q_id
stringlengths
5
6
title
stringlengths
3
296
selftext
stringlengths
0
34k
document
stringclasses
1 value
subreddit
stringclasses
1 value
url
stringlengths
4
110
answers
dict
title_urls
list
selftext_urls
list
answers_urls
list
1mxbqy
what exactly does the nucleolus do in a cell?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1mxbqy/eli5what_exactly_does_the_nucleolus_do_in_a_cell/
{ "a_id": [ "ccdh6xb" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "I could tell you, but seriously, play this video game. It's called \"Cellcraft\" and it will do a better job of teaching you about how cells work than any textbook I've ever come across.\n\n_URL_0_" ] }
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.kongregate.com/games/CellCraft/cellcraft" ] ]
fw7x1q
why does a boat need a rudder to turn, while a surfboard, skimboard, and etc. don’t?
As a surfer, I feel like it could not just help me understand the technique, but I think it would be cool to know the mechanics behind it.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/fw7x1q/eli5_why_does_a_boat_need_a_rudder_to_turn_while/
{ "a_id": [ "fmmr9wj", "fmn6o5d", "fmn8l69" ], "score": [ 6, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "Rudders change drag in the water, forcing the boat to change direction (because water is now hitting the rudder more on one side when turning).\n\nSurfers achieve the same result by directly tilting the...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
45n7vf
how does the possible equality of p = np allow us to solve some currently unsolved problems? surely knowing that there's a simple solution doesn't mean we are gonna find it, right?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/45n7vf/eli5_how_does_the_possible_equality_of_p_np_allow/
{ "a_id": [ "czz4ahb" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ " > How does the possible equality of P = NP allow us to solve some currently unsolved problems? \n\nIt wouldn't. The problems in this domain are solvable, but there is currently no know way to solve them quickly.\n\n > Surely KNOWING that ther...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
9fgxje
how does a river maintain such a large size from such a small stream?
This might be a stupid question but It was on my mind yesterday. So the river stream is only a small narrow bit of water. If you go to the widest and deepest part of the river further down how does it reach that level and furthermore how does it maintain it from such a small source? Is it something to do with how fast ...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9fgxje/eli5_how_does_a_river_maintain_such_a_large_size/
{ "a_id": [ "e5wbrd3", "e5xcpjt" ], "score": [ 9, 2 ], "text": [ "Water will always flow downhill to the lowest point. That's physics, thank you force of gravity. \n\nThe Earth is not flat, therefore all water will search for the lowest point. \n\nA stream comes up out of the ground on a m...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://youtu.be/kYPoijQ3MzA" ], [ "https://www.researchgate.net/profile/William_Stringfellow/publication/283712538/figure/fig1/AS:294798721990657@1447296900557/The-San-Joaquin-River-watershed.png" ] ]
6pzmsq
why do very small amounts of elements such as arsenic and toxins such as botulinum toxin have such deadly effects. is it some type of crazy chain reaction?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6pzmsq/eli5_why_do_very_small_amounts_of_elements_such/
{ "a_id": [ "dktg1dl" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Yer not alone in askin', and kind strangers have explained:\n\n1. [ELI5: How can such a tiny amount of poison kill someone? ](_URL_2_)\n1. [ELI5: How can a seemingly small amount of poison or venom be so eefective. 100 mg of venom from a Black Ma...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3igkl5/eli5_how_can_a_seemingly_small_amount_of_poison/", "https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4680ke/eli5_how_can_something_as_tiny_as_a_pill_or_a_few/d03htvi/", "https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3nol1y/eli5_how_c...
4mnm3b
how do freeware companies like mozilla or opera max stay in business?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4mnm3b/eli5_how_do_freeware_companies_like_mozilla_or/
{ "a_id": [ "d3wuslq", "d3wuyg8" ], "score": [ 6, 4 ], "text": [ "These questions are easily answered by looking at the company in question's website. \n\nFirefox is mostly sponsored by Netscape, but has other sources of income. You know how Google is the default search engine? Google pays...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
5m2zcx
why are some video games or updates released with major problems instead of being delayed?
Even with a deadline, surely they would understand that releasing what they've got will only hurt, no?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5m2zcx/eli5_why_are_some_video_games_or_updates_released/
{ "a_id": [ "dc0eaop", "dc0f2pl", "dc0tyaj" ], "score": [ 6, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "Money.\n\nThey need the income to fund the continued development of the game. This is a practice that software developers have been using for a very long time. It is not just games either but OS and net...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
1fq5x7
what would happen if we stopped social security today?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1fq5x7/what_would_happen_if_we_stopped_social_security/
{ "a_id": [ "cacp2jb", "cacv8l9", "caczzlf" ], "score": [ 9, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "There'd be no more money coming in to pay retirement, widow/widower and disability benefits to millions of people who may depend on SS to survive, so there would probably be a big increase in poverty. S...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://www.ssa.gov/pressoffice/basicfact.htm" ] ]
6r025t
if you leave an appliance, lamp, charger, etc, plugged into the wall when not in use, does this eat electricity and run up your electric bill?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6r025t/eli5_if_you_leave_an_appliance_lamp_charger_etc/
{ "a_id": [ "dl1ba3p" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Depends on the device, for a cell phone charger, yes. The older ones use to use quite a bit of power when no phone was connected. Newer ones turn off 99% of their stuff when there is no phone, but they still consume something.\n\nAs for the other...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
9ortzb
how does penicillin work, why is it so effective, and will it work forever?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9ortzb/eli5_how_does_penicillin_work_why_is_it_so/
{ "a_id": [ "e7w85h9", "e7wawgg", "e7wb1s9", "e7wbyek" ], "score": [ 20, 13, 12, 4 ], "text": [ "Penicillin disrupts the cell walls of certain bacteria causing them to die, not all bacteria are vulnerable to it and the more often bacteria are exposed to penicillin and survi...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://youtu.be/04brjRdc02w" ], [], [], [] ]
26mdkw
where does sound go when it fades?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/26mdkw/eli5_where_does_sound_go_when_it_fades/
{ "a_id": [ "chsd5rf", "chse5mp", "chsg8f2" ], "score": [ 9, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Sound is energy in the form of compression waves through the air. Any time the waves hit something, they absorb some of the energy and reflect some of it. Eventually, all the energy is absorbed into the...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://www.greenbookblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/ripple.jpg" ], [] ]
18l18j
hair color.
