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
fbpdrm
why is japanese media so violent?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/fbpdrm/eli5why_is_japanese_media_so_violent/
{ "a_id": [ "fj5qsy4" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Can't speak to the media. But their history is absolutely rife with war and being a rather aggressive neighbor." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
35ct7o
if you're standing at the south pole, can you only go north with your first step?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/35ct7o/eli5_if_youre_standing_at_the_south_pole_can_you/
{ "a_id": [ "cr37e9n" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Yes. In any polar coordinate system a unit move from either pole can only go in 1 direction. After that, you can turn east or west, but the first is always North in your example." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
30871y
what function do the mesh over the speaker?
Is it just for protection or something more?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/30871y/eli5_what_function_do_the_mesh_over_the_speaker/
{ "a_id": [ "cpq04wb", "cpq1gyg", "cpq6pyt", "cpq8q4w", "cpq9mef" ], "score": [ 9, 2, 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "It stops foreign objects from passing through and damaging the speaker. Some are water resistant to an extent and some can help with sound quality by allowing...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
32klbh
Are there any primary sources written by Jews who immigrated to the US during/after the Holocaust/Third Reich?
I'm having trouble locating sources that are in English - I can read German, but not Yiddish or Polish. Perhaps some of you kind folks know where I can start?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/32klbh/are_there_any_primary_sources_written_by_jews_who/
{ "a_id": [ "cqc4r0h", "cqd6t0k" ], "score": [ 4, 2 ], "text": [ "Try Ruth Kluger's autobiography *Still Alive*--also available in German as (I believe) *Noch Leben*. She details her childhood in Vienna, her survival of the Holocaust, and her emigration to the United States.", "Try Nig...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2k3ble
what was the incentive behind the terrorist attack in canada?
Sorry im a bit out of the loop. From the UK, been away for the week and come back to this news. Do they know who did the shooting and why?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2k3ble/eli5_what_was_the_incentive_behind_the_terrorist/
{ "a_id": [ "clhigug", "clhj1sb", "clhl78f" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 4 ], "text": [ "An Islamic extremist was the shooter. The motive was to create terror in a peaceful society because Islam is at war with that society.", "Its a terroristic act, they're just trying to cause unrest a...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
367frd
what advantage can a revolver give over a pistol?
Why some people keep using revolvers if a pistol has more bullets to shoot? It's just a matter of fashion?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/367frd/eli5_what_advantage_can_a_revolver_give_over_a/
{ "a_id": [ "crbeg1p", "crbehkr", "crbehmf", "crbennc", "crbeoto", "crbh3mm", "crbm08q" ], "score": [ 14, 12, 7, 3, 3, 14, 4 ], "text": [ "I assume you mean a self-loading pistol (like a common semi-auto Glock.)\n\nOne advantage is that semi-auto wea...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
3dhgd2
when a television receives no signal, why does it output that "salt and pepper" screen?
[Link](_URL_0_) for those who don't know what I'm referring to. What causes it? Why is it black and white? Why that particular "pssh" sound?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3dhgd2/eli5_when_a_television_receives_no_signal_why/
{ "a_id": [ "ct55tij", "ct598v9" ], "score": [ 7, 3 ], "text": [ "Interference it is picking up background radiation, cosmic rays and other signals which it is attempting to sort out into a picture and failing, because there is no signal.", "This refers to obsolete analog TV, not digit...
[]
[ "http://i.imgur.com/6oyqOt8.gif" ]
[ [], [] ]
1mmxt4
If all people have the same genome, what makes us different? And does this relate to gene expression?
All people have the same genome (or very close to), but what makes us different from one another then? Random SNP's? If yes - why would a changed SNP not account for new type of gene? And how does this match up with gene expression? (i'm sorry if i'm asking absurdely)
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1mmxt4/if_all_people_have_the_same_genome_what_makes_us/
{ "a_id": [ "ccb3x1b" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "It might be helpful to start with a metaphor. Imagine a grocery store. This store is has all your major products such as ice cream, candy and pastries (I may have a slight sweet tooth). Different stores in the same chain are required to stock the...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
4a5yl0
what’s the benefits of using 32-bit windows operation system over 64-bit windows operation system?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4a5yl0/eli5whats_the_benefits_of_using_32bit_windows/
{ "a_id": [ "d0xmfp9", "d0xp9b7", "d0xqf9r", "d0xqub8", "d0y3mmf" ], "score": [ 10, 8, 5, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "Marginally faster in older hardware. However the security benefits of 64bit are IMHO outweigh all.", "Older hardware can be a pain to get 64-bit drivers....
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
e4t54c
why do screens shown on television (like the scoreboard of a football game) appear to constantly flash on the television but not with the naked eye?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/e4t54c/eli5_why_do_screens_shown_on_television_like_the/
{ "a_id": [ "f9f3u98", "f9f3vyu", "f9f4es7" ], "score": [ 5, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "These screens are made up of LEDs. The LEDs each require a driver circuit to make them light up. But to save costs, many LEDs share the same driver circuit. But since the driver can only drive one LED a...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
43ezh6
if our bodies can adapt to fight infections, why do we always contract colds?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/43ezh6/eli5_if_our_bodies_can_adapt_to_fight_infections/
{ "a_id": [ "czhpxh2" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "As well as viruses mutating. Antibodies only have an effect for so long. If you're sick and then you recover but your family gets sick from being in contact with you, chances are you won't get that sickness back. You stop being sick because antib...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
ezvonv
My Highschool Teacher Has Been Giving Us Historically Incorrect Information. Is my information historically accurate?
At my high school, government is a required class for graduation and I'm taking it this semester. (The government teacher is also in charge of teaching US History, World History, and Civics) This year our school got a new government teacher and for the purposes of this post, I will say that she has been less than satis...
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/ezvonv/my_highschool_teacher_has_been_giving_us/
{ "a_id": [ "fgqe8o6" ], "score": [ 42 ], "text": [ "TL;DR: Elizabeth I was Protestant. The English Empire, as much as an empire can be a religion, was Protestant also. The Pope excommunicated Elizabeth for being Protestant. Your teacher’s interpretation is wrong.\n\nFirst of all, it seems your...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://www.papalencyclicals.net/Pius05/p5regnans.htm", "http://www.legislation.gov.uk/aep/Will3/12-13/2/contents", "https://books.google.com/books?id=UGi6WWtzkJYC&pg=PA323&lpg=PA323&dq=do+utterly+testify+and+declare+in+my+conscience+that+the+Queen%27s+Highness+is+the+only+supreme+governo...
748i3w
does peeing directly into the water or on the side of the bowl keep your toilet cleaner?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/748i3w/eli5_does_peeing_directly_into_the_water_or_on/
{ "a_id": [ "dnwaa43", "dnwd1f2" ], "score": [ 5, 5 ], "text": [ "Side of the bowl. \n\nThe water hits it at an angle and bounces downward towards the water. \n\nWhen hitting the water it’s forced upwards. \n\nAdditionally, forget the cleaning issue. Hitting the water is disgusting, loud a...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
20f0pt
how are fire drills done in skyscrapers?
