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37agwp | does my brain have some kind of subconscious timer alerting me when to do things? | Example: I go into the kitchen and put some food in the microwave. I set the timer to three minutes and go into another room and do something else (watch TV with no clock, clean, etc.) and then absent-mindedly walk back into the kitchen and check on the food and it's almost always when the timer is at 3, 2, 1. The timi... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/37agwp/eli5_does_my_brain_have_some_kind_of_subconscious/ | {
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"yes, your brain actually has at least two timers.\n\nOne timer is basically a counter regulated by cyclical cues\nanother \"timer\" is based on sequential events and essentially attaches a time value to memories.\n\nThe earlier of these is what i... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/your-brain-has-two-clocks/"
]
] | |
dpqo3w | how do video game data miners get information? | When I hear that a data miner has gotten new game information regarding Apex Legends or Fortnite for examples, most of the time they are eventually proven correct to some form. How do they access this information so easily when one would think that these companies would try to ensure that this data is hidden in order t... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/dpqo3w/eli5_how_do_video_game_data_miners_get_information/ | {
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"There are various ways someone might do this. I think the easiest/most common way is that they look through files in the games directory. Since actual assets have to be downloaded to your computer, you could look at the code and see for example t... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
px79d | why do cats bury their poop? | Is there a logical/evolutionary reason as to why they bury their poop? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/px79d/why_do_cats_bury_their_poop/ | {
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"Hides the scent of the poop from their predators in the wild. It's become so instinctive to their species that kittens litterbox-train almost instantly. One of our cats learned fr... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
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171bbn | why was the 22nd amendment passed? (2 term limit). | I get that it states that a president can only serve two terms, but why? It can't be to "stop" a dictator from seizing power, because he'd just change around the constitution / manipulate the words to speak to Presidents, not "Supreme Leaders" etc.
I guess this starts with the fact I don't get the point of ever wanti... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/171bbn/eli5_why_was_the_22nd_amendment_passed_2_term/ | {
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"The more time someone spends in power, the more time they have to shuffle laws around to keep them in power even longer. It lets them rig the system in their favour or in their party's favour. Even more... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
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] | |
5rr54i | the controversy surrounding betsy devos' nomination as education secretary | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5rr54i/eli5_the_controversy_surrounding_betsy_devos/ | {
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"She has said some pretty negative things about teachers unions. Since teachers are a big part of implementation for any education pr... | [] | [] | [
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3ch2c6 | what is a neo-conservative and why is it used as an insult? | I see people be accused of neo-conservatism and I'm wondering why it's a bad thing? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3ch2c6/eli5_what_is_a_neoconservative_and_why_is_it_used/ | {
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"_URL_0_\n\nIt originally meant someone who was a liberal and became more conservative, but these days it more often means a warhawk Republican similar to George W Bush, Dick Cheney... | [] | [] | [
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"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neoconservatism"
],
[],
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"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neoconservatism"
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6n8p6c | aren't renewable energy sources also dangerous to the environment? | Won't wind turbines slow down air currents, tide harvesting plants change tides and sea currents, dams change river flows and flooded areas faster than the environment can adapt?
Edit.: Why downvoting? Isn't this Eli5? I'm not opposing renewable sources, just want to know long term impacts | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6n8p6c/eli5_arent_renewable_energy_sources_also/ | {
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"text": [
"Anything that extracts energy from the environment will have *some* consequences. The goal is to *minimize* these consequences, not to pretend there are zero. The consequences of f... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
1ujn7c | in a survival situation, will a sea water enema safely prevent dehydration vs drinking it? | I'm not exactly sure why, but I know that you are not supposed to drink sea water because it can make your condition even worse. But if you have no other choice, I have heard that it is much safer to give yourself a sea water enema. Is this true? If so, why? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1ujn7c/in_a_survival_situation_will_a_sea_water_enema/ | {
"a_id": [
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"text": [
"Absolutely not. This would do nothing but harm you. Also, how on earth would you give yourself an enema?"
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
3rf9d0 | why do we vote on some state laws, such as marijuana use and school levys, while some other laws are voted on by lawmakers only? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3rf9d0/eli5_why_do_we_vote_on_some_state_laws_such_as/ | {
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"text": [
"Usually referendums as we'd call them here are brought forward where decisions are sociocultural and have wide divide between populations. \n\nMost decisions in government are mostly economical and defence, based on sociocul... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
3xraar | why are some multivitamins much cheaper than single vitamin products, even though they contain the same % of daily values as each other? | [deleted] | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3xraar/eli5_why_are_some_multivitamins_much_cheaper_than/ | {
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"text": [
"The contents of the vitamin pills is pretty much meaningless. Likely it cost the exact same amount to manufacture a multivitamin vs a single vitamin pill.\n\nPricing is all about how much your customer is willing to pay. Companies do huge amounts... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
3ktce2 | why do some people get dizzy at heights? | Seems like something evolution would have worked out pretty quick given when you get dizzy you stumble. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3ktce2/eli5_why_do_some_people_get_dizzy_at_heights/ | {
"a_id": [
"cv0ag6r",
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"text": [
"It does, in the form of a survival instinct. If you're the type of person that does get dizzy high up, you will likely be afraid of heights(if not you should be).",
"Because they have not spent enough time in the area ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
opr09 | how did countries declare "neutrality" during wwii? | I know the various countries that were neutral during the war (Switzerland, Spain, etc.) But I was never properly taught "why" these countries were able to stay "neutral". I suppose what I mean is, what was stopping Hitler from saying, "Oh well actually, fuck you Switzerland, I'm invading you anyway" while he was invad... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/opr09/eli5_how_did_countries_declare_neutrality_during/ | {
"a_id": [
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"text": [
"Nothing prevented Hitler from doing that, and in fact he did invade some nominally neutral countries during the war. But invading more countries obviously costs more manpower, so if they've pledged not to hurt you or assist ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
1mnyzn | what it means when a color "absorbs" light. | People always say that you should wear a white shirt on a sunny day because it reflects more light than, say, a black shirt which "absorbs" the light. What does that mean? What part of my shirt is actually "absorbing" light from the sun? What happens to that absorbed energy? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1mnyzn/eli5_what_it_means_when_a_color_absorbs_light/ | {
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"Light is made up of different frequencies. We perceive these different frequencies as colors. When you have a molecule of blue dye, what actually happens is that the molecule of blue dye reflects the blue light back into y... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
6uh1nk | how do we grow from a single cell to a extremely complex organism with specialized organs and bones? | [deleted] | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6uh1nk/eli5_how_do_we_grow_from_a_single_cell_to_a/ | {
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"text": [
"You mean like from conception to human or like evolution?"