What is it that makes people have different colored hair? And why is it that peoples natural hair color can't be all different colors? Why isn't the color blue a natural hair color? Or green or any other color, why is it limited to white, black, brown, red, and blond?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/18l18j/eli5_hair_color/
{ "a_id": [ "c8fq510" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Humans can only make one color pigment: brown. It is what makes freckles, skin coloration, and hair color. All hair colors come from different levels of the same pigment." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
9qgyry
the difference between first past the post vs proportional representation systems
I've read up on it but it just muddles my brain. I'd greatly appreciate it if someone could explain using simple terms involving chicken nuggets or something.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9qgyry/eli5_the_difference_between_first_past_the_post/
{ "a_id": [ "e894bw3", "e896616", "e896ix4", "e899h79" ], "score": [ 5, 4, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "First past the post means that the winner of a contest gets all the chicken nuggets. Proportional representation means that the winner simply has more chicken nuggets than anyone e...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://youtu.be/s7tWHJfhiyo" ], [], [] ]
2955gm
the difference between scientific theory, hypothesis and colloquial theory...
My understanding is that there are three words that often get used interchangeably but are often used incorrectly. For this reason I try and stay away from using any of them! There's theory in the usual sense (*my theory is that Tom is tapping Erin, but i'm not sure*) Theory in the scientific sense (The theory of ev...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2955gm/eli5_the_difference_between_scientific_theory/
{ "a_id": [ "cihibj7" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "**A *scientific theory* is a substantiated and testable explanation for a variety of observations and facts**; it also makes predictions about the future. It is often modified to reconcile new facts, but it can also become obsolete when a new sci...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3mru23
will earth's population continue to grow at the rate it has over the last 40 years? or will we start dieing off faster due to overcrowding?
The earth's population has about doubled in the past 50 years or so... will this trend continue?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3mru23/eli5_will_earths_population_continue_to_grow_at/
{ "a_id": [ "cvhjuh7", "cvhjyho" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Probably not.\n\nAs populations become more affluent they have fewer children. Basically because when you work in an office and live in a developed country you don't need to have 17 kids because half will die of polio and th...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
3bn2ex
why are checks still in use? it seems horribly insecure, seeing as you only need the numbers on the check itself to withdraw money from the account.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3bn2ex/eli5_why_are_checks_still_in_use_it_seems/
{ "a_id": [ "csnm94n", "csnmf4s" ], "score": [ 9, 5 ], "text": [ "Some people want proof of payment. This is far more easily attainable from a cancelled check than hoping to get a credit card statement, which does not always clearly show the entity who was paid. ", "Think about it syst...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
7d3ytd
what's the difference between a serial killer and a mass murderer legally or in the media?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7d3ytd/eli5_whats_the_difference_between_a_serial_killer/
{ "a_id": [ "dpus8nm", "dpuvxq9" ], "score": [ 7, 2 ], "text": [ "These are not legal categories.\n\nMedia-wise, a serial killer kills on several different occasions, widely separated in time; a mass murderer kills numerous people on one day.\n\nAlso, this usually implies a serial killer m...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
7tenvh
if some english words like hit, put, etc, have no different version of past tense, why every other word has to?
if its understandable to talk about having put something in the past, without a different word than the present tense, isnt any other past tense useless, since they all can be understood anyways?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7tenvh/eli5_if_some_english_words_like_hit_put_etc_have/
{ "a_id": [ "dtc03kl" ], "score": [ 8 ], "text": [ "English is legendary for its tendency to \"acquire\" words from other languages, and the rules that apply to some do not always apply to others. English is an inconsistent, bizarre, organic mutant of a language, flexible and creative, and indiffe...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3mj3fj
what causes a smoke ring in bbq?
I'm referring to the ring of pink meat just under the bark on bbq'ed meats like ribs, brisket, etc.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3mj3fj/eli5_what_causes_a_smoke_ring_in_bbq/
{ "a_id": [ "cvfh9so" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "When wood or wood chips are burned in the BBQ or wood smoker, the two gasses nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO) are produced. These gasses react with the iron that is in the myoglobin, preventing it from turning colour. Myoglobin is a sub...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://amazingribs.com/tips_and_technique/mythbusting_the_smoke_ring.html" ] ]
aqh4st
if i clench my teeth hard enough could they break? if not, why?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/aqh4st/eli5_if_i_clench_my_teeth_hard_enough_could_they/
{ "a_id": [ "egg0ij4", "eggbaup" ], "score": [ 5, 3 ], "text": [ "Your jaw is quite likely strong enough to break your teeth, but you probably won't ever clench with maximum force. ", "Son of a dentist here.\n\nYes your jaws are strong enough to break or crack or chip your teeth howeve...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
62h08w
can y'all simplify what's happening with/about/around devin nunes?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/62h08w/eli5_can_yall_simplify_whats_happening/
{ "a_id": [ "dfmhben", "dfmj16c" ], "score": [ 2, 3 ], "text": [ "Charged with co-chairing the purportedly non-partisan House committee investigating the possibility that the Trump campaign acted in collusion with a foreign government to affect the outcome of the last election, Nunez inste...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2kvt8y
why don't space shuttles use nuclear energy?
Nuclear fuel would (I assume) be more efficient and cheaper. Why don't space shuttles, and other rockets use nuclear energy to fuel them?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2kvt8y/eli5_why_dont_space_shuttles_use_nuclear_energy/
{ "a_id": [ "clpppcy", "clp55wj", "clp585i", "clp6kex", "clp8vn9", "clp984z", "clpco1y", "clph1xp", "clphpbp", "clphu5t" ], "score": [ 2, 84, 3, 2, 35, 11, 5, 3, 3, 4 ], "text": [ "Chemical energy is like a bag of Doritos: it'...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_thermal_rocket", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_propulsion#Spacecraft" ], [], [ "http://www.projectrho.com/public_html/rocket/atomicfuel.php", "http://www.projectrho.com/public_html/rocket/radiation.php" ], [], [ "http://en.wikip...
3a7dx8
what's up with all of those lines on the back windshield?