Just had a fire drill at work and we walked down 4 floors worth of stairs. So how do they do it in buildings with 50 or even 100+ floors?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/20f0pt/eli5_how_are_fire_drills_done_in_skyscrapers/
{ "a_id": [ "cg2kv63", "cg2m7vk" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Our building just had a supervisor come up and demand a few people meet in the hallway at the elevators.\n\nHe described how to use the emergency stairs and phones, what not to do, how the elevators wouldn't be working, and ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
6db8du
why do carbohydrates and proteins contain 3 kcal/gram and fats contain 9 kcal/gram if they have the exact same mass but different structures?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6db8du/eli5_why_do_carbohydrates_and_proteins_contain_3/
{ "a_id": [ "di19jkx" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Calories are a measurement of how much energy our body can create from these substances. Carbohydrates are less energy efficient gram for gram than fat. Also it's 4 kcal/g not 3." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
t6u3d
modular synthesizers
I mean [these](_URL_0_) I know basic synthesis like FM, additive etc. where you turn knobs to set waveforms and filters and stuff. What's the big difference to modular synthesizers? Why are they so huge with all those chords etc.? Are they something like "open synthesizers" where you have to wire everything yourself ...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/t6u3d/eli5_modular_synthesizers/
{ "a_id": [ "c4k1vgw", "c4k4sly", "c4k9w7u" ], "score": [ 2, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "OHHHH\n\nWhen these huge synths came around, the technology to make them was very rough. \n\nMost of these synths could only produce one note at a time, and the sounds where created by an oscillator. Th...
[]
[ "http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3057/2682162358_81ddda1054.jpg" ]
[ [], [], [] ]
9kl4qj
How do you calculate the average sum of dice rolls when a "drop the lowest roll" mechanic is used?
In various tabletop role-playing games, game designers will often use a system to set character statistics that is some derivation of "roll an x-sided die y-times, drop the lowest z rolls, and sum up the results." The most common example of this is rolling a 6-sided dice 4 times and dropping the lowest result. Now, c...
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/9kl4qj/how_do_you_calculate_the_average_sum_of_dice/
{ "a_id": [ "e704fwa", "e70rc8u", "e70zrqz" ], "score": [ 25, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Suppose we roll a die *N* times and label the results as X*_1_*, X*_2_*, ..., X*_N_* and let *M* denote the minimum roll. Then the sum of the best N-1 rolls is\n\n > S = X*_1_* + X*_2_* + .... + X*_N_...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "anydice.com", "https://anydice.com/program/11d0" ], [] ]
4telel
If being a Gladiator was so intense, life expectancy was so short - why did so many people become one ?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/4telel/if_being_a_gladiator_was_so_intense_life/
{ "a_id": [ "d5gs2f8" ], "score": [ 16 ], "text": [ "It wasn't all bad. They were celebrities. They had a place to live, a purpose in life, they received rewards (drink and women) for their performances, and they won fame and renown. If they were a slave they could win their freedom. If they were ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1i6zzl
How much did the people of Europe during the Dark Ages know about Rome?
Title says it all.
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1i6zzl/how_much_did_the_people_of_europe_during_the_dark/
{ "a_id": [ "cb1ofdy", "cb1p1vm", "cb1q2t3", "cb1r4qa", "cb1v8gf" ], "score": [ 24, 182, 46, 92, 6 ], "text": [ "Related to your question, you might want to [review AskHistorian's section on why \"The Dark Ages\" is outdated as a term](_URL_0_). This means that peop...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/wiki/middleages#wiki_the_.22dark_ages.22" ], [], [], [ "http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=MxS6-pQZzGsC&lpg=PP1&dq=historiography%20in%20the%20middle%20ages&pg=PA156#v=onepage&q&f=false" ], [] ]
g3m5c0
how do cleaning products actually work to kill germs?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/g3m5c0/eli5_how_do_cleaning_products_actually_work_to/
{ "a_id": [ "fns30ut", "fns3ivg", "fns58aq" ], "score": [ 4, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Most cleaning works by simply washing the bacteria off the surface you are trying to clean. Things like bleach, disinfectant, alcohol wipes work by damaging the bacterial cell wall so it dies. For that ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
1fhpcq
Are there examples of a democratic leader being given full powers during war or peace?
A friend just asked me about [this executive order that Obama has signed](_URL_0_), and was using it as a criticism of Obama. The order essentially endowed the president with control over the country's vital resources during times of emergency and even peacetime. I didn't necessarily think that the executive order wa...
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1fhpcq/are_there_examples_of_a_democratic_leader_being/
{ "a_id": [ "caaehg4" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "Actually, I'm gonna use an example that you probably won't expect - I just hope it counts as a 'democratic leader.' ;)\n\nThe word **dictator.** That's a really ugly word nowadays, and it's shared with the likes of such people as the Kim dynasty,...
[]
[ "http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/03/16/executive-order-national-defense-resources-preparedness" ]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinncinatus" ] ]
1uuhl0
Why is it that most products that you find in the bathroom have only 1% of the main ingredient?
On certain items, you will see it says something like Active Ingredients: Phenol................................1%. Why does the main compound have such a low representation?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1uuhl0/why_is_it_that_most_products_that_you_find_in_the/
{ "a_id": [ "cem4k5c", "cem8v6v" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "There are many different reasons. Sometimes it is a safety concern (such as hydrogen peroxide being sold as a 3% solution. This is to keep the user safe and to maintain product integrity.) In creams and whatnot, a delivery s...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
3y0kut
why are the biggest tech companies in america on the west coast?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3y0kut/eli5_why_are_the_biggest_tech_companies_in/
{ "a_id": [ "cy9gl5x" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Two reasons that I know of:\n\nOne, the simple network effect. Many early tech companies were in the area, and especially in the early days, new tech companies usually formed when a few engineers with an idea left a previous company to pursue the...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.tomshardware.com/news/secret-history-silicon-valley-gave-rise-modern-tech-giants,4713.html" ] ]
2zlwq6
why can a watch be made to remain accurate for years, but the second hand never be made to consistently lines up with the tick marks?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2zlwq6/eli5_why_can_a_watch_be_made_to_remain_accurate/
{ "a_id": [ "cpk3qu8", "cpk6pu6" ], "score": [ 4, 3 ], "text": [ "I know this is speculation, and I'm sorry, but I'm pretty sure this is to do with the error of parallax - which basically has to do with the fact that your viewing angles may not always be perfect so that you misinterpret th...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
i3fjl
How long does it take for tourniquets to start causing tissue damage?
I know that applying a tourniquet leads to tissue damage by way of hypoxia, but I'm having difficulty finding an answer to this particular question. Also, can applying the tourniquet to an extremity also cause tissue damage in other parts of the body?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/i3fjl/how_long_does_it_take_for_tourniquets_to_start/
{ "a_id": [ "c20lag3" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "I don't know of any good data on the issue, but for orthopedic surgery we will use a tourniquet for up to 2 hours at a time, which is generally considered low risk. We also try to keep tourniquet pressure to a minimum. After a recovery period, ...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.eymj.org/Synapse/Data/PDFData/0069YMJ/ymj-33-153.pdf" ] ]
3m6l5c
Has the " speed of gravity" actually been measured?
There is a ton of comments on the thred about the disapearing Sun - if we would continue to orbit a non-existing object. Generally it is assumed that gravity would propagate at c, but has it been actually measured? Could we measure it? I have red about atomic clocks that can detect g changing while moving the instrumen...