]
} | [] | [] | [
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] | |
3epjk2 | if the voyager was found by another living civilization, how would they decipher our writing? | It seems like we thought they would just get what all those symbols mean. It seems like the aliens would need more context. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3epjk2/eli5_if_the_voyager_was_found_by_another_living/ | {
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"text": [
"Voyager didn't just include text. It also included pictures, and other diagrams that don't require an ability to decipher our writing to understand."
]
} | [] | [] | [
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4lirby | why does organic milk take so much longer to expire than non-organic? | Organic milk seems to have ridiculously long expiration dates and it seems like it would be just the opposite? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4lirby/eli5_why_does_organic_milk_take_so_much_longer_to/ | {
"a_id": [
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"score": [
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"text": [
"They use a different pasteurization process than normal milk. It's called ultrahigh temperature, or UHT, pasteurization. Longer shelf life, although there are issues with flavor and vitamin content."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
4v2zxm | what exactly does it mean when someone is legally blind? | Sometimes in sports like the Paralympics you'll see someone who is tethered to another athlete and is classified as legally blind. What is the difference in classifying between legally blind and blind. Can legally blind people actually see anything? I can't read a few feet in front of me without glasses, would that be ... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4v2zxm/eli5_what_exactly_does_it_mean_when_someone_is/ | {
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"To be considered legally blind, your visual acuity must be 20/200 or worse in your better eye while you are wearing corrective lenses.",
"In general it me... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[
"http://www.afb.org/info/blindness-statistics/key-definitions-of-statistical-terms/25"
],
[]
] | |
2me0sp | why is the distinction between paperbacks and hardcovers so important? | I've never understood it. Isn't it the same thing, but with different binding? I've never seen a book that wasn't available in both, and now it's getting irrelevant because of ebooks. Yet the New York Times has separate lists for these, and people refer to them like a different category. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2me0sp/eli5_why_is_the_distinction_between_paperbacks/ | {
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"text": [
"Exactly the same content, just one is designed to be kept / collected, and the other is designed to be essentially disposable.\n\nHardbacks are meant to be kept and displayed, that's why the binding is ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Price_discrimination"
]
] | |
9a56mw | why does yellow food coloring look red when it's concentrated? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9a56mw/eli5_why_does_yellow_food_coloring_look_red_when/ | {
"a_id": [
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"text": [
"A dude named Beer made a law about it. It's called \"Beer's Law\", oddly enough.\n\nHere's the way it works. Say you have a rainbow and a very special pair of filtering glasses. Without the glasses, you see every colour in that rainbow. But the... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
7u7nmx | why do psychedelic mushrooms almost ubiquitously cause people to experience a deeper connection with nature? why is this phenomenon not reported as often with use of other psychedelics like lsd? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7u7nmx/eli5_why_do_psychedelic_mushrooms_almost/ | {
"a_id": [
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"It's an ego separator. Your connections to the world break down, that's the 15 minute jitters at the beginning. Those preconceptions break down and then you form the world new in ways you hadn't imagined.",
"You stop re... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
3zbjnr | why do some special needs people often hold/shake a toy/trinket in front of them? | I work at a recreation facility and I've noticed that a fair amount of people/children with a severe disability often hold/shake a toy or trinket in front of them for entertainment. It's normally a small child's toy, and they'll be extremely fascinated with it, constantly bouncing it around, swinging it around, basical... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3zbjnr/eli5_why_do_some_special_needs_people_often/ | {
"a_id": [
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"text": [
"The toy can do a couple different things depending on the needs and perceptions of the person. \n\nIt establishes a continuity in their perception. The world around them may change in many ways they can't comprehend as they are moved from place t... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
dqgp0e | how come music streaming services like apple music and spotify making money doing same thing? | Why will a person subscribe to service which is costlier than other when both of them have almost every music one wants to listen? If one is cheaper than the other then how come both of them has huge number of subscribers? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/dqgp0e/eli5_how_come_music_streaming_services_like_apple/ | {
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"Humans are not, strictly speaking, rational. We will choose \"suboptimal\" choices because we're used to them, they make more sense to us, they're the first thing we found, or they look nicer, or any ot... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
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vmemg | eli 5: hashing and salting passwords. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/vmemg/eli_5_hashing_and_salting_passwords/ | {
"a_id": [
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"text": [
"In the context of passwords, the point of hashing is to turn the password into something else that uniquely identifies the password but from which you can't work out the password. The something else, or the hash, is a small... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
503une | how does the quest for understanding the behavior of subatomic particles lead to theoretically infinite universes/multiverses? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/503une/eli5_how_does_the_quest_for_understanding_the/ | {
"a_id": [
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"text": [
"There's actually multiple multiuniverse ideas. You may be referring to the many worlds view of quantum mechanics. It's not really just about sub atomic particles. Not sure if you're familiar with the double slit experiment, but the basic idea is ... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
eihr7w | why does it hurt to hold your breath but you can die in your sleep from carbon monoxide poisoning? | Wow folks, thanks for all the solid answers! I went to workout and came back to more information than I could have ever asked for! | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/eihr7w/eli5_why_does_it_hurt_to_hold_your_breath_but_you/ | {
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... | [] | [] | [
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3dfy80 | why does the faster the air go, the lower pressure it exerts, hence making a plane fly? | I can't get why the faster a liquid goes, the less pressure it exerts around every direction except the one it is being accelerated to.
