf2f/" ] ]
3fjqts
I have heard recently that Ho Chi Minh was pro American and asked the US for support multiple times? Is there any veracity to these claims?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/3fjqts/i_have_heard_recently_that_ho_chi_minh_was_pro/
{ "a_id": [ "ctpnm8t" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "Ho Chi Minh did appeal to the United States for assistance (as did many others), but he was not pro-American any more than it served his goals. Ho was a Stalinist and a nationalist seeking support to prevent the return of France.\n\n\nHe did try ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1tcb1c
how/when are flat roofs feasible when lots of snow is expected? i'm seeing them at a ski resort right now.
I typically see in excess of a metre (3.28 ft) of snow buildup and I just noticed due to extremely poor snowfall this year that some of the roofs are flat. How is collapse prevented? Is the snow removed in some way? Edit: I haven't found any doors so far but maybe I'm blind.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1tcb1c/eli5_howwhen_are_flat_roofs_feasible_when_lots_of/
{ "a_id": [ "ce6hsuj", "ce6n4io" ], "score": [ 10, 2 ], "text": [ "The roof is built to handle the weight of the (assumed) worst-case snow fall.\n\nEvery roof is engineered assuming some kind of load, usually spelled out in building codes. These can include rain, wind, snow, people walking...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1s4m4c
Why doesn't tape lose adhesion as it sits in open air?
I would think molecules in the air would bond to the tape, covering the entire sticky surface rendering the tape ineffective. Does this happen?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1s4m4c/why_doesnt_tape_lose_adhesion_as_it_sits_in_open/
{ "a_id": [ "cdtzo0m" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "There's no chemical reaction involved with tape, it is merely an physical attraction caused by [van der Waals forces](_URL_0_). The kinetic energy of gases can overcome these forces." ] }
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Van_der_Waals_force" ] ]
30y14v
What was the main cause of the Time War, and how did the doctor and so many of the Daleks survive?
I couldn't find any sources for this in my research. Perhaps you fine chaps could help.
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/30y14v/what_was_the_main_cause_of_the_time_war_and_how/
{ "a_id": [ "cpwuv9b" ], "score": [ 13 ], "text": [ "You have to remember that cause often precedes effect in a time war, so it may not have a start point. It could have been started by an event caused by it's own effect, or an effect evented by it's own cause, or even a cause effected by it's own...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
fuxyjk
Why we cant make traditional vaccine for sars-covid 2 ?
Why we cant produce traditional vaccine for covid 19 ? By traditional I mean injecting the weak state of virus or dead viruse into the body.
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/fuxyjk/why_we_cant_make_traditional_vaccine_for/
{ "a_id": [ "fmfbg7g", "fmfbvd3" ], "score": [ 36, 17 ], "text": [ "We can. We are. We will. But “traditional” vaccines are among the slowest to make and test, so you’re hearing first about the more non-traditional ones that were specifically designed because of their faster development ti...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
fsni9c
What causes viruses to effect certain parts of the body? (I.e what makes a virus a stomach virus vs a respiratory virus?)
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/fsni9c/what_causes_viruses_to_effect_certain_parts_of/
{ "a_id": [ "fm2t2zq" ], "score": [ 8 ], "text": [ "It's a concept called tissue tropism. \n\nIn order to affect the body, the virus has to enter the cells. Cells have structures on the outside that the virus can recognize and bind to in order to enter the cell. Cells in different organs have diff...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2oeo1l
why are some laws passed as constitutional amendments and some only as plain, old laws?