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/3m6l5c/has_the_speed_of_gravity_actually_been_measured/
{ "a_id": [ "cvd0eu0" ], "score": [ 9 ], "text": [ "Sort of, in an indirect way. We haven't yet directly measured the propagation time of changes in gravity, although we likely will very soon as Advanced LIGO is expected to detect the first gravitational waves in the next few years. There are two ...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PSR_B1913%2B16" ] ]
6507xm
How did the planes that dropped nukes on Japan penetrate that air space without conflicr?
I hear about battles being so hard fought and dangerous, yet the US (seemingly) easily flew two planes into Japan mainland and dropped nukes on them. What was the context for this mission? Was it stealth based? Or did we just take a very brazen step and broke rules of engagement in an otherwise unprotected area to do...
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/6507xm/how_did_the_planes_that_dropped_nukes_on_japan/
{ "a_id": [ "dg6dp8m" ], "score": [ 8 ], "text": [ "Hi there -- while there's always more discussion to be had here, you may be interested in this [older thread on the topic](_URL_0_) which explains multiple reasons why the atomic bombing missions were successful. " ] }
[]
[]
[ [ "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/35rwix/how_were_single_unescorted_bombers_able_to/" ] ]
3py1ev
why do so little people like history?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3py1ev/eli5why_do_so_little_people_like_history/
{ "a_id": [ "cwafn2n", "cwagrks" ], "score": [ 2, 3 ], "text": [ "I guess there's different reasons for it, my own reason is that i hate stupidly memorizing things. So school kinda ruined history for me, i just don't think it makes sense to force people to know specific dates - it's just n...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
17nmcq
How to identify intron sequences in mRNA?
How do I find the exact place where the intron starts and ends in an mRNA sequence? Thanks in advance!
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/17nmcq/how_to_identify_intron_sequences_in_mrna/
{ "a_id": [ "c8796bq", "c87dex6" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Introns are removed by a ribonuclear complex called a splicesome that recognises motifs called a splice donor site (at the 5' end) and a slice acceptor site (at the 3' end). About 50 nucleotides upstream (before) the accepto...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://www.plosbiology.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pbio.1001229", "http://www.cbs.dtu.dk/services/NetGene2/" ] ]
28oyel
why is female genital mutilation a thing? why did the swedish school force the procedure upon the girls?
I just don't get it. I'm probably pissing tons of MRA's off by saying it, but I can understand circumcision, there's religion and hygiene behind it. But doing the same for females? Why do they have to enact laws against that shit? Why don't schools know better than to cut peoples' kids' fucking genitals off? Perhaps I'...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/28oyel/eli5_why_is_female_genital_mutilation_a_thing_why/
{ "a_id": [ "cid0oda", "cidif10" ], "score": [ 6, 3 ], "text": [ "The school didn't force the students to do anything. It just happens to be attended mostly by immigrants, and many of the girls were discovered to have undergone the procedure. This mostly happens during the holidays when th...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
29vg6a
Could intelligent life have appeared very early in the Universe?
We're talking years, or thousands or even hundreds of thousands of years after the big bang has happened
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/29vg6a/could_intelligent_life_have_appeared_very_early/
{ "a_id": [ "ciovdko", "cip0jh2", "cip2hnd", "cip63cg" ], "score": [ 31, 2, 9, 3 ], "text": [ "There were no unionized atoms at all until about 400,000 years after the big bang, and no atoms heavier than lithium until about 500 million years later. So, any life would have ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_the_universe#Recombination" ], [] ]
5u6z00
if we can't control where fat is lost/gained from, how are we so symmetrical? why isn't one hand or one arm fatter than the other?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5u6z00/eli5_if_we_cant_control_where_fat_is_lostgained/
{ "a_id": [ "ddrt1gv", "ddrt3uj", "dds2hl8" ], "score": [ 5, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "For the same reason.\n\nWhen your body stores fat it tries to spread it around as much as possible.", "You can't change it intentionally but your body knows where to store fat. It doesn't ask you wh...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
bn4221
Why did Asians develop a better food cuisine than Europeans?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/bn4221/why_did_asians_develop_a_better_food_cuisine_than/
{ "a_id": [ "en22mpi" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "This submission has been removed because it violates the [rule on poll-type questions](_URL_0_). These questions do not lend themselves to answers with a firm foundation in sources and research, and the resulting threads usually turn into monster...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/wiki/rules#wiki_no_.22poll.22-type_questions", "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/48hjn0/rules_roundtable_6_the_no_polltype_questions_rule/" ] ]
1qvwu4
convergence vs divergence
Could anyone please explain to me what these terms means? I'm writing a text where I'm asked to give a characteristic of these terms.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1qvwu4/eli5_convergence_vs_divergence/
{ "a_id": [ "cdh1ql1" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Convergence is *converging*; coming together or meeting.\n\nDivergence is *diverging*; separating or moving apart." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
25ogzz
How is energy prioritized between organs in humans?
If there is a lack of energy within the body, how does the body distribute it amongst organs or processes? Is it dependent on the particular "type" of energy there is a lack of, e.g. starvation versus a lack of oxygen?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/25ogzz/how_is_energy_prioritized_between_organs_in_humans/
{ "a_id": [ "chjklky" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "We redirect blood flow. The blood carries oxygen and carries nutrients: the two things we need to create our body's main energy carrier - ATP. Now, our body has a nice big store of macronutrients, so we can last without them for a much longer ti...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
g3tcba
why do so many disney child stars lose their minds?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/g3tcba/eli5_why_do_so_many_disney_child_stars_lose_their/
{ "a_id": [ "fntb5s8", "fntb9gq", "fntbkqm" ], "score": [ 2, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "Because most of them are ridden into exhaustion by their parents. Parents are using the kids as meal tickets so they push them to be perfect and do everything to keep up the fame.\n\nUsually drives the...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
3ldvke
If the eye is opened during sleep will the brain still process the visual information?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/3ldvke/if_the_eye_is_opened_during_sleep_will_the_brain/
{ "a_id": [ "cv5r6r6", "cv5tp44" ], "score": [ 19, 2 ], "text": [ "No, and maybe!\n \nOK. During sleep, particularly REM sleep, the ascending sensory pathways are shut down by strong inhibition. On the other hand, visual input provides a very strong drive to inhibit sleep. Enough light in...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
7903sz
[Math] What is the size of a differential?
I've done differential and integral calculus, and the question is bugging me more and more. Something doesn't seem right to me, especially in integral calculus. The width of the Riemann Sums is dx, and dx was taught to me as "infinitely small". And to me, infinitely small is just 0. And summing 0's even for the time le...
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/7903sz/math_what_is_the_size_of_a_differential/
{ "a_id": [ "doy3deq" ], "score": [ 39 ], "text": [ "\"dx\" is not a number. In fact, you can do all basic calculus without needing to even mention that it exists. The thing that's wrong with them is that they actually don't make sense, so it's totally reasonable to be confused about them if you t...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
7dfwuj
WW2 massive cannons
My friend is playing call of duty the new WW2 one that just came out. There’s a map with a GIANT cannon in the middle of it. It’s such a massive structure and it sits on a railroad track. I’m just curious what these were used for?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/7dfwuj/ww2_massive_cannons/
{ "a_id": [ "dpxi7y4" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "So, the one that is in COD WWII, I'm almost certain represents the 'Schwerer Gustav', the largest calibre weapon ever used in combat. The Gustav is part of a type of artillery called railway guns, because they were always moved via railways rathe...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://highpowerrocketry.blogspot.co.uk/2011/06/schwerer-gustav-and-dora-railway-siege.html" ] ]
2fo8m8
if i mistakenly step on my dog or stumble on him, then rightaway cuddle him as an "apology", will he interpret it this way?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2fo8m8/eli5_if_i_mistakenly_step_on_my_dog_or_stumble_on/
{ "a_id": [ "ckb3sux" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "No. I think the Oatmeal did it best: \n\n_URL_0_\n\nAbout a quarter of the way down. Its' a joke, but that sums it up pretty well. " ] }
[]
[]
[ [ "http://theoatmeal.com/comics/dog_paradox" ] ]
85zeck
how does nasa and other space agency’s manage to land a rover/probe on an moving asteroid?