Do the liquid molecules have less time to exert a pressure in a given point? It should make no difference, since the next molecule will take its place and continue exerting the force. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3dfy80/eli5_why_does_the_faster_the_air_go_the_lower/ | {
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"text": [
"Air pressure isn't a nebulous force that gets exerted. It's the result of the physical phenomenon of an air molecule hitting a surface and bouncing off. The energy transfer in the collision is what causes the force of pressure.\n\nImagine an air ... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
a8zn2v | what is the reason behind eye dilation when bird’s mimic speech? | Is it simply an accidental reflex or is there actual purpose to it? I noticed some birds don’t have it happen, but others do. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/a8zn2v/eli5_what_is_the_reason_behind_eye_dilation_when/ | {
"a_id": [
"ecfcr6d"
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"score": [
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"text": [
"Not sure there's a known reason other than it seems to happen when they're thinking.\nIt's called pinning _URL_0_\nAnd can be a good indicator when said Parrot is plotting something 😀"
]
} | [] | [] | [
[
"https://www.thesprucepets.com/what-is-eye-pinning-390290"
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] | |
4g1gyv | why do some companies rely on sweatshops, wouldn't automation be cheaper and more consistant? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4g1gyv/eli5why_do_some_companies_rely_on_sweatshops/ | {
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"It comes down to economics. A third world worker that earns $3 a day or a machine that cos... | [] | [] | [
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ljo4j | how does an xbox kinect work? [eli5] | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ljo4j/how_does_an_xbox_kinect_work_eli5/ | {
"a_id": [
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4
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"text": [
"Thirty times per second the Kinect sends out a laser across your room. When the laser touches objects in the room it bounces back and is collected by the Kinect again. Objects that are close bounce the laser back quicker tha... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
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49b8i3 | who controls how delegates vote in presidential nominations | Do the delegates have to vote the way their candidate tells them to? Who are the delegates anyways? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/49b8i3/eli5_who_controls_how_delegates_vote_in/ | {
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"text": [
"Delegates are local party members who are picked to go to the Convention. The majority of delegates are pledged, which means they are required by the rules of the Convention (and in some cases state law) to vote for a specific candidate based on ... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
701txo | why are store brand allowed to use the phrase, "compares to (brand name)" on their packaging? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/701txo/eli5_why_are_store_brand_allowed_to_use_the/ | {
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"text": [
"There is nothing illegal in just mentioning a competitor. If they are using the competitor's trademarks that is still perfectly legal. The point of a trademark is to avoid brand confusion. So as long as it's clear I'm selling you Kirkland Bran... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
et9bdw | how does electricity pass through wires? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/et9bdw/eli5_how_does_electricity_pass_through_wires/ | {
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5,
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16,
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"text": [
"Conductive materials on the atomic level have electrons that are not tightly bound to their atoms. When voltage i... | [] | [] | [
[],
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6e39vl | why does wearing something that covers your neck make you feel like it's harder to breathe? | Around winter when scarves and turtle-neck sweaters are more acceptable to wear, I find myself unable to participate. No matter how loosely I wear these garments, it feels constricting. Why is that? It's not like the clothing is covering my mouth or nose where it directly affects my breathing. Can anyone explain? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6e39vl/eli5_why_does_wearing_something_that_covers_your/ | {
"a_id": [
"di7i5il",
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3
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"text": [
"It's strange but I agree with you. Scarves don't bother me but I love but cannot wear turtlenecks. It honestly feels like I'm getting choked. But it's not like I can't breathe. Hopefully someone can answer!",
"As a male ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
f8v98y | why do babies sleep better at night if they sleep more during the day? why do they wake up more at night if they miss a nap? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/f8v98y/eli5_why_do_babies_sleep_better_at_night_if_they/ | {
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"text": [
"When babies have consistent sleeping patterns, including naps, they are simply *tired* at these times.\n\nWhen babies miss naps, or are awake longer than expected, they become **overtired**.\n\n\n\nWhat determines whether your body is tired or ov... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
3onm3b | why is it a direct threat to our health to be exposed to blood yet we eat animal blood and actually use it for flavoring? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3onm3b/eli5_why_is_it_a_direct_threat_to_our_health_to/ | {
"a_id": [
"cvytfso",
"cvyti57",
"cvytii4"
],
"score": [
26,
4,
2
],
"text": [
"Human blood contains pathogens that are specific to humans. Animal blood is much less likely to contain something that can harm humans, but the risk is relative, handling animal blood isn't necessarily... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
eifp82 | can bacteria be killed by contact and friction? | So I was brushing my teeth and was wondering if the toothbrush is actually killing bacteria by contact. In my mind the movement of the toothbrush very quickly has to kill some of the bacteria right? Then I went into the mental rabbit hole while brushing my teeth trying to think of the best way to kill bacteria by touch... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/eifp82/eli5_can_bacteria_be_killed_by_contact_and/ | {
"a_id": [
"fcphgrn",
"fcphs3u",
"fcpsmtd"
],
"score": [
2,
8,
2
],
"text": [
"You cannot kill bacteria by contact and friction. When you brush your teeth, you're taking away the food stuck in your teeth. Bacteria need food to live. So without food, they die.",
"No, that's not... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[
"https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_pressure_cell_press"
]
] | |
9sf0em | why does a nuclear/atomic bomb stop exploding? | Essentially it splits atoms that split more atoms right? So why does it not just keep infinitely exploding... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9sf0em/eli5_why_does_a_nuclearatomic_bomb_stop_exploding/ | {
"a_id": [
"e8o8s7v",
"e8o91fl"
],
"score": [
11,
2
],
"text": [
"Not all atoms are \"fissionable\", only the Uranium/Plutonium in the bombs core. These atoms only support a nuclear chain reaction when they are very close together, this is why the bomb is triggered by using conventional e... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
2eayjx | why generic usb 3 enclosures are abundant and cheap while thunderbolt enclosures are rare and expensive despite both being intel set standards | Thunderbolt launched at the start of 2011 and the second version already came out. It's on all Macs and many PCs. It uses an open standard port (mini display port) and is developed by Intel. It's 4x the speed of USB 3. Why can't I go on eBay and buy a SATA enclosure for it? The cheapest one is nearly $200, compared to ... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2eayjx/eli5_why_generic_usb_3_enclosures_are_abundant/ | {