I'm sitting in a parking lot, and wondering, what's with all of those lines? Do they measure anything?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3a7dx8/eli5_whats_up_with_all_of_those_lines_on_the_back/
{ "a_id": [ "cs9ya0r", "cs9ya86", "cs9ybc0", "cs9yepx" ], "score": [ 8, 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "No, they are made of material that conducts heat better than glass. This is done so that, when you have your rear defroster on, heat gets channeled through your back windshield fas...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
d3wqho
how do delivery companies like ups and fedex deliver my packages so quickly when my item is on the other side of the country?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/d3wqho/eli5_how_do_delivery_companies_like_ups_and_fedex/
{ "a_id": [ "f05o901", "f05psb2", "f05ubhj" ], "score": [ 9, 5, 3 ], "text": [ "If desired, air cargo. It isn't hard to get packages across the country when you load then up in a plane and fly them most of the distance.\n\nThis is also why guaranteed 2-day/next-day/overnight ser...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
2nzufi
how and why certain species of birds imitate noises?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2nzufi/eli5_how_and_why_certain_species_of_birds_imitate/
{ "a_id": [ "cmigglz", "cmih7jw" ], "score": [ 2, 6 ], "text": [ "Exactly like 'we' learn to speak. If you practice enough (and if the sound is physically capable of being produced from your physiology) you can produce many bird / other human sounds as well.\nSome birds have that section o...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
alnjg3
in a big city like chicago how are the drainage and sewer systems maintained during winters, when temperatures drop to like -20 and everything just freezes instantly?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/alnjg3/eli5_in_a_big_city_like_chicago_how_are_the/
{ "a_id": [ "effddlg", "effn1g9", "effn27i", "efg3mbm", "efhkqwd" ], "score": [ 184, 41, 9, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "There's this thing known as a \"frost line\". It's the depth that the ground will freeze to, given a prolonged temperature.\n\nCities know how cold it can ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
a4ojdt
why does rubbing alcohol get rid of sticky stuff so well?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/a4ojdt/eli5_why_does_rubbing_alcohol_get_rid_of_sticky/
{ "a_id": [ "ebgds2x", "ebgdv9z" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "The chemical structure of alcohol lets it grab on to pretty much any substance, to the point of 'equaling out' the solution. Alcohol will bind to parts of a substance enough that the substance can't hold itself together, by ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
zwnvs
when i hold a microphone to a speaker, how is feedback produced? what is the science behind it?
I can understand the concept of.... y'know... feeding nothing into nothing destroying the universe, but what actually causes the EEEEEEEEEEEEEEE sound?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/zwnvs/when_i_hold_a_microphone_to_a_speaker_how_is/
{ "a_id": [ "c68d2av" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "Each time a microphone picks up a sound, and replays it through speakers, there's just a little bit of distortion added. You can hear it just faintly when there are noises.\n\nHowever, when there's silence, the microphone picks that up, adds a li...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
45h4ye
how do dogs know their food is their food? i mean their dog food in their bowls? it looks and smells nothing like real food
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/45h4ye/eli5_how_do_dogs_know_their_food_is_their_food_i/
{ "a_id": [ "czxubi1", "czxvnjx", "czy8n2q" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "How do people know their food is their food? I mean their people food in their bowls? It looks and smells nothing like dog food", "Dogs eat or at least chew on a disturbingly large number of things ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
9hca1b
why is it that when you put pressure on your eyeball’s corners, you can see something that looks similar to the iris of an eye opposite the side you’re pressing on?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9hca1b/eli5_why_is_it_that_when_you_put_pressure_on_your/
{ "a_id": [ "e6atwki", "e6au3ot" ], "score": [ 6, 2 ], "text": [ "When you put pressure on your eyeball's corners, you are deforming the lens which focuses light. This can create shadows in your vision.\n\nIf you've ever looked at the shadow of a clear bottle of water, you've probably not...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
141pdk
if internet was created to allow independent connections from each computer, how is it possible to just shut down a full state connection (aka syria)?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/141pdk/if_internet_was_created_to_allow_independent/
{ "a_id": [ "c792lz7", "c792ofz", "c79328m", "c793vv3", "c794mc6", "c7958iy", "c795udy", "c795vze", "c798zlu", "c79dvu0", "c79fn3o", "c79gbys" ], "score": [ 780, 24, 167, 9, 7, 16, 2, 17, 2, 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ ...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://i.imgur.com/2BtOe.png" ], [], [ "http://imgur.com/lfVUh" ], [], [ "http://blog.cloudflare.com/how-syria-turned-off-the-internet" ], [], [], [ "http://blog.cloudflare.com/how-syria-turned-off-the-internet" ], [], [ "http://blog.cloudflare.com/how-syria-turned-o...
vj319
what is the muslim brotherhood? (as unbiased as possible)
what is it? what is their goal?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/vj319/eli5_what_is_the_muslim_brotherhood_as_unbiased/
{ "a_id": [ "c54yqs6", "c554wnv" ], "score": [ 68, 3 ], "text": [ "It is an international Islamist social and political movement which seeks to promote and install Islam as the basis of social life from the family to the state. They're similar in some respects to organizations like the Sal...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
7b2gia
why, in the days of dial-up internet, if someone picked up a phone on the same line it would drop the connection.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7b2gia/eli5_why_in_the_days_of_dialup_internet_if/
{ "a_id": [ "dpeqqrh", "dpeqvo3", "dperth8", "dpgbri1" ], "score": [ 30, 14, 8, 2 ], "text": [ "Data was being communicated via sound on the phone line. If someone picks up an extension, that adds noise via the microphone on that phone, and causes errors in data transmissio...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acoustic_coupler#/media/File:Acoustic_coupler_20041015_175456_1.jpg" ] ]
2aac71
space-time relation
I'm trying to wrap my head about the concept of space-time and how it works~
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2aac71/eli5_spacetime_relation/
{ "a_id": [ "cit2b2u" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "This is a very nonspecific question, but I'll give it a whack. If this doesn't address what you're curious about, feel free to ask more.\n\nBecause of the way that events occur, it's necessary to not only have physical coordinates for events, but...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
25sqqd
does a drug that prevents the spread of hiv mean we could eradicate the disease? if so, how do we coordinate that kind of effort?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/25sqqd/eli5_does_a_drug_that_prevents_the_spread_of_hiv/
{ "a_id": [ "chkcyaq" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Supposing it was 100 percent effective, and we could get absolutely everyone to take it, and it could prevent transmission mother-to-child, then we could eradicate it in a generation. But the first two assumptions, at least, are false: the pill h...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
32kapw
why do our bums feel numb after sitting down for a long time, even on a soft surface?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/32kapw/eli5_why_do_our_bums_feel_numb_after_sitting_down/
{ "a_id": [ "cqbyyqp" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "When we sit on our butts, we compress and flex our butt muscles. Essentially when we compress and flex them over time, they tend to get a little tired. This would be a simple answer to your question." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
330vv8
pi is irrational, therefore it goes on forever. could that mean that, within pi, you could find other irrational numbers, like √2, and vice versa?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/330vv8/eli5_pi_is_irrational_therefore_it_goes_on/
{ "a_id": [ "cqgh3ag", "cqgjsyk", "cqgqyq7", "cqh2ayb" ], "score": [ 92, 6, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "We don't know. \nObviously if you remove some of the first numbers of pi you get a new irrational number from pi. \nBut we know that pi can't contain something like √2. \nBut i...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/32vbfw/if_pi_goes_on_forever_does_that_mean_its_possible/", "http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1aytmw/if_pi_has_an_infinite_nonrecurring_amount_of/" ], [], [], [] ]
fk9p00
how is it possible to cure people from hiv? and if it's possible why are there only two cured people?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/fk9p00/eli5_how_is_it_possible_to_cure_people_from_hiv/
{ "a_id": [ "fkrgppu", "fkrh2a8" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "At the moment under *normal circumstances*, it's usually not possible to cure HIV with modern medicine. HIV is becoming more treatable than it used to, by a long shot. Anti-retroviral treatments have improved significantl...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://www.fredhutch.org/en/news/center-news/2019/03/hiv-cure-timothy-brown.html" ] ]
11023t
how does the president, who i'm assuming has a 40+ hour, 7 day a week job, campaign?