Title.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/85zeck/eli5_how_does_nasa_and_other_space_agencys_manage/
{ "a_id": [ "dw18sd5", "dw19ufu", "dw1ljez" ], "score": [ 10, 2, 6 ], "text": [ "We're really really good at intelligent computer and propulsion systems.\n\nThere's four steps to doing it.\n\nThe first is launching. Got that down quite well with multi-stage rockets.\n\nThe second i...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
4x7pmz
When the Vikings showed up in (what is now) Eastern Canada would the natives there have already had bows? If "no" why didn't they adopt it from the Norse?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/4x7pmz/when_the_vikings_showed_up_in_what_is_now_eastern/
{ "a_id": [ "d6de4u3" ], "score": [ 22 ], "text": [ "Some of the Native Americans did have bows upon the Norse arrival, depending on what culture they belonged to. The natives that inhabited Vinland (Newfoundland) at the time of Norse contact were known as the Beothuk. The Beothuk had bow and arro...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1154bm
bright momentary reflection seen on a phone screen reflecting from a desktop lcd while scrolling.
Ok, ELI5, i just stumbled on something weird. I have a TFT monitor staring at my daily email, and i have an old smartphone turned off, in front of the screen, on my desk. While scrolling the email, i can see the reflection on my smartphone screen - only when scrolling - as very bright, with inverted colors(white text...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1154bm/eli5bright_momentary_reflection_seen_on_a_phone/
{ "a_id": [ "c6jh2pe" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Go to r/askscience" ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1yxdvm
can a commercial aircraft, like a boeing 747, do a looping?
If not, why not? How about a barrel roll?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1yxdvm/eli5_can_a_commercial_aircraft_like_a_boeing_747/
{ "a_id": [ "cfom10h" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "They can't loop in the nice circular sense. They don't have enough thrust to make it over the loop even if they start at max speed. However, if you're careful, you can get far enough over than, when you stall out, you're past vertical and can \"f...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
24dept
If nothing can travel faster than the speed of light, how come there are limits to our observable universe?
Apologies if this questions doesn't fully make sense. There are parts of the universe that are so far away that we cant see them, simply because light hasn't had enough time to travel that distance. Yet the universe expanded from a singularity. If this expansion happened at the speed of light, shouldn't the whole unive...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/24dept/if_nothing_can_travel_faster_than_the_speed_of/
{ "a_id": [ "ch62pwk", "ch62sdj" ], "score": [ 10, 3 ], "text": [ "First, the universe \"beginning\" in a singularity does not necessarily imply that it is finite. One can have a universe that \"starts\" in a singularity while being infinite in extent at all times after the singularity. Se...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/14wvsj/because_we_know_approximately_when_the_big_bang/c7h636k", "http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/rp5g8/i_thought_i_was_decent_at_math_how_can_the/c47imnu" ], [] ]
1zp0oq
How bad is the space junk problem?
Was just watching Gravity with my friend and we started talking about space junk, the old satellites and debris floating around up there at astronomical speeds, and were wondering how bad it actually is. Has it ever interfered with a mission to outer space? Is it a legitimate worry our astronauts have to account for?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1zp0oq/how_bad_is_the_space_junk_problem/
{ "a_id": [ "cfvmp19", "cfvn9uq", "cfvs67a", "cfvu4wv", "cfvunwo", "cfw890v" ], "score": [ 23, 93, 6, 2, 6, 2 ], "text": [ "This is a very good question that unfortunately has no clear cut answer. There are satellites falling to Earth all the time yet most e...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://science.nasa.gov/realtime/jtrack/3d/JTrack3D.html/" ], [ "http://orbitaldebris.jsc.nasa.gov/newsletter/newsletter.html", "https://student.societyforscience.org/sites/student.societyforscience.org/files/main/articles/a1759_2889.jpg" ], [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ke...
4bzkt3
Theoretically, how many bits of information make up our universe?
I was wondering about this in relation to a simulation. If there was a simulation on the scale of our universe, something as complex and as large, in terms of actual bits, how many would this simulation have/need? I dont know if this is the proper way to put this question, but hopefully someone understand. Is this i...
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/4bzkt3/theoretically_how_many_bits_of_information_make/
{ "a_id": [ "d1dyplt" ], "score": [ 16 ], "text": [ "A huge fraction of the information of the observable Universe is in black holes, ironically since we don't know how that information is encoded. It's around 10^(100) bits. Without black holes it's around 10^(90) bits, and almost all due to the C...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
9ji37k
how scientists landed a probe on a moving asteroid?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9ji37k/eli5_how_scientists_landed_a_probe_on_a_moving/
{ "a_id": [ "e6rmk3n", "e6rmndm" ], "score": [ 12, 4 ], "text": [ "Lots of math.\n\nThings in space move in predictable paths. If you have a good understanding of the solar system (which we do) you can very accurately predict where things will be and how fast they will be going very far in...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1rgkpc
Why was Israel not prevented from obtaining the bomb in the same way Iran was?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1rgkpc/why_was_israel_not_prevented_from_obtaining_the/
{ "a_id": [ "cdn71ls", "cdn8dpn", "cdncd3t" ], "score": [ 5, 7, 2 ], "text": [ "One answer that absolutely does not get to the heart of the matter, but is worth mentioning, is that Israel is not a signatory of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (neither are India, Pakistan, and N...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/1366164/Israel-reveals-secrets-of-how-it-gained-bomb.html" ], [] ]
nlsgf
Would scientifically advanced ET's be able to detect nuclear explosions from distant planets? ie send strong signal of some wave/form.
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/nlsgf/would_scientifically_advanced_ets_be_able_to/
{ "a_id": [ "c3a36bs", "c3a36bs" ], "score": [ 3, 3 ], "text": [ "Not likely. The EM radiation given off by nuclear explosions is largely absorbed by our atmosphere in much the same way that our atmosphere protects us from harmful EM radiation coming from the sun. What little radiation tha...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
20ue5p
When the Universe reaches heat death, at absolute zero, do atoms remain intact, or do they degrade into elementary particles?
I'm sorry if the question is a bit unclear; my boyfriend and I were having an argument last night on whether or not, when the Universe reaches heat death, matter still exists as atoms, or do those atoms degrade into elementary particles? In short, could I theoretically detect atoms of matter, or, does the strong nucle...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/20ue5p/when_the_universe_reaches_heat_death_at_absolute/
{ "a_id": [ "cg6wok9" ], "score": [ 29 ], "text": [ "Though there is no experimental evidence, there are a lot of theories which suggest that protons can eventually decay. As neutrons decay after about 15 minutes outside of an atomic nucleus, this would mean that all atomic matter would eventually...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
lqun0
What, exactly, makes an orbit stable or unstable?