"a_id": [
"cjxqnhg"
],
"score": [
5
],
"text": [
"I would have to guess it is simply a result of there being far more manufacturers of USB 3 enclosures than thunderbolt ones, the more supply and competition there is the cheaper products generally end up.\n\nNow as to why there would be more make... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
89tf5h | how does someone genuinely manage to play chess with themselves? | I’ve seen the trope but never understood how it’s supposed to work, nor what it signifies about the mind of whoever is doing it. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/89tf5h/eli5_how_does_someone_genuinely_manage_to_play/ | {
"a_id": [
"dwte4mo",
"dwtfwqc"
],
"score": [
2,
8
],
"text": [
"Chess player here.\n\n\nYou play a certain opening, but after a while, you divert from that.\nThen you keep on playing untill you find out if your divertion works, or not.\n\nPlaying the game untill the end isnt requieed, bu... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
ezl3le | what are doctors checking for when men turn their heads to cough? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ezl3le/eli5_what_are_doctors_checking_for_when_men_turn/ | {
"a_id": [
"fgnz9fl",
"fgp4qix",
"fgplv4m"
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"score": [
19,
7,
5
],
"text": [
"The space where your testicles developed before dropping left a cavity. This cavity leaves an area for your intestine to drop into should the floor of your abdominal wall tear or stretch, called a hern... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
k008c | zero emissions coal | If someone could explain this idea/technology and how it works I would be very appreciative. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/k008c/eli5_zero_emissions_coal/ | {
"a_id": [
"c2ggw2y",
"c2ggw2y"
],
"score": [
2,
2
],
"text": [
"Right now, it's a series of technology proposals. It's important to understand that there is no such thing as \"zero emissions coal\" right now.\n\nWhether there will be in the future is a subject reasonable people can disa... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
fc8f78 | why normal, working class people are donating their money to billionaires attempting to become president? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/fc8f78/eli5_why_normal_working_class_people_are_donating/ | {
"a_id": [
"fj95xsb",
"fj98ce1"
],
"score": [
9,
2
],
"text": [
"Because not everyone can run for president. Understanding that, the working class wants the person who best represents them and their voice to be funded and win.",
"Same reason we root for football teams, get mad when th... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
8s4p0y | the recent immigration policy that is causing separation of families, and why that is happening. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8s4p0y/eli5_the_recent_immigration_policy_that_is/ | {
"a_id": [
"e0wjehv"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"Generally, during previous administrations, families detained crossing the border were put in immigration detention centers together.\n\nThe Trump administration has made it policy to separate children from parents as part of a strategy of \"maxi... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
7j0jhj | where does having a soul and spirituality fall on the religious spectrum? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7j0jhj/eli5_where_does_having_a_soul_and_spirituality/ | {
"a_id": [
"dr2rsgd"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"You're at least mildly spiritual and not likely very religious.\n\nGenerally I spiritual as a view that there is more to existence than first meets the eye. There is a deeper meaning or at least perspective going on that is hard to pinpoint.\n\nR... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
2pbzhn | why can i buy plan b over the counter, but i can't purchase birth control pills without a prescription? | I did the search! I did not find an answer for this specific question. So here is a little backstory: I tossed out my pack of unused birth control pills with a pile of mail a few days ago. I realized the error of my ways today (which happens to be the day I needed to start taking them again). I thought, "No problem! I'... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2pbzhn/eli5_why_can_i_buy_plan_b_over_the_counter_but_i/ | {
"a_id": [
"cmvaewj",
"cmvc36m"
],
"score": [
2,
8
],
"text": [
"Birth Control pills are not a Federally controlled substance, but they may be controlled in your state, and that may be why you can't find any info, or get them replaced without a police report.\n\nOtherwise, what [gnualmafu... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2pbzhn/eli5_why_can_i_buy_plan_b_over_the_counter_but_i/cmva0am"
],
[]
] | |
5zfzue | how do hcci engines work? | I know how normal engine ignition works, but with HCCI, there's no fuel spray (diesel) or spark (gasoline) to start the combustion stroke. How do they control the timing of the combustion to prevent knock? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5zfzue/eli5how_do_hcci_engines_work/ | {
"a_id": [
"dext760"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"It takes a very fine balance of compression, fuel and internal temperature control to prevent knock and detonation in an HCCI motor. Consistent internal temp control is the last major hurdle to overcome in order for production engines to be reali... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
3zzxjq | if everyone has free speech, why do students get in trouble for saying racist things, even if they're not aimed at one person in particular? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3zzxjq/eli5_if_everyone_has_free_speech_why_do_students/ | {
"a_id": [
"cyqcvdo",
"cyqcvrj",
"cyqcx5u",
"cyqd9z0"
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"score": [
8,
3,
6,
2
],
"text": [
"Free speech does not mean that a person can say whatever they want. It means that the government, specifically the government, cannot stop you from saying something, but even this ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
51fhuz | working out the gravity of beer | I get the principal behind water + yeast + hops + malt, but I get lost at things like Original Gravity. I'm actually going to be working on brewing a beer through a project run by my employer so want to have a good idea how it all works. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/51fhuz/eli5_working_out_the_gravity_of_beer/ | {
"a_id": [
"d7biwrw",
"d7bjxr0",
"d7bl7vi",
"d7bmjda",
"d7byhut"
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"score": [
9,
3,
3,
3,
2
],
"text": [
"Here, the beer gravity is a reference to what is known in science as the specific gravity, which is basically just the density in comparison to water. So, a b... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[
"http://www.rochesterwinemakers.org/files/9213/0292/9352/ABV_and_Residual_Sugar-Figure_2.png"
],
[]
] | |
atpl1p | how do they store and transport highly radioactive materials like reactor core level or higher radioactivity | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/atpl1p/eli5_how_do_they_store_and_transport_highly/ | {
"a_id": [
"eh2ppm4",
"eh2qqy5"
],
"score": [
2,
5
],
"text": [
"Lead and concrete for hard storage containers. These containers are often\"temporarily\" stored in large pools on site. Officially Cheyenne Mountain is where permanent storage was supposed to be, but decades of politics have... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
jngv1 | a microwave. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/jngv1/eli5_a_microwave/ | {
"a_id": [
"c2dk2vz",
"c2fdgub",
"c2dk2vz",
"c2fdgub"
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"score": [
4,
3,
4,
3
],
"text": [
"Certain molecules such as water are not symmetrical, which leads to one part of them having an charge greater than another side of them. They behave like tiny magnets, with a + and... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
1md5ks | how does a boat anchor prevent it from drifting when it only weighs a very small fraction of what a boat weighs. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1md5ks/eli5how_does_a_boat_anchor_prevent_it_from/ | {