When I read about how often presidents are campaigning, and practicing debates, isn't that time directly being taken away from meeting with foreign statesmen, advisers, cabinet members, departments, keeping up with current events, and reflecting on critical decisions? How much time do they put into campaigning?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/11023t/eli5_how_does_the_president_who_im_assuming_has_a/
{ "a_id": [ "c6i3uvz", "c6i46je", "c6i83uy", "c6iaciq" ], "score": [ 6, 5, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "They work on the plane/bus between campaign stops.", " > who I'm assuming has a 40+ hour, 7 day a week job\n\nThis assumption is wrong.", "This might surprise you but the p...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
29ahpm
why people keep saying that banks/bankers are bad?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/29ahpm/eli5_why_people_keep_saying_that_banksbankers_are/
{ "a_id": [ "cij0kti", "cij0rxo" ], "score": [ 2, 3 ], "text": [ "A lot of the hate is justified. Lenders did take extraordinary risks that hurt the economy and they did lend to people they knew couldn't afford the loans. But a lot of people are anti-bank because they think banks by their ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
84kldo
how does expelling russian diplomats from the uk punish russia? what do the diplomats do?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/84kldo/eli5_how_does_expelling_russian_diplomats_from/
{ "a_id": [ "dvqbamy", "dvqbbg0", "dvqbvzh" ], "score": [ 31, 6, 17 ], "text": [ "Expelling diplomats over a conflict is like sending your partner to sleep on the couch. It doesn't solve the argument but makes it clear that the conflict is to be taken seriously since communication ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
11mpuh
what are the details of romney's five-point plan?
Governor Romney keeps talking about his five point plan, and I honestly couldn't tell you the specifics of any of it, despite watching the debates, reading political magazines, and following blog coverage of the election. What are the specifics?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/11mpuh/eli5_what_are_the_details_of_romneys_fivepoint/
{ "a_id": [ "c6nsaac", "c6nte4x" ], "score": [ 2, 3 ], "text": [ "there are no specifics, and he's actually defended the fact that there are no specifics\n", "No specifics. When you change your stance on topics so much, the lack of specifics are the best policy to look credible." ] }
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2900to
ontology in computer science
I have a background in philosophy, but I would like an example or two as to what ontology means perhaps from a consumer's perspective.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2900to/eli5_ontology_in_computer_science/
{ "a_id": [ "cig4dv0", "cig4l1w" ], "score": [ 4, 5 ], "text": [ "Can you clarify this? First you ask about computer science in the title, and then you ask about a consumer's perspective.", "In CS, ontologies are collections of related concepts. For instance, the lab I work in does a ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
aikdm6
how has the cost of living/schooling and economy in general inflated to such a degree? is there a way that we can fix it or will it simply become worse?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/aikdm6/eli5_how_has_the_cost_of_livingschooling_and/
{ "a_id": [ "eeoe899", "eewmrxi" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ "Instead of charging a reasonable amount for services, employees, etc., universities compare costs with other universities. Thus what should a math teacher be paid? Well what do math teachers at other universities get paid? ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1hgouw
electric fields
I don't really understand how an electric field works. I get electric force, it's when charges interact and depending on their charge they'll either attract or repel. That's for two charges. So with electric field, we look at one charge and introduce a test charge and it's influenced by an electric field? What electric...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1hgouw/eli5_electric_fields/
{ "a_id": [ "cau53y4", "cau5nh3" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Think about an electric field in terms of a gravitational field. You're in a gravitational field right now - drop something, and it falls. If that were an electric field, things would be much the same, except if you droppe...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
cq5zai
if we heat up food to kill germs, why can't we do it all the time?
If the idea of heating food above a certain temperature is to kill the bacteria to make it safe for eating, why is it that if you leave cooked meat in the fridge for a week or so, or leave cooked meat at room temperature overnight, that suddenly, no matter how much you reheat it, that food is waste and is no longer sa...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cq5zai/eli5_if_we_heat_up_food_to_kill_germs_why_cant_we/
{ "a_id": [ "ewu76l1", "ewuaje6", "ewubefv" ], "score": [ 15, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Heating food will kill the microbes, not what the microbes left behind. Without excessively cooking the spoiled food you're not able to remove the toxins left behind by the microbes and you'll get sick...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
blzzwh
howcome the liver shot is so effective in boxing?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/blzzwh/elif_howcome_the_liver_shot_is_so_effective_in/
{ "a_id": [ "emspgzd", "emst7ey" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "I mean, hitting an organ not really protected by the rib cage is pretty painful, but since the liver is an important organ, the body probably focuses more on it when any damage is done to it.", "The liver is on the right...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://youtu.be/KVZbEE0nx70" ] ]
bz02xh
how animals can carry diseases but not actually have those diseases
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bz02xh/eli5_how_animals_can_carry_diseases_but_not/
{ "a_id": [ "eqoc3i1", "eqof2hw", "eqorw7b" ], "score": [ 5, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "You do this too. You carry around all manner of intestinal bacteria that are kept segregated from the rest of your body. If they get into other animals or into places they don't belong, they can cause...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
1ieque
divining rods
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1ieque/eli5_divining_rods/
{ "a_id": [ "cb3plrq" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "They're supposed to be tools that allow the user to detect water, or minerals or any of a million things under the ground.\n\nThey don't work." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2gsmj9
if there are bigger stars than the sun, why is it that the brightest light we see is from the sun? and why isn't earth illuminated completely every hour of the day if there are stars big enough to engulf everything including the sun?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2gsmj9/eli5_if_there_are_bigger_stars_than_the_sun_why/
{ "a_id": [ "ckm45ol" ], "score": [ 18 ], "text": [ "If you have a 30W light bulb right in front of you and a 100W light bulb on the other side of the football field, the 30W bulb will appear *much* brighter because it's so close. By the time the 100W bulb's light gets to you, it's scattered so mu...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
50rsjr
how is it possible for my exact speed to be accurately determined from a vehicle moving in the opposite direction?