I'm familiar with the basic, super simple model of orbit with Kepler's laws and Newtonian gravity. In that context, everything either orbits, crashes, or flies away. In reality, are there other cases? Can an orbit be more or less stable at one point in time and unstable sometime later with no direct adjustment to ...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/lqun0/what_exactly_makes_an_orbit_stable_or_unstable/
{ "a_id": [ "c2uv9ps", "c2uvhxu", "c2uwsyp", "c2uv9ps", "c2uvhxu", "c2uwsyp" ], "score": [ 5, 3, 2, 5, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "In reality, there are always external forces that act on orbiting bodies.\n\n* Atmospheric resistance for close orbits\n* Solar wind / S...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
3bdwc1
how do some insects fly so sporadically and change direction so quickly? how many g's are they under during maneuvers like that?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3bdwc1/eli5_how_do_some_insects_fly_so_sporadically_and/
{ "a_id": [ "csl9yc5", "cslb5ws" ], "score": [ 171, 7 ], "text": [ "What a cool question. \n \nTo start, most people could probably withstand around 9 Gs for a very short time. Then they would pass out and possibly suffer brain damage. The highest G-force ever put into a roller-co...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
3v9kzh
Is there an important battle that was basically settled in favor of the disadvantaged party (fewer men, resources, tech etc.) by the occurrence of a natural disaster?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/3v9kzh/is_there_an_important_battle_that_was_basically/
{ "a_id": [ "cxlkv6e", "cxlpcib", "cxlxj4m", "cxlxvhr", "cxmht4z" ], "score": [ 50, 23, 30, 22, 3 ], "text": [ "I would not call it a natural disaster but the Winter of 1941/1942 was particularly cold (Also the Winters of 1939/1940 and 1940/1941 were considered to b...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1gy78o/what_really_happened_to_the_spanish_armada/", "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/38nhow/what_was_philip_iis_plan_for_england_had_the/cs4ktsu", "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/3v9kzh/is_there_an_important_battl...
480atf
the passage of time while sleeping.
It seriously confuses me so much. Time just goes so quickly while sleeping. I remember once as a child I was trying to fall asleep and I blinked while looking at my clock and it was suddenly morning.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/480atf/eli5_the_passage_of_time_while_sleeping/
{ "a_id": [ "d0gmn9m" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "The passage of time is nothing more than our ability to remember events during that time. You don't remember anything while sleeping save for a few moments dreaming.\n\nSet up your web cam and record a video. Put a clock in the background to show...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
cpyrks
why do strong weather systems break up around nuclear power plants?
I live within 10 miles of a nuclear power plant and whenever a strong weather system comes through, if you watch the radar, the red/strongest part will break up and go around the nuclear plant as it approaches. After it passes, it goes right back to how it was before it approached the plant.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cpyrks/eli5_why_do_strong_weather_systems_break_up/
{ "a_id": [ "ewsi65g" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "We don't have a Nuclear power plant near us, but we do have a decent sized steam plant, and it seems like the strong stuff is always going around then reforms" ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1z4nqv
What makes the "physics is cool" photo possible?
For those of you who haven't seen it: _URL_0_
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1z4nqv/what_makes_the_physics_is_cool_photo_possible/
{ "a_id": [ "cfqq6bi" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Basically, it works like this: the water *should* be moving upward - if the plane and everything around it suddenly vanished, the water would have an upward velocity. But the plane (and the pilot, and the cup) is accelerating downward faster tha...
[]
[ "http://redd.it/1z3spe" ]
[ [] ]
gghor
Why is Planck time a measure of the Planck length divided by a factor of c^5 and not c?
I was watching [sixty symbols](_URL_1_) and they discussed Planck time. I was looking at the [wikipedia](_URL_0_) page and saw c^5. The video made is seems as if you only need to divide by c. It may just be some complex math or there may be a reason for it, either way I am curious.
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/gghor/why_is_planck_time_a_measure_of_the_planck_length/
{ "a_id": [ "c1nczlf" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "The Planck time *is* the Planck length over c. Planck length is sqrt( hbar * G / c^3 ), and as you saw Planck time is sqrt( hbar * G / c^5 )." ] }
[]
[ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planck_time", "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPgtPF0kduA&feature=feedu" ]
[ [] ]
joqaz
What's the difference between an electron and a black hole of the same mass, spin, charge etc.?
Would it ever be possible for something like that to be created? It would almost instantly evaporate due to Hawking radiation (assuming that exists), right?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/joqaz/whats_the_difference_between_an_electron_and_a/
{ "a_id": [ "c2dv9if", "c2dx9t8", "c2dv9if", "c2dx9t8" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "A hypothetical black hole with the effective mass of a single electron is a paradoxical object. It would have an entropic temperature of 10^53 degrees absolute, or 10^43 times its ...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extremal_black_hole", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reissner%E2%80%93Nordstr%C3%B6m_metric", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_hole_electron" ], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extremal_black_hole", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reissner%E2%80%93...
33fnm3
What was the reaction to Washington freeing his slaves when he died?
How did Jefferson and other political figures react to him freeing his slaves? Also, how did Virginians react to it?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/33fnm3/what_was_the_reaction_to_washington_freeing_his/
{ "a_id": [ "cqkvanp" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "George Washington owned several slaves outright, but most belonged to the Custiss estate. He legally wasn't allowed to free them. We can speculate that Washington could've gotten away with freeing the slaves owned by his first wife's husband as ...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.mountvernon.org/george-washington/martha-washington/martha-washington-slavery/" ] ]
l8ow4
Why are laws of physics absolute?
I'm only asking this question from a ignorant stand point of view. I usually hear a normal discussion on tv, radio or even in life, and it goes something like this: Person A: "Dude, that new spaceship can travel faster then the speed of light." (Sorry can't think of a great example right now) Person B: "Dude, that g...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/l8ow4/why_are_laws_of_physics_absolute/
{ "a_id": [ "c2qp21g", "c2qp21g" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "We just call it a law because so far, all the evidence we have support them. So, we are not certain that they apply to the whole universe but you can't just make a random claim that is not supported by any evidence or is imp...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2sge9z
Does arousal and bodily changes cause emotion or is it the other way around?
I understand the James-Lange theory but I don't get why it works. How would we be able to have emotion without first consciously thinking about the situation causing emotion. How does our body know to do an involuntary action such as cry from something human made like verbal insults? To me the Cannon-Bard theory makes ...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/2sge9z/does_arousal_and_bodily_changes_cause_emotion_or/
{ "a_id": [ "cnpa868" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "First of all, both of these theories are huge oversimplifications of emotion generation (e.g., they depict emotion generation as a linear sequence, when it's likely much more complicated). \n\n > How would we be able to have emotion without first...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
7b4j47
why underwater lighting illuminates objects underwater much better than objects above water
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7b4j47/eli5_why_underwater_lighting_illuminates_objects/
{ "a_id": [ "dpf747s", "dpfa7sm" ], "score": [ 6, 2 ], "text": [ "It’s called total internal reflection, basically the light is reflecting off the internal side of the surface of the water. \nBasically the same way fibre optics work ", "Light bounces around under the water, and hits mo...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
fpl9ys
why does there need to be a separate wash process for cleaning a dishwasher? why doesn’t it clean itself during a normal cycle?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/fpl9ys/eli5_why_does_there_need_to_be_a_separate_wash/
{ "a_id": [ "flll72v", "flllx7v", "fllm0sd" ], "score": [ 7, 3, 12 ], "text": [ "The soaps used to clean dishes can build up after many wash cycles. The dishwasher is then cleaned with a soap-removing solution. You can't wash dishes all the time with that, because it doesn't take...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
9ur2ql
How does lead get in water from pipes? Can lead be filtered out of water?