"a_id": [
"cc82jg1",
"cc82kgk",
"cc84prh",
"cc85lps"
],
"score": [
3,
14,
6,
2
],
"text": [
"As a boat drifts away from the anchor, the line becomes more parallel to the bottom, this allows the anchor to dig more deeply into the sand, which stops the boat from drifting...... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[
"http://www.wendycholbi.com/wp-content/uploads/anchor-e1321484103363.jpg"
],
[]
] | ||
cscusl | what’s the difference between an economic crash back then (which caused the great depression) and an economic crash in modern day? | I don’t know a lot about economics so try to explain it to me like I’m 5 (Sorry if my grammar is a bit off) | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cscusl/eli5_whats_the_difference_between_an_economic/ | {
"a_id": [
"exe3ayl",
"exen6jw"
],
"score": [
3,
2
],
"text": [
"To put it simply, the Great Depression was a bigger crash, and we didn't have failsafes for bank runs back then. Now, we are able to control the negative effects a little better, but they still hurt, just not to the point of... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
8ebsja | why are the keys on a piano arranged with the low notes on the left and the high notes on the right? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8ebsja/eli5_why_are_the_keys_on_a_piano_arranged_with/ | {
"a_id": [
"dxtw9x0",
"dxty4zf",
"dxu0gap"
],
"score": [
28,
2,
7
],
"text": [
"Most people are right-handed, and in lots of pieces of music the low notes are used to provide a relatively simple foundation for ornamentation done at higher pitches. It therefore makes sense to have ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[
"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/46/Meister_des_Bartholom%C3%A4us_1501SteCecile.jpg/440px-Meister_des_Bartholom%C3%A4us_1501SteCecile.jpg",
"https://michaellevy.bandcamp.com/album/an-ancient-lyre"
]
] | ||
6jf18c | do sea creatures such as geese and dolphins frequently die in storms? if not, how do they manage to stay alive? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6jf18c/eli5_do_sea_creatures_such_as_geese_and_dolphins/ | {
"a_id": [
"djdqqic",
"djdwtx3"
],
"score": [
2,
5
],
"text": [
"That's a weird two examples. The destructive effects of storms don't extend very far under the surface (waterspouts do not suck fish up and cause them to fall from the sky, that's a myth) and birds usually aren't active dur... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
2b6355 | why is considered unethical to date your boss but it's perfectly fine to be close friends with him/her? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2b6355/eli5_why_is_considered_unethical_to_date_your/ | {
"a_id": [
"cj24x1b"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"There's no catch-all answer here. Depending on the nature of your friendship with a boss, it could easily lead to accusations of favouritism, and dating in the workplace is so common, that bosses dating underlings is not really out of the questio... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
2yqby6 | why is it okay for black rappers to use the "n word" freely but not a caucasian person? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2yqby6/eli5_why_is_it_okay_for_black_rappers_to_use_the/ | {
"a_id": [
"cpbydvn",
"cpbyfhe",
"cpbywch"
],
"score": [
4,
2,
2
],
"text": [
"It's like how you can call your friend a dirty f*ckhead but you wouldn't say that to some random person.",
"Because thats the way it is. Freedom of speech doeant protect you from criticism of your c... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reappropriation"
]
] | ||
6fwznj | how can a large company like nintendo not be able to keep up with demands, while other companies do so seemingly without effort? | [deleted] | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6fwznj/eli5_how_can_a_large_company_like_nintendo_not_be/ | {
"a_id": [
"dilohop",
"dilorq7"
],
"score": [
6,
2
],
"text": [
"Selling expensive hardware like gaming consoles has a \"damned if you do, damned if you don't\" problem. Too few AND too many units is bad.\n\n**Too many** - It costs money to make gaming consoles. If you spend (random numbe... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
diswdp | before modern day technology how were such intricate and huge structures like the houses of parliament or the st victus cathedral in prague designed and built so perfectly? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/diswdp/eli5_before_modern_day_technology_how_were_such/ | {
"a_id": [
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"f3ylxin",
"f3yn7eq",
"f3ynjcc",
"f3yplo3",
"f3zllis",
"f3zwbq8",
"f408xkv",
"f40gayg",
"f40rabg"
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"score": [
1541,
10,
89,
58,
28,
182... | [] | [] | [
[],
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"https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ydoRAbpWfCU"
],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
76jx2i | why is it that heavier people generally can initially lift more weight than people of same overall health but less body weight? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/76jx2i/eli5why_is_it_that_heavier_people_generally_can/ | {
"a_id": [
"doemfts",
"doenkyv",
"doennak",
"doeq6xr",
"doer5sc",
"doeras5",
"doeuwuy",
"doevuqg",
"doewjyz",
"doeyayf",
"dof5xlk",
"dof77o3",
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"score": [
11,
303,
90,
5,
3082,
14,
26,
3,
2,
19,
2,
2,
... | [] | [] | [
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] | ||
2q6nd1 | how can the decriminalization of illegal drugs, make drug consumption safer for the final consumer? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2q6nd1/eli5_how_can_the_decriminalization_of_illegal/ | {
"a_id": [
"cn3c32l",
"cn3c40j",
"cn3c770",
"cn3cjoq"
],
"score": [
6,
15,
2,
2
],
"text": [
"Well, you won't have criminals trying to sell you drugs, for starters.",
"2 words. Quality Control. \nThe clear and concise dosage on unadulterated drug is always safer than ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
vcgu0 | why is summer solstice the beginning of summer, not the midpoint? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/vcgu0/why_is_summer_solstice_the_beginning_of_summer/ | {
"a_id": [
"c53c2gx"
],
"score": [
4
],
"text": [
"Why is the solstice the beginning? It's not. Summer is June, July, and August.\n\nFrom the Straight Dope:\n\n > There is a widespread misconception in [the United States]—which extends, I might note, to the makers of most calendars, dictionaries,... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/161/is-it-true-summer-in-ireland-starts-may-1"
]
] | ||
cv4itm | why does some food require eaten without x days of opening? | I bought a salami and provolone cheese snack today and was reading the package. It says to use within 7 days of opening. Other things like jerky day to refrigerate after 3 days of opening. Some coffee creamers say to use within a week of opening. I know about food safety and usually you wouldn’t want to eat something ... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cv4itm/eli5_why_does_some_food_require_eaten_without_x/ | {
"a_id": [
"ey1wo23"
],
"score": [
4
],
"text": [
"Fresh Food like that spoils quick once exposed to the environment, while processed foods last longer when opened due to the preservatives added, foods are sealed in a quarantined area basically, once you open it, it is exposed to bacteria and oth... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
74o93a | why does viewing at 60fps exist/matter (specially with motion) when eyes can only see at 25-30fps (or so i think)? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/74o93a/eli5_why_does_viewing_at_60fps_existmatter/ | {
"a_id": [
"dnztfv0",
"dnzti0k",
"dnzto5q"
],
"score": [
3,
2,
2
],
"text": [
"That's because your eyes can see way more than 30fps.\n\nMovies and TV get away with using low framerates because of built in motion blurring and the fact that they are passive medias.\n\nFor media that... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
3ecrk8 | once segregation became illegal, what did segregated bathrooms and waiting rooms turn into? | I'm sure there were thousands and thousands of those rooms, so what happened to them when they were no longer allowed? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3ecrk8/eli5_once_segregation_became_illegal_what_did/ | {