Example: Speeding ticket issued by a police car traveling in the opposite direction.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/50rsjr/eli5_how_is_it_possible_for_my_exact_speed_to_be/
{ "a_id": [ "d76gh5m", "d76gmog" ], "score": [ 2, 5 ], "text": [ "It works the same as if the cop car was sitting still or moving in the same direction as you.\n\nThe math the allows the speed guns to work can handle all these scenarios as long as it can determine the relative speed and di...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
8smqcj
is it legal for someone to secretly record a conversation with the president? why / why not?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8smqcj/eli5_is_it_legal_for_someone_to_secretly_record_a/
{ "a_id": [ "e10nbn3" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "That solely depends on where the conversation is taking place. Run into the president in the grocery store? Record away. Have a one on one conversation in the Oval Office? May want to ask first. It all has to do with the implication of privacy. G...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
66ymtu
how do games, like ones on the n64, with such limited capacity have loads of unused assets and levels hidden in the data?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/66ymtu/eli5_how_do_games_like_ones_on_the_n64_with_such/
{ "a_id": [ "dgmkxba" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "The programmers can't be certain that removing \"unused\" assets won't break the game. Adding or removing any content requires lots of QA testing to make sure nothing broke. Since there's no pressing need to remove that data, it usually stays \"o...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
230hbm
game of thrones. just the back story and all?
How did the seven kingdoms break apart from one another? What are the White Walkers? First People?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/230hbm/eli5_game_of_thrones_just_the_back_story_and_all/
{ "a_id": [ "cgs6rz2" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "As far as background and backstory goes, you cannot do better than this video, narrated by the cast of the TV show _URL_0_\n\nAbsolutely the most comprehensive resource I've found." ] }
[]
[]
[ [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPI_xA1SoRg" ] ]
4d3b62
why does microwaved food shrivel up, get hard and rubbery if you don't eat it right away?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4d3b62/eli5_why_does_microwaved_food_shrivel_up_get_hard/
{ "a_id": [ "d1net1t" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "microwave ovens are basically enclosed chambers which emit microwaves on whatever you put in them. When you put food with water in it's liquid state, the microwaves basically cause the water molecules to excite and heat up. \n\n\nif you warm it u...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3hmhv6
why are the japanese not having children?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3hmhv6/eli5_why_are_the_japanese_not_having_children/
{ "a_id": [ "cu8mmqe", "cu8mqhi", "cu8vx9f" ], "score": [ 7, 9, 2 ], "text": [ "Tricky answer because nobody knows. The crux seems to be that modern Japanese men are not interested in relationships. I have seen everything from internet culture to estrogenic compounds in their foo...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographic-economic_paradox" ], [] ]
femvm8
paradox and juxtaposition
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/femvm8/eli5_paradox_and_juxtaposition/
{ "a_id": [ "fjp2d64", "fjp2fyo" ], "score": [ 2, 3 ], "text": [ "juxtapostition is when two things are put next to each other to create an effect, normally showing how different they both are.", "Paradoxes are when you have a situation that contradicts on itself. For example, \"This ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2cnnrw
if a vision impaired person were to practice shooting targets without wearing glasses and got good, would they become exponentially better with the glasses on?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2cnnrw/eli5_if_a_vision_impaired_person_were_to_practice/
{ "a_id": [ "cjh92de", "cjhahcp", "cjhaich" ], "score": [ 7, 2, 4 ], "text": [ "I would expect most visually impaired people would very much struggle with getting good absent their glasses. \n\nShooting isn't just about seeing the target, it's also about timing the natural motion ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
8sbcwn
why aren't immigrant children who have been detained at the border being deported with their parents?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8sbcwn/eli5_why_arent_immigrant_children_who_have_been/
{ "a_id": [ "e0y0lfg", "e0y0oe5" ], "score": [ 6, 3 ], "text": [ "Because neither have been deported yet. The parents are being held in holding facilities while they are processed and what country they are to be deported to is determined. The children are not allowed to be held in the same...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
26ziwd
the class structure of bee and ant hives, particularly the queen.
I don't think I understand this topic very will, I'm sure others are in the same situation.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/26ziwd/eli5_the_class_structure_of_bee_and_ant_hives/
{ "a_id": [ "chw1yk6" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "I cant speak to ants but as a beekeeper I am familiar with them. There are three types of bees in the hive, the workers, the drones and the queen.\n\n The workers are all female and comprise most of the bees in the hive. As their name implies, th...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drone_%28bee%29#Mating_and_the_drone_reproductive_organ", "http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.oxfordshirebeekeepers.com%2Fuserimages%2FCastes.jpg&imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Ftcpermaculture.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F06%2Fintroduction-to-beekeeping.html&h=304&a...
81r4xv
what’s the difference between suntan lotion and sunscreen lotion
Title
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/81r4xv/eli5_whats_the_difference_between_suntan_lotion/
{ "a_id": [ "dv4iuh1" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "Old \"suntan\" lotions - most of which don't call themselves that anymore - are sunscreens with a lower SPF (typically below 15SPF). The idea being that they would keep you from burning as quickly, whilst still allowing you to tan relatively natu...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
28c38g
why don't countries with very large populations, like india or the u.s., consistently produce better soccer/football teams than smaller countries like the netherlands, italy and portugal, when they have a much larger talent pool to draw from?
Given that soccer isn't as popular in India, the U.S. and China, you would still think that they would statistically have an equal or greater number of capable players due to their populations.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/28c38g/eli5_why_dont_countries_with_very_large/
{ "a_id": [ "ci9h6u4", "ci9h922", "ci9jyd1" ], "score": [ 4, 8, 2 ], "text": [ "In the Netherlands, Italy, and Portugal everyone plays soccer from a young age. In the United States there seems to be an early interest in soccer that wanes at pre-teen years. Then there is a lot more ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
4jo4t3
why a developing country like india have cheaper health care then developed country like america?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4jo4t3/eli5_why_a_developing_country_like_india_have/
{ "a_id": [ "d3864mx", "d386cqw", "d386o0x", "d3870ab", "d38aop2", "d38ok9f" ], "score": [ 8, 27, 14, 2, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "The economics of health care are complicated, especially when it comes to the United States, which has a rather unique position. India...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2014/07/why-do-other-rich-nations-spend-so-much-less-on-healthcare/374576/" ], [], [] ]
1f64s3
why isn't russia a superpower in the world considering it's huge land mass?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1f64s3/eli5_why_isnt_russia_a_superpower_in_the_world/
{ "a_id": [ "ca75nrz", "ca765yw", "ca76gik", "ca781bl", "ca78i0f", "ca7a8ot", "ca7cafh" ], "score": [ 14, 12, 20, 5, 4, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "They have the most nukes, third highest military expenditure, are the 9th most populous, has had one of the fas...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
2b9qyi
how has india managed to largely resist the influence of islam?