Can lead molecules be filtered out of drinking water? A quick Google search revealed that, yes, it can be filtered out. If so, why haven't schools and public institutions (Flint, MI) installed filters as a temporary fix until the pipes can be replaced?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/9ur2ql/how_does_lead_get_in_water_from_pipes_can_lead_be/
{ "a_id": [ "e97bqyd", "e99634v" ], "score": [ 4, 2 ], "text": [ "Yes, filtering lead out of water is as simple as reverse osmosis. However, lead in the water, specifically in Flint, is caused after the water is already cleaned at the water treatment plant. These impurities are a result of...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
5jzckw
if a person was standing in the north pole during the summer solstice, would the sun just appear to make a circle around the sky?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5jzckw/eli5_if_a_person_was_standing_in_the_north_pole/
{ "a_id": [ "dbk4c8x", "dbkpyxx" ], "score": [ 14, 2 ], "text": [ "Yes, thats exactly what it would look like. [Here's a video from not quite so north, but in the arctic.](_URL_0_) Far enough north (or far enough south during winter solstice) the sun never sets.\n\nHaving been to northern ...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndlQNicOeso" ], [] ]
pkw5p
AskScience AMA Series- IAMA neuroscientist working on the genetic and cellular basis of eating disorders-related behavior
Hello all! I'm a third-year postdoctoral fellow working in a translational neuroscience lab studying the physiological bases of eating disorders. I have also worked on the blood-brain barrier for my thesis work and can speak to the way that compounds get into your brain, some general brain function questions and cros...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/pkw5p/askscience_ama_series_iama_neuroscientist_working/
{ "a_id": [ "c3q67ij", "c3q6ins", "c3q6nty", "c3q6o13", "c3q6o35", "c3q6sin", "c3q6xz6", "c3q71nu", "c3q72p6", "c3q72qf", "c3q73a4", "c3q790e", "c3q79iu", "c3q79yh", "c3q7bcy", "c3q7ctz", "c3q7gcg", "c3q7pwy", "c3q7qx2", "c3q7uoh", "c...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
1jpcn7
why is generation x seen by some people as the generation that dropped the ball.
Generation X has done some remarkable things, but somehow they are seen by some as a generation of screw ups. why?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1jpcn7/eli5_why_is_generation_x_seen_by_some_people_as/
{ "a_id": [ "cbgz0xz", "cbh1uag", "cbh3ewk", "cbhf7qh" ], "score": [ 21, 4, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Because the baby boomers won't accept responsibility.", "I think all generations have had to deal with that to some extent, but now it's their turn. \"You kids are so [negativ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
3fpkbk
why do countries like switzerland and new zealand have freer economies than the us?
In pretty much every list, the US is fairly far away from being at the top. How are these economies different from the US and what about them make them more free?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3fpkbk/eli5_why_do_countries_like_switzerland_and_new/
{ "a_id": [ "ctqrnfx", "ctqsc5w" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "This presumes that \"free\" is better in some regard. It also presumes a strict definition of the word \"free\". If you mean free in the sense of less government intervention in their economy, its because countries are very ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2wto4p
why are fruit snacks flavoring/coloring distributed unequally?
Every fruit snack pack that I open has a random set of fruit snack flavors in different quantities which makes no sense to me. Wouldn't they want to supply their consumers with an equal amount of each color?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2wto4p/eli5_why_are_fruit_snacks_flavoringcoloring/
{ "a_id": [ "cou0aos" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "The assembly line has to stop for half a second every time they start to pour something into the package to prevent spillage. Pouring in two reds and two blues etc. could take about three to five seconds, whereas just pouring them in from one con...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
gm91i
Orthostatic hypotension and vision--or, why can't I see when I stand up?
I have very low blood pressure and I get blackouts all the time when I stand up. As an entering neuroscience grad student (MD/PhD), I can't help but wonder about it while I'm standing still, waiting to see again: why exactly does this affect my vision more than any other function of my brain? I tried googling it and ...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/gm91i/orthostatic_hypotension_and_visionor_why_cant_i/
{ "a_id": [ "c1olhoo", "c1onbzr" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "The same thing happens to me.\n\nFrom what I have gathered, it's because in these situations there's only so much oxygen to go around up there. Because your brain is far more important than your eyes, blood/oxygen is diverte...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
sd2lg
Which can stop faster: a motorcycle or a car?
There is constant bickering both ways, please provide some references with apples to apples data. I can find a few listings of various stopping distances but they are clearly measured inconsistently, sometimes including 'perception time' or some other fluff. Source with specific stock models will be useful- and don't...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/sd2lg/which_can_stop_faster_a_motorcycle_or_a_car/
{ "a_id": [ "c4d2kyw" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "A car has, relatively, a much lower center of gravity compared to its wheelbase, so will be able to apply proportionally more braking force without flipping over." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
28753u
Did they British Military stopped with "local" regiments after WW1?
I was in Ieper yesterday at the Menenpoort and I though by myself. I see a lot of "local" regiments then I tough of something I read in the newspapers arround D-Days that the American Military stopped with "local/friendship" regiments after D-Day because the youth of certain communities where decimated. Now is my quest...
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/28753u/did_they_british_military_stopped_with_local/
{ "a_id": [ "ci827kh" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "I'm assuming you are referring to what were called \"Pals battalions\"; units that were collected from the same local recruitment posts to allow volunteers to be with people they knew already at the front. _URL_0_\n\nI'm afraid I can't find anoth...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pals_battalion", "http://www.army.mod.uk/infantry/regiments/23987.aspx" ] ]
1s0lwn
What role does Insulin have in memory?
this is in conjunction with an article im reading about the link between type 2 diabetes and alzheimers, it says there is a link but doesnt go any further as to say why.
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1s0lwn/what_role_does_insulin_have_in_memory/
{ "a_id": [ "cdtik35", "cdvhf4t", "ce95f24" ], "score": [ 2, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "My first thought when I read this question about type 2 diabetes and alzheimers actually wasn't insulin but glucocorticoids (GC), which are hormones involved in glucose metabolism, but they also have ma...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.jneurosci.org/content/26/35/9047.short", "http://www.eje-online.org/content/166/5/861" ], [], [ "http://www.fasebj.org/content/22/1/246.long" ] ]
2zrw4y
if cooked, would human meat be red, white, or an "other" similar to pork.
I thought about it, and it could be red like beef, since cows and humans are both mammals. However, pigs are mammals too, so it could be that "other white meat" category or whatever that is. I don't think it'd be white meat since that's found in poultry and humans aren't birds. I've always wondered this and I didn't re...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2zrw4y/eli5_if_cooked_would_human_meat_be_red_white_or/
{ "a_id": [ "cplrupe", "cpls6da", "cpls7o2" ], "score": [ 2, 6, 5 ], "text": [ "The human psoas major muscle is filet mignon in cows.", "Cannibal serial killers like Arthur Shawcross and Jeffrey Dahmer claim that humans taste like roast pork. That freaks me out because I love r...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
70dess
do all subatomic particles already exist? and/or how are they created?