"a_id": [
"ctdnvfs"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"Most of them just stayed bathrooms that anyone could use. Such as the Pentagon. Was built when that was the thing. So they have a ton of bathrooms that's for anyone. "
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
3oer1u | are any negative consequences for judges (or courts) whose decisions get overturned frequently by higher courts? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3oer1u/eli5_are_any_negative_consequences_for_judges_or/ | {
"a_id": [
"cvwn2no",
"cvxbwr0"
],
"score": [
55,
3
],
"text": [
"You will get a better explanation from others, but simply put, the lower courts rule on basic interpretation of the law and use prior rulings as justification. The judge may even agree that the ruling appears unjust but pr... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
dx4l1f | what exactly are the crystals in an lcd an what happens to them when the screen is turned off? | [deleted] | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/dx4l1f/eli5_what_exactly_are_the_crystals_in_an_lcd_an/ | {
"a_id": [
"f7npnfx",
"f7o78sy",
"f7oq3u7"
],
"score": [
47,
4,
2
],
"text": [
"Hey, i'm gonna try to explain this :)\n\nTo understand how it works, you need to know light is like a wave, which vibrates in a fixed direction in space, it's called polarization. So when lights travel... | [] | [] | [
[
"https://www.explainthatstuff.com/lcdtv.html"
],
[],
[]
] | |
9qyqer | why is learning and exploring fun while studying is boring? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9qyqer/eli5_why_is_learning_and_exploring_fun_while/ | {
"a_id": [
"e8cpdq8",
"e8cpj7h",
"e8cqt8j",
"e8cs1sx"
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"score": [
5,
11,
8,
2
],
"text": [
"I wouldn't say studying is boring for everyone. I know people who actually like studying.\n\nI guess the main reason is that when you study it's most of the times because you are ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
cvq4iq | how does gps know it's inaccuracy? | When you use google maps, it says how inaccurate it is. If they know the inaccuracy, couldn't they just use that to calculate the exact position? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cvq4iq/eli5_how_does_gps_know_its_inaccuracy/ | {
"a_id": [
"ey5p6i5",
"ey5smo4",
"ey5tufi"
],
"score": [
5,
4,
2
],
"text": [
"It's about how the GPS actually works.\n\nYour phone is \"listening\" to signals that a series of stalactites are putting out. Basically these satellites are all constantly sending signals that contain... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[
"https://images.app.goo.gl/7h1WPcdZmrFY8G71A"
]
] | |
1ealmy | just how many rewrites of the bible have there been? and is there any record of the differences? | If this isn't an appropriate thread I apologize.
Edit: Thank you all for the enlightening responses. My goal was to quickly expand my knowledge of the bible's history without delving to deep into a religious discussion and you have all been very helpful.
Edit 2: and I learned "rewrite" is not necessarily the best wor... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1ealmy/just_how_many_rewrites_of_the_bible_have_there/ | {
"a_id": [
"c9yeofw",
"c9ym5gh"
],
"score": [
3,
2
],
"text": [
"The bible isn't a book. It is a collection of several books, oral histories, and letters, that eventually got edited down to the 66 books we seen in most modern bibles.\n\nAsking how many times it has been rewritten isn't r... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
5459mx | how are generation groupings determined? i.e., "generation x", "millenials", etc. | How are generations determined in regards to birth years, and how is consensus reached about who falls where in the generational "gaps"? I've seen a lot of debate online about just where cutoffs actually fall between age groups and I'm just wondering about how the process works. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5459mx/eli5_how_are_generation_groupings_determined_ie/ | {
"a_id": [
"d7yyh84",
"d7z11wj"
],
"score": [
6,
2
],
"text": [
"There's no official definition, and many people aren't fully a member of just one \"generation\" or the other.\n\nIt's just a convenient way for the media to talk about a group of people.\n\n",
"Nothing is official, you ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
3mu2et | structure of bacterial chromosomes? | I'm taking a microbiology class and I cannot for the life of me understand this | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3mu2et/eli5_structure_of_bacterial_chromosomes/ | {
"a_id": [
"cvi2n8j"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"So bacteria and other prokaryotes lack a nucleus. Instead of hanging out in a nucleus bound up in chromosomes, their DNA just exists as a single large coiled up circular strand."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
6oxt0u | tour de france ... what goes on between stages? | Just found out the Tour De France has stages. Been trying to find out what goes on between stages. I know there's that one big pasta dinner everyone has a day or two before the start, but what goes on after the riders are done for the day? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6oxt0u/eli5_tour_de_france_what_goes_on_between_stages/ | {
"a_id": [
"dkl0w3t",
"dklefpk"
],
"score": [
4,
3
],
"text": [
"You can try to look up Taylor Phinney's video tour diaries from this year. He was sharing some of the behind the scenes stuff. \n\nBut mostly it's traveling to the next starting point, getting the physical therapy a rider ma... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
j4t6x | why do we lend money from the federal reserve? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/j4t6x/why_do_we_lend_money_from_the_federal_reserve/ | {
"a_id": [
"c2960sg",
"c2961qn"
],
"score": [
3,
12
],
"text": [
"I am not sure what you mean by lending money from the federal reserve.\n\nIf you are talking about the United States government, the wikipedia article on the federal reserve says:\n\n > \"The U.S. Treasury, through its Bur... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Reserve"
],
[]
] | ||
3s0kin | how locking threads from allowing comments on eli5 does anything but censor open discussion on controversial explanations. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3s0kin/eli5_how_locking_threads_from_allowing_comments/ | {
"a_id": [
"cwsy056"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"In most cases mods close an explained posts once it starts derailing into non-constructive/spammy discussions (which happens quite often especially with frontpage posts). They're just doing their job of keeping the sub civil. It's not really cens... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
26sakq | why does so much of my hair fall out every day? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/26sakq/eli5_why_does_so_much_of_my_hair_fall_out_every/ | {
"a_id": [
"chtzsz7",
"chtzxaq"
],
"score": [
2,
3
],
"text": [
"You could have male pattern baldness, or be going through chemotherapy. You haven't included enough information.",
"You lose around 100 hairs a day naturally, and of course you start growing around 100 hairs a day. If yo... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003246.htm"
]
] | ||
4lvt8y | why sound seems softer or louder at different times of the day | Why can I watch TV at 25% volume in the middle of the day, but at night 25% seems to be blaring loud? Both times there is roughly the same amount of ambient sound. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4lvt8y/eli5_why_sound_seems_softer_or_louder_at/ | {
"a_id": [
"d3qjtn2"
],
"score": [
4
],
"text": [
"Your ears adjust to the ambient level of sound to protect against hearing loss. When exposed to loud sounds, muscles tighten around you eardrum, and the three bones in your inner ear. This makes them vibrate less, so relatively less sound makes i... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
2731rz | why won't technological advances in the near future make giant atmospheric carbon sequestration machines to balance out global warming? | Watching cosmos and this question occurred to me.