Such as the 13th Amendment (Slavery Ban) or the 18th Amendment (Prohibition). Can someone explain the federal govt law structure? Acts, Statutes, Laws, Amendments...What's the difference? Does the supreme court judge all of them?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2oeo1l/eli5_why_are_some_laws_passed_as_constitutional/
{ "a_id": [ "cmmf36b", "cmmhv3x" ], "score": [ 2, 3 ], "text": [ "Amendments to the constitution are much more difficult to undo or erase, so it is like an \"ultra super law\" in that sense.\n\nAct, statute, and law all mean the same thing.\n", "Any normal law is invalid if the constit...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
239odk
Why don't the most massive stars create a Black Hole at the moment of their own formation, given they contain enough matter to produce one at their death?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/239odk/why_dont_the_most_massive_stars_create_a_black/
{ "a_id": [ "cgv506b" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "There's internal outward radiative pressure due to fusion that counterbalances the inwards force due to gravity, this is called [Hydrostatic Equilibrium](_URL_0_). It is this outwards pressure that keeps the star from collapsing into a Black Hole...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrostatic_equilibrium" ] ]
15t272
Can Neutrons decay into an anti-proton and a positron?
I've never heard anything about it and can't find anything on the subject. I know that regularly free floating neutrons decay into protons and electrons, but could they decay into a positron and anti-proton? Changing into an anti-proton and a positron would still conserve both charge and mass. The only law it would see...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/15t272/can_neutrons_decay_into_an_antiproton_and_a/
{ "a_id": [ "c7pjq44", "c7pl005" ], "score": [ 10, 3 ], "text": [ "No. It would violate conservation of [baryon number.](_URL_0_) Protons and neutrons have a positive baryon number, while anti-protons and anti-neutrons have a negative baryon number. \n\nBeta decay, which allows a neutron t...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baryon_number" ], [] ]
but0rg
if garbage workers have a holiday off, how do they get all the garbage picked up?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/but0rg/eli5_if_garbage_workers_have_a_holiday_off_how_do/
{ "a_id": [ "eph5r4h", "eph82di", "ephhg2x" ], "score": [ 2, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "In my area they work overtime the day before or day after. Not sure how it works everywhere though.", "My township collects our trash twice a week.\n\nSo if the garbagemen are off on Memorial Day, w...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
j7fe7
please, can anyone explain to me what exactly /r/fifthworldproblems is/what it is based off of?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/j7fe7/please_can_anyone_explain_to_me_what_exactly/
{ "a_id": [ "c29rpf2", "c29sbyo", "c29t9hf", "c29rpf2", "c29sbyo", "c29t9hf" ], "score": [ 18, 5, 2, 18, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "First \"world levels\":\n\nFirst world — the nations allied with the US during the Cold War; now usually taken to be synonymous with \...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
2zy24w
Does the color of a material affect it's audio-reflective properties?
For instance, if I painted a room with white paint, would it reflect more high frequencies than if I had painted it black? Or are light and sound waves completely independent of one another, and color does not matter? Thank you.
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/2zy24w/does_the_color_of_a_material_affect_its/
{ "a_id": [ "cpo8p2m" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Light and sound waves are completely independent from one another. Light is an electromagnetic wave, which doesn't require any medium to travel, while sound is a compression wave, which does. \n\nIf there *is* any difference in audio reflective p...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
16fz9u
If eroded enough, could all of the landmass on earth be submerged under one super ocean?
There are a couple of ways I'm thinking about this: 1) Essentially, is it possible that given enough time all of the earth's landmass could be eroded so that it would end up underwater, given that there were also no more tectonic activity but the ocean currents and tides continued on forever. 2) Also is it possible t...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/16fz9u/if_eroded_enough_could_all_of_the_landmass_on/
{ "a_id": [ "c7vqwo5" ], "score": [ 19 ], "text": [ "1) The volume of the earth's ocean is currently estimated to be **1.3324 x 10^9 km^3** (Charette 2010). The ~~average elevation~~ **total volume** of land above sea level is currently estimated to be **1.26 x 10^8 km^3** (Coble et. al 1987 and M...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1f2iuy
Why is it that we need social interaction so much that we get attached to inanimate objects in the absence of it?
I was reading some info about this a while back and it came to my mind again after remembering it happens on the "Cast Away" movie with "wilson" as well as games like "portal" and its cube.