Taking a look at the wikipedia article for religions in India (you know how wiki takes you places) I noticed that while Islam is the second largest religion practiced in India, that only amounts to 13.8% of the population. It's India, so that's still a shit-ton of people, but I expected it to be much higher given Indi...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2b9qyi/eli5_how_has_india_managed_to_largely_resist_the/
{ "a_id": [ "cj36co4", "cj36j0z", "cj37c4k" ], "score": [ 12, 24, 3 ], "text": [ "Sorry to send you right back down the wiki rabbit hole, but you might want to check out [this page](_URL_0_) on the Partition of British India.\n\nBasically, the British Indian Empire was made up of t...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Partition_of_India" ], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Partition_of_India" ], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islam_in_India#Muslim_population_by_states" ] ]
3g1r6x
why do people of foreign cultures take american names when they move here or come for education?
In my experience it is almost always East Asian people, for example my friend Weijun goes by Wilson. Wilson!? Weijun is way cooler.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3g1r6x/eli5_why_do_people_of_foreign_cultures_take/
{ "a_id": [ "ctu0jjo", "ctu1fg5", "ctuamrm" ], "score": [ 13, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "A lot of names are difficult for native English speakers to pronounce correctly. I imagine after a while having every person you meet totally butcher your name gets old and it's easier to just say \"Ca...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
3kloii
what does the text in square brackets in newspaper articles mean?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3kloii/eli5_what_does_the_text_in_square_brackets_in/
{ "a_id": [ "cuyg7y3" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "John: \"i said he was being ridiculous\"\n\n\nnewspaper article: John said \"[Michael] was being ridiculous.\"\n\nIt uses a word not used by the quoted person." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
zai10
basic basketball strategy
inb4: "U PUT DA BALL IN HOOP N SCORE." -___- Really. What does an intelligently designed play look like? What would basic player positioning look like? How does a good player know which player to pass to? How does a good player know when to take the shot?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/zai10/eli5_basic_basketball_strategy/
{ "a_id": [ "c62x0mn" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "/r/NBA had an amazing contributor, /u/Mens_rea, who put together an excellent series on the fundamentals of basketball strategy. Check it out; it's pretty close to ELI5 level.\n\n_URL_0_" ] }
[]
[]
[ [ "http://analyzetheoffense.blogspot.com/2012/06/mensrea-teaches-you-things-about.html" ] ]
1hfxwp
when your voice 'breaks'.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1hfxwp/eli5when_your_voice_breaks/
{ "a_id": [ "catxsqz" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "As part of your growth and development, as you go through puberty your larynx gets bigger and tilts forwards (giving boys their \"adam's apple\") and the vocal chords (note: no \"h\" in chords) within it increase in length and mass. Just like the...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1z8nsk
how do i make money with original you tube videos?
If I post a video of myself falling down the stairs and 10 million people see it how to I get my check?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1z8nsk/eli5_how_do_i_make_money_with_original_you_tube/
{ "a_id": [ "cfrj1rm", "cfrjk3s", "cfrk8e5" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Once it becomes noteworthy, you will receive an alert that your account is now eligible for monetization. I got this when one of my videos managed to go viral and reach 80K views in a day. After setting...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://www.youtube.com/account_monetization" ] ]
3fu4v6
what does gate mean when it pertains to watergate, deflategate, penisgate?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3fu4v6/eli5_what_does_gate_mean_when_it_pertains_to/
{ "a_id": [ "ctrz41y", "ctrz6tw" ], "score": [ 9, 6 ], "text": [ "Watergate is the origin of the \"-gate\", there was a big scandal with Nixon were basically some files from DNC were stolen from the Watergate hotel. now people add \"-gate\" to try to compare it to that", "Watergate was...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
20okev
eli12: what should a person look out for when buying headphones?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/20okev/eli12_what_should_a_person_look_out_for_when/
{ "a_id": [ "cg59p8a", "cg5ar1u", "cg5f0mi", "cg5fafu" ], "score": [ 3, 11, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "If you are going to buy new headphones you want to go into a store and try on as many pairs as you can and narrow the list down from their, thinks to look for right away are comfo...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://en-us.sennheiser.com/over-ear-headphones" ], [], [] ]
8f6cey
how do birds mate, and why can we still eat an egg?
I got asked this question the other day, and I cannot answer it. I've watched a few documentaries which show birds dancing as a call for mating, but how does "mating" work? Additionally, how is it possible we can eat an egg, if two birds have mated? I never grew up in an environment where eggs and birds come together, ...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8f6cey/eli5how_do_birds_mate_and_why_can_we_still_eat_an/
{ "a_id": [ "dy0wocr", "dy0xdo6" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ "The chicken eggs in the grocery store have never come in contact with a rooster. They are unfertilized eggs. ", "Hens lay eggs whether they are fertilized or not, and aside from the presence of the embryo, there's no dif...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2h5i8w
is taste an evolutionary adaptation, and if so, why do people living in the same area have such different taste preferences?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2h5i8w/eli5_is_taste_an_evolutionary_adaptation_and_if/
{ "a_id": [ "ckpjqfw" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Taste from the standpoint of being able to avoid spoiled or poisonous foods is obviously an evolutionary adaptation.\n\nRelatively minor differences in palettes between people are just individual variation." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
491kzc
how did the wright brothers know how to land?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/491kzc/eli5how_did_the_wright_brothers_know_how_to_land/
{ "a_id": [ "d0ocary" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "It turns out that you land whether you know how to or not. \n\nAnyway, the thing that makes them a part of history is the powered flight. Unpowered flight, which also required landings, had been around for a while. " ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
218mio
atoms, how do they work?
Already tried AskScience, and I literally have not received a reply in 2 days so I thought I'd try here: I understand what atoms are made of, Protons, Neutrons and Electrons, but what makes them so... Strong? If everything is made of atoms, why don't they mix together and just kind of form one big blob? For instance i...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/218mio/eli5_atoms_how_do_they_work/
{ "a_id": [ "cgao71m" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "Not only is there (pretty much) empty space between the atoms, but atoms themselves are pretty much empty space. There's a nucleus, made up of protons and neutrons, then vast amounts of nothing, then a sort of cloud of electron (not the neat litt...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2sk4iu
why is china building ghost towns in africa? who benefits from this?