EDIT: Hmm, interesting responses but I want to add that we are going to have a materials science revolution in the next 20 to 30 years. Things that are science fiction now will begin to be possible, so I was wondering if new technologies might make this possible and ... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2731rz/eli5_why_wont_technological_advances_in_the_near/ | {
"a_id": [
"chwx1on",
"chwxa2u",
"chwxaho",
"chwxlyg"
],
"score": [
6,
3,
2,
2
],
"text": [
"No one is saying that's not a possibility, but it's not a good idea to count on it.",
"How are we going to power such plants when our power generation now centers around the en... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
33dxee | how come it's possible to sleep "too much?" why doesn't my body wake me up when i'm rested? | If I don't set an alarm, I can often sleep 10-12 hours a night, or sleep for 8 hours and also take a nap of 2-3 hours. There's nothing in my routine that should require me to need that much sleep. If 7-9 hours is the required amount for most people my age, why don't I consistently sleep that much and wake up naturall... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/33dxee/eli5_how_come_its_possible_to_sleep_too_much_why/ | {
"a_id": [
"cqk1bn9"
],
"score": [
17
],
"text": [
"Everybody is different but for the most part our modern lives completely destroy our sleep cycle. This is due to bright lights, stimulation, and stimulants. You will naturally sleep with the fall and rise of the sun. Longer in the winter and sh... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/how-much-sleep-do-we-really-need/page/0/1",
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Segmented_sleep",
"http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/trouble-sleeping-go-campi/"
]
] | |
dzfmay | how does rubbing a blade on a strop sharpen it? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/dzfmay/eli5_how_does_rubbing_a_blade_on_a_strop_sharpen/ | {
"a_id": [
"f878ozo",
"f878tlu"
],
"score": [
20,
2
],
"text": [
"It doesn't sharpen it, it strops or hones it. \n\nThe difference is, sharpening removes metal, stropping just straightens up the edge. Honing polishes the edge to a fine finish. \n\nWith use, the very very fine microscopic ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
68aosn | how it's even remotely sanitary to wash dishes over and over with the same sponge for sometimes months on end without replacing it | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/68aosn/eli5_how_its_even_remotely_sanitary_to_wash/ | {
"a_id": [
"dgwzou2"
],
"score": [
4
],
"text": [
"It isn't. You're supposed to sterilize the sponge (microwave or boiling water) every now and then, or toss the sponge after a while.\n\nI buy quality sponges and they never last more than a month. What are you buying that lasts months on end?"
... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
1ujnac | why does the us have such lax policies against illegal immigrants? | I'm asking this under the assumption that other countries have much stricter consequences for illegal immigrants, ie, immediate imprisonment, deportation, fines, etc. However, I feel that the government wants to enforce our borders, but at the same time we give the illegal immigrants who are already here a lot of benef... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1ujnac/eli5_why_does_the_us_have_such_lax_policies/ | {
"a_id": [
"ceiqqaj",
"ceirbfh"
],
"score": [
7,
23
],
"text": [
"Our policies aren't lax *on paper*, but there's just so many illegal immigrants that the policies can't be enforced effectively.\n\nWe can write a law that no raindrops are allowed to hit the ground during a storm, but........ | [] | [
"http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/02/justice/california-immigrant-lawyer/"
] | [
[],
[
"http://www.pewresearch.org/2006/04/25/attitudes-toward-immigration-in-black-and-white/",
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illegal_immigration_to_the_United_States"
]
] | |
baf7e2 | how did large armies in ancient history manage human waste while camped, fighting or on the move? | [deleted] | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/baf7e2/eli5_how_did_large_armies_in_ancient_history/ | {
"a_id": [
"ekb28lq",
"ekb2b3j",
"ekb5ygu"
],
"score": [
3,
12,
2
],
"text": [
"Either they didn't and it was a major source of disease for armies, or they used latrines, basically a massive pit that was then covered up.",
"Camped: Dig big hole. Throw shit in hole. Fill in hol... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
g3ed1x | how come most people can hold their breath up to 30 seconds pretty easy, but when you’re in a rear naked choke (your throat gets constricted) you lose consciousness in less then 5 seconds? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/g3ed1x/eli5_how_come_most_people_can_hold_their_breath/ | {
"a_id": [
"fnqs2wh",
"fnqsanr",
"fnqspuf"
],
"score": [
25,
13,
3
],
"text": [
"A choke hold stops the blood flow to your brain, it doesn't matter how long you can hold your breath.",
"Two different things going on. \n\nHolding your breath is stopping air flowing to you lungs... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
1jmk0e | batman and robin! | My boyfriend absolutely loves Batman, and has watched everything with the name "Batman" on it! I also love batman but sometimes I have no idea what he's talking about with the different Robin's and something about other characters suiting as Batman. He's tried to explain it once, but I couldn't really keep up. I watche... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1jmk0e/eli5_batman_and_robin/ | {
"a_id": [
"cbg68o4"
],
"score": [
6
],
"text": [
"I'm going to preface this by saying I haven't read much new 52 batman (which is the last 2 years or so of DC comics, but as far as I know most things are pretty similar)\n\nBruce Wayne is Batman most of the time. Dick Grayson was adopted by Wayne... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
3dhasd | what is the logic behind some jurisdictions requiring both parties knowing that a call is being recorded? | You can do it in face-to-face communication, can’t you? What’s the difference? And does it apply to VoIP? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3dhasd/eli5_what_is_the_logic_behind_some_jurisdictions/ | {
"a_id": [
"ct54kd6"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"Generally it is against the law to record somebody without them knowing. However, there are often exceptions for public places, when somebody should reasonably expect that they might be overheard. Face-to-face conversations often happen in public... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
cw6htn | what makes batteries chargeable and how are they charged in the first place | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cw6htn/eli5what_makes_batteries_chargeable_and_how_are/ | {
"a_id": [
"ey8pg8x",
"ey97qk2",
"ey993qz",
"eycb4lp"
],
"score": [
104,
12,
2,
2
],
"text": [
"There are two types of regular (AA for example) batteries.\n\n \nNon rechargeable batteries have two chemicals that send energy from one to another through a device. Once all ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
5wk84g | i do not understand how amps are drawn through a battery. | I am just starting to think about batteries and motors and ebikes. I have been researching how to build my own battery pack out of LI 18650 cells. I now understand how to build a pack to whatever voltage I'd like. I also get how to build a pack of a certain number of Amp-hours. What I do not understand is how to plan f... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5wk84g/eli5_i_do_not_understand_how_amps_are_drawn/ | {
"a_id": [
"deaq6fg"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"Amps are a physical representation of the amount of charged particles going through the circuit per second\n\nThe voltage is the source that pushes said particles, and the amount of particles that can pass through is determined by the resistance ... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