I've been googling around but information seems scant here. Did all subatomic particles that exist get created with the advent of the universe or do they still pop into being now and then? Watching a documentary on sub-atomic particles and how they behave got me to wondering this. So if they are what matter is made u...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/70dess/eli5_do_all_subatomic_particles_already_exist/
{ "a_id": [ "dn2j5v5", "dn2nqjf", "dn2rqjj" ], "score": [ 2, 8, 2 ], "text": [ "As far as I know no. Matter is just one form of energy and transference between matter and other forms of energy are possible. \n\nDuring subatomic processes particles particles with a mass break up int...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
o0o0k
Does a pickup truck get better gas milage with the tail gate up or down?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/o0o0k/does_a_pickup_truck_get_better_gas_milage_with/
{ "a_id": [ "c3dfrv6", "c3dg7ww" ], "score": [ 3, 4 ], "text": [ "They tested this on MythBusters. Two identical trucks driven the same identical distance at the same speed. One had the gate up and the other had the gate down. They also tested it in a water tunnel (like a wind tunnel but f...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://papers.sae.org/2004-01-1146" ] ]
8733nc
meaning of no country for old men
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8733nc/eli5_meaning_of_no_country_for_old_men/
{ "a_id": [ "dw9szw5", "dw9wa9r" ], "score": [ 6, 2 ], "text": [ "I personally saw that it was referencing how Tommy Lee Jones' character felt as if crime and increasingly immoral behavior was taking over the society he grew up in, and that the morality of his generation wasn't able to hol...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
8x4fgl
why it's still so warm at 2am after a hot day. where's the heat still coming from and why hasn't it just risen into the air?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8x4fgl/eli5_why_its_still_so_warm_at_2am_after_a_hot_day/
{ "a_id": [ "e20q7g1" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "The sun warms the surface of the earth, which reradiates heat into the air mass above it. It takes time for both to cool down, even after the sun goes down." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1uki4j
with all this -30º weather and such, how long can an average human or animal withstand these temperatures?
If we were to start "freezing alive" what body parts or organs would give out first? I'm asking because I just watched a mailman walk for about 15 minutes, door to door, like it's no big deal.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1uki4j/with_all_this_30º_weather_and_such_how_long_can/
{ "a_id": [ "cej12xj" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Freezing to death does not mean you die from solidified flesh. \n\nYour normal body temperature is about 37ºC. The freezing point of water is 0ºC. There's a lot of room in between the optimal operating temperature of the body and the point at whi...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1fv5iy
Why have certain ethnic terms taken on pejorative connotations over time when their initial use seems not to have had any?
I asked the mods if it was okay to post this question, and they agreed that it was. This post will contain language that some may find offensive, but it is not my intention to offend. I'm just asking a question about it. Now I know that there has historically been a lot of problems with people using careless or purp...
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1fv5iy/why_have_certain_ethnic_terms_taken_on_pejorative/
{ "a_id": [ "cae7qoe", "cae9i3k", "caea0uy" ], "score": [ 12, 7, 7 ], "text": [ "Is there any evidence that the term \"Indian\" as a description for the people who inhabited North America before European colonization was meant to be a pejorative? My understanding is that it was jus...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euphemism#Evolution", "http://books.google.com/books?id=85wBAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA111&dq=%22Mohammedans+are%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=YzmyUYqVOIezyAG35ICICQ&ved=0CEUQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q=%22Mohammedans%20are%22&f=false" ] ]
2qz5m3
Because we have our noses to smell, ears to hear, etc., is it possible that there is other major senses that humans don't know about because we lack the proper anatomy or tools?
Most objects in the physical world have a different feel, smell, sound, taste, and look differently (things our 5 senses can detect). Is it possible that objects all have a different characteristic that we have no idea about.
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/2qz5m3/because_we_have_our_noses_to_smell_ears_to_hear/
{ "a_id": [ "cnbbuuo", "cnbbxfv" ], "score": [ 7, 2 ], "text": [ "It would be more accurate to say say that objects have different characteristics that we can't sense but *do* know about. The [19](_URL_1_) senses that humans have don't include the [multiple examples on Wikipedia](_URL_0_) ...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sense#Not_analogous_to_human_senses", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sense#Non-traditional_senses" ], [] ]
5fkrgz
how does your brain decide you like/dislike a certain song? what influences that? and why do we all like different songs?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5fkrgz/eli5_how_does_your_brain_decide_you_likedislike_a/
{ "a_id": [ "dalif4p" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "Basically, it comes down to sensing versus perceiving. Generally everyone senses the same things the same way, from vision to taste, excluding those with sensory deprivations (colorblindness, deafness, etc.). \n\nPerceiving is a different story. ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
7ph70c
what is putin's and russia's ultimate goal in undermining foreign democracies?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7ph70c/eli5_what_is_putins_and_russias_ultimate_goal_in/
{ "a_id": [ "dsh74cg", "dsh754s", "dsh7awc" ], "score": [ 4, 2, 5 ], "text": [ "Russia competes with other countries for economic power and for military dominance of nearby areas. For the past 20 years or so they've been doing rather poorly. Weakening other countries' governments g...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
2rw8ks
if i have a 1360x768 monitor, is there any point in watching videos in higher quality than 720p?
1080p videos often do *seem* clearer, but that could easily be placebo :P
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2rw8ks/eli5_if_i_have_a_1360x768_monitor_is_there_any/
{ "a_id": [ "cnjv6h9", "cnjy7qc" ], "score": [ 15, 5 ], "text": [ "You won't be seeing 1080p on your monitor, but the 1080p video may be better depending on the compression the video has been through. It's possible that taking the compressed 1080p video and letting your computer scale it d...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2hkgua
why is it that even though u2's free album on apple is doing so bad, apple is still advertising it.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2hkgua/eli5why_is_it_that_even_though_u2s_free_album_on/
{ "a_id": [ "ckthnf3" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Statistics: Even if 30 % obnoxious loud redditors are kicking and screaming still leaves you with 70 % mildly happy U2-fans/don't give a shitters." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2i3i7q
How Did We Map The Milky Way Galaxy?
At a much smaller scale, we achieved mapping the Earth by physically traveling, inhabiting, and viewing from space, all parts of the globe. However, the enormity of the galaxy limits us to nearby satellites and telescopes. We cannot just send a satellite beyond the galaxy to view upon its entirety as we did with Earth ...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/2i3i7q/how_did_we_map_the_milky_way_galaxy/
{ "a_id": [ "ckz21co" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "The Hardest Problem in astronomy is figuring out the distance to things. We've been recording what the sky looks like in 2 dimensions for centuries, but if you want to make a map of our galaxy, you essentially just need to take all the objects yo...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cosmic_distance_ladder", "http://sci.esa.int/gaia/" ] ]
8ry8zu
Since 1944, Arabs have been deemed white by law in the US. Why?
I've seen this ~~apparent~~ fact mentioned in a few threads recently so I decided to google it. For the most part the articles I've found all seem to quote or derive from this opinion piece from [Al Jazeera](_URL_0_). When where and why did this happen?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/8ry8zu/since_1944_arabs_have_been_deemed_white_by_law_in/
{ "a_id": [ "e0vblm9" ], "score": [ 97 ], "text": [ "This question is complex, and that's magnified by the complexity of Arab identity. \n\nIn 1909, one Syrian was allowed to become a naturalized citizen because the judge in his case declared \"I consider the Syrian as belonging to \\[the white ra...