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1f2iuy/why_is_it_that_we_need_social_interaction_so_much/
{ "a_id": [ "ca6e3mu" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "Because normal humans are intensely social creatures.\n\nWe originated from creatures a lot like [this](_URL_0_) and basically we're not a whole lot different today. " ] }
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.eva.mpg.de/pks/images/macaque_gallery/grooming-session.jpg" ] ]
177bxs
Are there any famous historical figures who have died from extreme allergic reactions?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/177bxs/are_there_any_famous_historical_figures_who_have/
{ "a_id": [ "c8323w9" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "The Pharaoh Menes (2641 BCE). Reaction to a wasp sting.\n\nBut since Anaphylaxis wasn't identified as such until the early 20th century, it's hard to be certain, and even that reference is questioned. This link should take you straight to a very ...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://books.google.com/books?id=q_3T1ZXvP5YC&pg=PA3&lpg=PA3&dq=19th+century+allergic+reaction&source=bl&ots=98C1x_AiMd&sig=tL4kHcQ8bhCwd1998g2gljvQMFM&hl=en&sa=X&ei=iccBUefjI6ex0QHCz4E4&sqi=2&ved=0CHgQ6AEwCQ#v=onepage&q=19th%20century%20allergic%20reaction&amp...
4sq6in
why do keygens always have 8-bit music playing in the background?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4sq6in/eli5_why_do_keygens_always_have_8bit_music/
{ "a_id": [ "d5baa7x" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "_URL_0_\n\n\nSince this sub will not let me just leave it at that, here's another sentence to fill up some space. And another one. Man it sure is hot out today." ] }
[]
[]
[ [ "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/qoqyu/why_do_keygens_always_have_cheesy_8bit_music/" ] ]
1l9ckk
I've heard it said during 12th century, China was the most technologically advanced nation in the world. What happened?
Why did they lose out on their technological advantage to the Europeans?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1l9ckk/ive_heard_it_said_during_12th_century_china_was/
{ "a_id": [ "cbx9807" ], "score": [ 20 ], "text": [ "This is a pretty broad and complex question. The best answer as a TL;DR might be \"China was less concerned with affairs outside China than the rest of the world was concerned with affairs inside China, and there is a long standing observation t...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imperial_Chinese_tributary_system", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treasure_voyages", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warring_states", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imperial_examination", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silk_Road_transmission_of_Buddhism", "http://...
3u2rk7
how can a mother be charged with child abuse for harming her unborn child (e.g. drug usage, alcohol consumption), but abortion does not fall under this category?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3u2rk7/eli5_how_can_a_mother_be_charged_with_child_abuse/
{ "a_id": [ "cxbcika", "cxbcv6b", "cxbda3n" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "Because we say it doesn't.\n\nI'm not being a smartass, that's literally the reason. We make distinctions and exceptions to laws all the time, and this is no different. ", "Because drug usage and al...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
1wu6vn
why chubby women sing better/ have better voice (especially in opera)?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1wu6vn/eli5_why_chubby_women_sing_better_have_better/
{ "a_id": [ "cf5e8zn", "cf5eb6s", "cf5gcns", "cf5mzqr" ], "score": [ 18, 3, 13, 2 ], "text": [ "That's actually a false stereotype. Many of the great divas are quite petite.", "Several ideas have been put forward, but there's no solid evidence that fat helps. There are...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
9hyhba
"Out of all pre-1700 societies, the Ming Dynasty was one of the closest to having their own industrial revolution." How true is this statement?
I've heard it said that the Ming Dynasty had the potential to be the kick-off point for the industrial revolution, centuries before it developed in England. What is the accuracy of this?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/9hyhba/out_of_all_pre1700_societies_the_ming_dynasty_was/
{ "a_id": [ "e6g4bf2" ], "score": [ 60 ], "text": [ "Completely false. Although Ming receives favorable treatment in some traditional histories of China, economic historians today have concluded its its economic policy was nothing short of completely destructive and that it was inferior to both So...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
rtbu1
Why do random thoughts occur?