_URL_0_ I searched for past topics here in ELI5 and saw some explanations about the ghost towns of China - that they are not that empty, and that the true empy ones are in the middle of nowhere, with no roads or ways to get a job. But this one is right beside a big city, so it doesn't lack infrastructure, it is not f...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2sk4iu/eli5_why_is_china_building_ghost_towns_in_africa/
{ "a_id": [ "cnq7e93" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Most likely because a local politician had gotten some 'funds' from ~~western~~ donors to develop their country or area. It's for prestige, and most likely some of the money found it's way towards the pockets of that politician.\n\nIt's sad, but ...
[]
[ "http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-18646243" ]
[ [] ]
22gcg0
why does nestea come in a 341ml can while carbonated coke products are 355ml?
Seriously, why?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/22gcg0/eli5why_does_nestea_come_in_a_341ml_can_while/
{ "a_id": [ "cgmj9wr", "cgmk7h6" ], "score": [ 3, 3 ], "text": [ "It could be a variety of factors, we can never be sure.\n\n- To get a nice, rounded, amount of \"something\" in the Nutritional Information.\n\n- Because the design of the bottle amounted to that and they said \"well, that's...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2l1dtx
what is that awkward, hanging feeling of reality you get sometimes?
It's randoms sometimes. You're going on about your day, and your feelings just drop. You realize what you are, and the concept of reality. But sometime's its with interactions with other people. Or being around them. You feel strange, you want to close your eyes, wanting to be somewhere else, it's almost as if you just...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2l1dtx/eli5_what_is_that_awkward_hanging_feeling_of/
{ "a_id": [ "clqjo7x" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "Sounds to me like you were having a momentary existential crisis. I get them a lot.\n\n_URL_0_" ] }
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Existential_crisis" ] ]
9239r7
why do foods with higher fat content taste better?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9239r7/eli5_why_do_foods_with_higher_fat_content_taste/
{ "a_id": [ "e32o8wb", "e32oadk", "e32q2l6" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Fat is calorie-dense, and for the vast, vast majority of human civilization, starvation was a significant concern. Therefore, your body wants you to eat calorie-dense things to not starve to death, thus...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
1ssw31
what's the big deal with north korea executing kim jung un's uncle, jang song thaek? why haven't we heard of him before? who was he and why was he killed?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1ssw31/eli5_whats_the_big_deal_with_north_korea/
{ "a_id": [ "ce0wbir" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "He was one of the most important leaders in the North Korean government for some time. While his exact position is unknown its suspected that he was leading the country while Kim Jong-il was ill and helped Kim Jong-un through the transition proce...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
66q6g6
why aren't metropolitan transit services (such as subways, commuter rail, and amtrak) privatized in the u.s.? put another way, why does the u.s. lag behind the rest of the world in providing reliable, high-speed transit services?
Facing another rash of horrendous travel delays in the NYC area today, it begs the question, why are these services provided by the government, or heavily subsidized in the case of Amtrak, and not privatized? Would privatization help? Why does the U.S. lag behind the rest of the developed world (especially Japan, for...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/66q6g6/eli5_why_arent_metropolitan_transit_services_such/
{ "a_id": [ "dgkecez", "dgkei6x", "dgkeq21", "dgkeq2f", "dgkevaa", "dgkir3k" ], "score": [ 4, 7, 2, 2, 5, 3 ], "text": [ "The US has a huge driving culture, that's the simple enough reason. \n\nThat makes it really difficult to live in a lot of places witho...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Motors_streetcar_conspiracy" ], [], [ "http://www.firstpr.com.au/jncrisis/Japan-population-density-833x846.png", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._states_by_population_density", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_and_...
726fby
why do horses willingly fight wars/battles for humans?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/726fby/eli5_why_do_horses_willingly_fight_warsbattles/
{ "a_id": [ "dng2uit", "dngcgxo" ], "score": [ 14, 8 ], "text": [ "Same reason they let people ride them, pull wagons, and plow fields for humans\n\nThey were domesticated and trained to do so.\n\nA war horse simply receives different training than a farm horse. Instead of practicing pull...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
aoe6gc
why does smoke look different after inhaling?
Like if I hold the smoke in my mouth, when I push it out it looks different than when I blow it out after inhaling. Idk if that makes sense.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/aoe6gc/eli5_why_does_smoke_look_different_after_inhaling/
{ "a_id": [ "eg07dcj", "eg07wur" ], "score": [ 6, 2 ], "text": [ "Some of the particles dissipate inside your lungs making it less thick.\n\nIf you're looking for a scientific explanation in detail I can provide that as well.", "If you inhale the smoke, the lungs filter it before you e...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
80c9lr
how does hrt affect muscle mass and bone density in trans women?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/80c9lr/eli5_how_does_hrt_affect_muscle_mass_and_bone/
{ "a_id": [ "duuj7mw" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "In general, undergoing HRT causes trans women to have an increased BMI, which involves both a reduction in muscle mass and an increase in stored body fat. The body fat is mostly gained in more \"feminine\" areas. \n\nAccording to [this study ](_U...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/20625973/" ] ]
a1l9rl
does air itself have a volume ?
Does air itself (outside a container) have an innate volume ?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/a1l9rl/eli5_does_air_itself_have_a_volume/
{ "a_id": [ "eaqpcyd", "eaqpdsg", "eaqpea7", "eaqpfte", "eaqqnn5", "eaqr5hp", "eaqrkq8", "eaqvvvr", "ear65gl" ], "score": [ 8, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Yup! All matter takes up space. Air outside of a container is just i...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
dbn865
finding the inverse of a number with (mod n)?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/dbn865/eli5_finding_the_inverse_of_a_number_with_mod_n/
{ "a_id": [ "f23y74t" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "First, a number x can only have an inverse (mod n) if that number and n are coprime, i.e., they don't have any common factors. In other words, gcd(x, n) = 1.\n\nWe can use the [Extended Euclidean Algorithm](_URL_0_), which extends Euclid's algori...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extended_Euclidean_algorithm" ] ]
10ramt
why are there 720p movies of 750mb and 5.5gb if the 750 looks seemingly as good as the 5.5gb? what's the difference?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/10ramt/eli5_why_are_there_720p_movies_of_750mb_and_55gb/
{ "a_id": [ "c6fy8cl", "c6fybef", "c6fydri", "c6fyecl", "c6fytdx", "c6fytzn", "c6fyvf5", "c6fyx2z", "c6fzrqc", "c6g0fhw", "c6g1j47", "c6g1mkn", "c6g1v6g", "c6g30b4", "c6g3128", "c6g3j1f", "c6gajbi", "c6gbqwq", "c6gey50", "c6gf42x" ], ...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/15/mpeg-drafts-twice-as-efficient-h-265-video-standard/" ], [], [ "http://www.uxbooth.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/image-optimization/image-compression-quality-comparison.jpg" ], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...