[]
[ "https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2015/07/arabs-white-150716110921150.html" ]
[ [ "https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/FSupp/54/941/1739378/" ] ]
mch34
waterboarding, please.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/mch34/eli5_waterboarding_please/
{ "a_id": [ "c2ztq78", "c2ztwma", "c2ztq78", "c2ztwma" ], "score": [ 8, 2, 8, 2 ], "text": [ "Waterboarding is a technique that creates the sensation of drowning even though you actually aren't, by exploiting the prisoners gag reflex which is meant to stop choking.\n\nIt is...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
3bkdub
why do we need a "leap second" added to our clocks at the end of june?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3bkdub/eli5_why_do_we_need_a_leap_second_added_to_our/
{ "a_id": [ "csmxf9q" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "The Earth is very slowly slowing down. It takes a little bit longer to turn all the way around every time. In other words, over the course of a few years, a day becomes noticeably longer -- at least, noticeable to the super-advanced computers we ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
bi62rf
Do people who are born blind still experience REM when they sleep?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/bi62rf/do_people_who_are_born_blind_still_experience_rem/
{ "a_id": [ "em1qtzw" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "I was curious so I searched a bit. [Wikipedia says yes](_URL_2_) and cites\n\n > J. Alan Hobson, Edward F. Pace-Scott, & Robert Stickgold (2000), “Dreaming and the brain: Toward a cognitive neuroscience of conscious states”, Behavioral and Bra...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/6ce3/50f101524afc3adf42012024d21b5bc75285.pdf", "https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11515143", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rapid_eye_movement_sleep#Eye_movements" ] ]
6751ju
how the anti-shoplifting vertical bars at stores' exits work (if you have no clue what i'm talking about let me know)
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6751ju/eli5_how_the_antishoplifting_vertical_bars_at/
{ "a_id": [ "dgnq5mk", "dgoc730" ], "score": [ 7, 2 ], "text": [ "These panels are RFID detectors. Some valuable/high incidence of theft items have a little plastic tag attached to them, within which is an antenna and a programmable chip. If one of them gets too close to the panel's, they ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
4198nc
mathematically, why can't a chair balance with 2 legs?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4198nc/eli5_mathematically_why_cant_a_chair_balance_with/
{ "a_id": [ "cz0j2pv", "cz0j2yx", "cz0kwtn" ], "score": [ 3, 7, 2 ], "text": [ "Mathematically it can. At the wonder spot. The \"house\" is built in a specific angle, on a specific slope, and one of the cool things they do there is put a chair up on a shelf, on two legs, and have p...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
6f3wc5
How did the Roman Legions view eachother?
Was it like a rivalry between brothers?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/6f3wc5/how_did_the_roman_legions_view_eachother/
{ "a_id": [ "dif7nd6" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "As a followup question: during times of Civil War like Caesar's Civil War, did the opposing legions view each other like tragic brother vs brother (ex. USA Civil War) or did they view each other like good vs. evil (ex. Humans vs. Orcs)?" ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
38rz8s
why do some people's feet point straight while others have a "v" or "duck" shape?
Been wondering about this for a while. Is it a genetic thing? Is one better than the other? How does this affect the rest of the body?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/38rz8s/eli5why_do_some_peoples_feet_point_straight_while/
{ "a_id": [ "crxdj99", "crxfbea" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "There's [a whole wiki page](_URL_0_) about pigeon-toes, but I have no idea if there's a name for the-other-direction-toes. It says some of the causes are basically when your foot bones and/or muscles grow crooked; but that i...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pigeon_toe" ], [] ]
5ujjbj
why do we sometimes yawn and feel really sleepy, go to the bed but don't fall asleep as soon as we expected we would?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5ujjbj/eli5_why_do_we_sometimes_yawn_and_feel_really/
{ "a_id": [ "ddut9o0" ], "score": [ 25 ], "text": [ "Perhaps you are not distinguishing between \"sleepy\" and \"tired.\"\n\nFeeling **sleepy** is part of a physiological cycle. Your body clock is saying that \"now would be a good time to get the required amount of sleep.\" You do not necessarily ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
24m181
What causes tRNA to go from the cell nucleus to a ribosome?
I understand that protein synethsis occurs when a section of DNA is copied into RNA and this section of RNA then goes to a ribosome where protein synthesis occurs. But what causes tRNA to go from the cell nucleus to a ribosome? I assume the main reason it leaves the nucleus is Brownian motion - it just is constantly b...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/24m181/what_causes_trna_to_go_from_the_cell_nucleus_to_a/
{ "a_id": [ "ch8hw0u", "ch8j77n" ], "score": [ 2, 3 ], "text": [ "From your question, I think you mean, \"what way does a *mRNA* find the ribosome\", rather than \"what does a tRNA find the ribosome\n\nHowever, the answer is the same for both tRNA and mRNA - its still mostly brownian moti...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1mooc7
How did people deal with allergic reactions before epi pens? Did they just die? And how common was it?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1mooc7/how_did_people_deal_with_allergic_reactions/
{ "a_id": [ "ccb81z8", "ccb8a68", "ccb96qi", "ccb9p17", "ccbdl4g" ], "score": [ 199, 125, 104, 143, 15 ], "text": [ "If it was common to die from them, would that be an explanation for someone being \"struck down by God\"?", "While I can't really say anything my...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1lhj0u/how_well_were_allergies_understood_by_regular/", "http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1dejgs/woke_up_with_a_massive_sinus_headache_this/" ], [ "http://media.wiley.com/product_data/excerpt/42/04708611/0470861142.pdf" ], [],...
4k28la
Was there some kind of "newspaper" in ancient rome? Do we know how information and news usually spread throughout the empire?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/4k28la/was_there_some_kind_of_newspaper_in_ancient_rome/
{ "a_id": [ "d3bs4nc", "d3bswfq" ], "score": [ 66, 14 ], "text": [ "There were no newspapers, public or private, in the Roman world. The spread of information in the Roman world, to the extent that it was done through writing, was largely accomplished through posted notices. The most impor...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c0/Cato_and_Catilina_propaganda_cups.jpg/1024px-Cato_and_Catilina_propaganda_cups.jpg", "https://optimusmaximusadventurous.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/election-slogans-on-walls-pompeii-sramanujan.jpg" ], [] ]
7sm0u3
Did Robert E. Lee call for Genocide?
A Spanish-Language documentary on Netflix titled "Los Ninos Heroes de Chapultepec" features a collection of three Mexican and one American historian discussing the Mexican American War of 1846 to 1848. At one point, the American historian, John Mason Hart of the University of Houston, responds to a question about Ameri...
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/7sm0u3/did_robert_e_lee_call_for_genocide/
{ "a_id": [ "dt6u7dt" ], "score": [ 14 ], "text": [ "I'm afraid I can't address your main question vis a vis Lee's attitude toward Mexico and Mexican or Hispanic people, but I do have an [old write-up](_URL_0_) that touches on Lee's attitude towards slavery and people of African descent. It might ...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/4g76bk/is_the_testimony_of_wesley_norris_authentic/" ] ]