395nh6 | what is actually attractive to the citizens of wisconsin about scott walker? please help me understand the good side of what he's done for the state as governor. what improvements do his supporters--average people--believe he has brought to the people of wisconsin? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/395nh6/eli5_what_is_actually_attractive_to_the_citizens/ | {
"a_id": [
"cs0jaqv",
"cs0jc1f",
"cs0k1nx",
"cs0lgyy"
],
"score": [
2,
4,
2,
2
],
"text": [
"I don't have any real facts, since I've stopped following politics and news for the most part (creates hopeless anger in me)...........but as a WI resident, I can tell you a lot of... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
2636qy | why does sleep under the effects of nyquil, benedryl, etc, feel so different(worse) than normal sleep? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2636qy/eli5_why_does_sleep_under_the_effects_of_nyquil/ | {
"a_id": [
"chn8aca"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"Because you are using side effects of the drug to force sleep vs. your normal circadian sleep "
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
1i12yy | why are there so many clean air natural gas buses but not many natural gas cars? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1i12yy/eli5_why_are_there_so_many_clean_air_natural_gas/ | {
"a_id": [
"cazxh3m",
"cazy6u3"
],
"score": [
2,
10
],
"text": [
"It can sometimes be easier for state and local governments to \"bet on\" new or not widely used technologies than individuals. ",
"One major reason is that CNG (*Compressed* Natural Gas) requires a pressurized containe... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
3fz1y7 | how fast would an average height-average build person have to run to run on water? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3fz1y7/eli5_how_fast_would_an_average_heightaverage/ | {
"a_id": [
"cttcykv"
],
"score": [
9
],
"text": [
" > Unsurprisingly this has been the subject of several scientific papers. In particular Google for papers by J. W. Glasheen and T. A. McMahon. They studied the basilisk lizard, but their results can be extrapolated to humans. It's debatable how r... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
2twxlu | can americans just go to some 3rd world country with a few thousand dollars and be rich where the local currency is very weak compared to the us dollar? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2twxlu/eli5can_americans_just_go_to_some_3rd_world/ | {
"a_id": [
"co32500",
"co326ou",
"co3286n",
"co3403m",
"co34a2c",
"co3csuk"
],
"score": [
11,
4,
8,
3,
2,
3
],
"text": [
"In those countries you'd be considered \"rich\" if you had a cow, a clean well, and a roof over your head. By 1st world standards you'... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[
"http://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/compare_cities.jsp?country1=United+States&city1=New+York%2C+NY&country2=Bangladesh&city2=Dhaka",
"http://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purchasing_Power_Parity"
],
[],
[]
] | ||
2giuxj | why have there been so many pacific hurricanes this year, but no substantial atlantic hurricanes? | The "coast" of Arizona is getting ready for record rains from Hurricane Odell (sp). I've never seen a hurricane come up from Baja California like this. Earlier this summer two rare hurricanes came at Hawaii. Meanwhile the Atlantic has been quiet. Why is this? Global warming? Random act of science? Ebola? Why ar... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2giuxj/eli5_why_have_there_been_so_many_pacific/ | {
"a_id": [
"ckjj0a3"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"After Hurricane Sandy, it's your turn."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
1c739j | autorotation | Helicopters can somehow gently glide down unpowered using something called "autorotation". Autogyros rely on autorotation to go. Reading through the wikipedia page, it made no sense to me. Can somebody please explain?
**EDIT**: I'm not sure anybody has explained "like I'm five", but I think between all your answers, I... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1c739j/eli5_autorotation/ | {
"a_id": [
"c9dnwrz"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"A rotor on a helicopter is effectively the same thing as a windmill.\n\nThe difference is that, in normal operation, the rotor is powered, and as it rotates, it moves air downwards (and therefore creates lift, due to Newton's law about equal and ... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
c7bzur | why aren't browsers able to block all pop-ups (some of them seems to "escape the filter")? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/c7bzur/eli5_why_arent_browsers_able_to_block_all_popups/ | {
"a_id": [
"esed5qf",
"esedwoe",
"esegneb"
],
"score": [
11,
5,
2
],
"text": [
"There's a constant battle between browser developers and popup makers. Browser devs try to get rid of unwanted popups, while the popup makers are looking for ways to trick the browser into allowing a p... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
7wylu9 | doctors of reddit, what is the difference between intrvenous, intra dermal, and intra muscular injections ? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7wylu9/eli5_doctors_of_reddit_what_is_the_difference/ | {
"a_id": [
"du462cq",
"du463b9"
],
"score": [
3,
2
],
"text": [
"They’re all different routes of administration. Intravenous is into a vein, Intradermal is into the dermis, and intramuscular is into the muscle. Many different factors go into deciding what route to administer medications."... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
7m2a29 | why are games from japanese developers notoriously difficult/or include a difficulty setting higher than most games? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7m2a29/eli5_why_are_games_from_japanese_developers/ | {
"a_id": [
"drqtjm0"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"I can't say with certainty, but I would conjecture that it ties into Japanese culture similarly to some of their ridiculously hard game shows. If you've ever seen Ninja Warrior or some of the more obscure Japanese game shows, their difficulty is ... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
bkrb42 | what happened at the kentucky derby? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bkrb42/eli5_what_happened_at_the_kentucky_derby/ | {
"a_id": [
"emiy7a1"
],
"score": [
6
],
"text": [
"Maximum Security strayed from his lane before being clear of the other horse and almost caused a collision"
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
y6jmw | why doesn't europe have a huge drug smuggling problem like we see on the us - mexico border? | I would imagine that Europe consumers just as much illegal drugs as Americans do. Wouldn't a border crossing some place in the EU prove to be big money for organized crime like it is in North America? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/y6jmw/why_doesnt_europe_have_a_huge_drug_smuggling/ | {
"a_id": [
"c5sxxdg"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"You only have two big borders, one of which is with Canada (which isn't much of a problem), which means that, by default, you only have one big \"battle front\" in terms of smuggling. We have drug smuggling going between Morocco and Portugal/Spai... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
422dzx | why in a country of 320 million persons are the (real) choices for president so limited? there is a potential with this upcoming election for four of the five recent presidents to be from the same one or two families. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/422dzx/eli5why_in_a_country_of_320_million_persons_are/ | {
"a_id": [
"cz72odn",
"cz73dgd",
"cz73ouz",
"cz74wsr"
],
"score": [
9,
6,
8,
3
],
"text": [
"It costs millions of dollars to run a campaign. Most of the money comes from big banks, unions, big business and other institutions. They don't throw money around on unknown candid... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[
"https://youtu.be/s7tWHJfhiyo"
]
] |
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