I thought of this question as I was working at my desk. I was typing away and out of the nowhere I had a flash back to a restaurant that I visited only once at least 20 years ago in another city about 2 hours away. My work had nothing whatsoever to do with the city, the restaurant, or anything else that would have tr...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/rtbu1/why_do_random_thoughts_occur/
{ "a_id": [ "c48jgkm" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Thoughts are related to neurons firing in the brain.\n\nThere are a number of mechanisms that control how and when neurons fire. At a first level, neurons will fire when they are sufficiently stimulated to do so - when enough other neurons have s...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2am5g8
why is opening many restaurants in a short amount of time bad?
I know many big companies have almost failed because of this, but why is it bad if the restaurants are still doing good business?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2am5g8/eli5why_is_opening_many_restaurants_in_a_short/
{ "a_id": [ "ciwj2e6", "ciwkziy" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Most restaurants, and businesses generally, will fail within a couple years. You need to be prepared financially for the entire investment to disappear.", "1) Opening a restaurant (or any small business, really) is highl...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
6rd90w
How much ancient infrastructure (e.g. roads, walls, walkways) that you know of is still in use today?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/6rd90w/how_much_ancient_infrastructure_eg_roads_walls/
{ "a_id": [ "dl4597k" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "From what I know there is a Roman bathhouse still is use in Algeria and some of the aqueducts are still being used, like the Aqua Virgo. It is no longer used for drinking water but is still used for fountains. But they have been worked on and mai...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1xhd3k
why do i get a lower singing register when sick but unable to access the register when well??
I am naturally a Tenor I (sometimes I sing counter-tenor). I've never had a strong lower register and wish I had more accessible baritone/bass notes. I joke that I become a bass when I get sick because I can sing low notes at the cost of my high register. Why does this happen and can those lower notes be trained?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1xhd3k/eli5_why_do_i_get_a_lower_singing_register_when/
{ "a_id": [ "cfbhanb" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Mucus in your throat dampens the vocal cords, allowing them to vibrate slower. It's not trainable." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1rlrz2
Has any culture ever used sign language as oppose to verbal language as their primary mode of communication?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1rlrz2/has_any_culture_ever_used_sign_language_as_oppose/
{ "a_id": [ "cdolhlj", "cdomoo8" ], "score": [ 27, 3 ], "text": [ "I can not speak for entire cultures that use sign language as opposed to verbal language, though I would doubt this to exist on a large scale considering how many \"evolutionary resources\" go into verbal language developme...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2884962/", "http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:I1tigCGVEwUJ:www.cog.jhu.edu/courses/102-F2007/papers/Nicaraguan_sign_lg.pdf+&cd=2&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us" ], [] ]
33ccc7
What happens when your body encounters a pathogen that it has no antibody for?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/33ccc7/what_happens_when_your_body_encounters_a_pathogen/
{ "a_id": [ "cqjjt0g" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "This happens routinely and is part of the normal immune defence to a pathogen you've never seen before.\n\n1) Pathogen enters the body by whichever route you prefer - let's say you stand on a thorn or something.\n\n2) The pathogen triggers the in...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
244lqz
How and why did nicknames for currencies (e.g. 'buck' for USD and 'quid' for GBP) develop?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/244lqz/how_and_why_did_nicknames_for_currencies_eg_buck/
{ "a_id": [ "ch3mvtb" ], "score": [ 8 ], "text": [ "\"Buck\" as slang for one dollar is of unknown origin though it dates to the mid-19th century. \n\nIt's possible that it comes from the early to mid 18th century in America when buckskins were considered as legal tender in many parts of America.\...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
8fze2y
what is the difference between rest & soap web services?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8fze2y/eli5_what_is_the_difference_between_rest_soap_web/
{ "a_id": [ "dy7m6vh" ], "score": [ 9 ], "text": [ "A SOAP web service has a very structured request and response. Data types, required fields, etc., are all defined in a WSDL that you can consume with your application to automatically build the entire request structure. All of it goes over HTTP P...
[]
[]
[ [ "example.com/inventory/12345", "example.com/customer/12345" ] ]