39y3e5
why does flying from, say, seattle to calgary through vancouver cost less than flying from vancouver to calgary
Something that I've thought about for a while but have never been able to understand. 4 years go I flew from Seattle to Calgary through Vancouver. At the time I considered bussing to Vancouver and flying to Calgary, but the flight from Vancouver to Calgary actually cost more than the flight from Seattle to Calgary (t...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/39y3e5/eli5_why_does_flying_from_say_seattle_to_calgary/
{ "a_id": [ "cs7hgvo" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Flights are mostly priced on demand, not cost. Nonstop flights are almost always the most expensive option because they are the most demanded. They fill up quickly with business passengers that are willing to pay more for the convenience of savin...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1y2rwn
how does a burnout work?
Considering the friction between tire and road, and tire and rim: Shouldn't the rim rotate within the tire?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1y2rwn/eli5_how_does_a_burnout_work/
{ "a_id": [ "cfgu59k" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "The rim would not rotate within the tire because the bead of the tire creates a seal with the rim, then once the tire is inflated it creates enough friction to keep them spinning at the same rotational velocity. The tires, and rim, are able to sp...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1z9imx
would cleaning my teeth for an hour effectively whiten my teeth?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1z9imx/eli5_would_cleaning_my_teeth_for_an_hour/
{ "a_id": [ "cfrpbbl", "cfrpmjo", "cfrr7gq", "cfrv9rh" ], "score": [ 16, 11, 2, 4 ], "text": [ "From my understanding, no it will not. Toothpaste is abrasive and brushing your teeth for hours at a time will eventually wear down your enamel. In fact, it will make your teeth ...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://m.sciencefocus.com/qa/are-yellow-teeth-stronger" ], [], [] ]
2ui23v
how does the brain produce voices and visions that arent actually there in cases of mental disorders like schizophrenia.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ui23v/eli5_how_does_the_brain_produce_voices_and/
{ "a_id": [ "co8l9t9", "co8lrf7", "co8sqds" ], "score": [ 5, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "One of the great questions of neuroscience. I would take a stab at doing an ELI5, but the short explanation for why I won't is that most of what anyone knows about auditory hallucinations is conjecture...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
1tqlu7
do radio waves travel at the speed of sound or a different speed?
basically what the title says.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1tqlu7/eli5do_radio_waves_travel_at_the_speed_of_sound/
{ "a_id": [ "ceah7t3" ], "score": [ 9 ], "text": [ "They travel at the speed of light, because they are a form of light." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1mervv
why do we still need our licenses when we drive?
I don't understand why it is still required to have a license on your person when driving. With today's technology officers can just ask for your name and address and they can pull you up on their computer. The only real reason I can see for people to have their license on them is for age identification. Can someone ex...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1mervv/why_do_we_still_need_our_licenses_when_we_drive/
{ "a_id": [ "cc8i8vk", "cc8ja8b" ], "score": [ 2, 4 ], "text": [ "If you lied and said you were \"Joe Bloggs from 123 Example Street\", how would they prove otherwise?", "In the UK you don't need it with you. When i was stopped by a policeman he just asked for details then sent me on m...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2h89bj
if everyone agrees they hate the current cable companies, why doesn't a new company just come in and promise to treat it's customers well and take a large amount of business?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2h89bj/eli5_if_everyone_agrees_they_hate_the_current/
{ "a_id": [ "ckq9gb7" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Many industries, cable being a perfect example, have HUGE barriers to entry. Specifically in this case, actually physically installing thousands of miles of expensive fiber optic cable across the country. They would have to spend literally tens o...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
dyl8hy
why do humans do wierd things when they are really horny? why did nature program us in such way, what's the point of that?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/dyl8hy/eli5_why_do_humans_do_wierd_things_when_they_are/
{ "a_id": [ "f81pwua" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Competition amongst males requires them to do crazy things in order to get female attention." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1o0pbn
why doesn't a slinky going down an up escalator keep going forever?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1o0pbn/eli5_why_doesnt_a_slinky_going_down_an_up/
{ "a_id": [ "ccnsq46" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Just as with a regular set of stairs, a slinky often will stop for reasons other than reaching the bottom. With an escalator, you would need to perfect the timing so that the slinky is not going too fast and reaches the bottom or too slow and h...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0L-P7XymVm0" ] ]
3alyou
why does liquid pancake mix solidify when heated?
So when you make pancakes, you mix flour, milk, eggs and sugar together to get a liquid mix. When you make the actual pancakes though, this mix turns into a solid, which doesn't make sense to me. I'm sure there's a good reason for this. Solids exists in lower temperature ranges than their liquid and gaseous counterpa...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3alyou/eli5why_does_liquid_pancake_mix_solidify_when/
{ "a_id": [ "csduh4t" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Because a batter of pancakes is not the same substance as a pancake.\n\nAs the pancake batter is subjected to the intense heat it changes. new bonds break, gasses are released, protein chains break and form, molecules move closer together, and th...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1pohgp
steroids reduce the effects of the immune system. wouldn't that make you sicker?
A lot of times when you get sick, the doc will give you a steroid shot to make you feel better. I get that you feel better because it decreases the symptoms. But, wouldn't you risk the infection getting much worse? Are there certain illnesses (flu, sinus infection, bacterial infections, etc) where a steroid injectio...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1pohgp/eli5_steroids_reduce_the_effects_of_the_immune/
{ "a_id": [ "cd4cgn4", "cd4cq6w" ], "score": [ 2, 3 ], "text": [ "Not if your immune system is the thing that's making you sick. Corticosteroids especially are used in autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. I've never heard of them being used when there's an actual pathogen attacki...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
36lpt8
difference between vpn, pptp and proxy servers
Hi, as someone taking their GCSE ICT exam soon, I was unsure of the difference between these three as from my POV, they all serve the same function, thanks. Also, is Google Chrome's 'Incognito Mode' an example of one of these?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/36lpt8/eli5_difference_between_vpn_pptp_and_proxy_servers/
{ "a_id": [ "crf1ktt" ], "score": [ 8 ], "text": [ "VPN is just a collective name for all Virtual Private Networks solutions that we have, of which PPTP is one.\nA VPN solution is a solution that encapsulates/encrypts all communication between your computer and a VPN host to get access to an inter...
[]
[]
[ [] ]