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3r2ars
einstein's non-linear time
Gday, thanks in advance. In a nutshell, im struggling to wrap my head around this concept that Einstein appeared to touch on in this quote; ""...for us physicists believe the separation between past, present, and future is only an illusion, although a convincing one."" Ive often heard about the concept of time as non-...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3r2ars/eli5_einsteins_nonlinear_time/
{ "a_id": [ "cwka2yy" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "To us, time is linear and only goes in one direction. You can remember things that happened but not the future. Things degrade and erode but don't go the other way. Entropy increases instead of decreasing. The bit about it being an illusion is th...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2qr21q
how do service dogs know when somebody needs an insulin shot?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2qr21q/eli5how_do_service_dogs_know_when_somebody_needs/
{ "a_id": [ "cn8p4ui" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "Smell. They can actually smell the difference in their owners sweat/breath/whatever it is that smells different." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
6l7869
in the theory of infinite alternate universes, why isn't there one universe where said theory is false, screwing it up for every other universe, or is that our universe?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6l7869/eli5_in_the_theory_of_infinite_alternate/
{ "a_id": [ "djrkwpn" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "An infinite system can still be restricted. For example, in an infinite set of even numbers you'll never find the number three. So, in an infinite set of universes there may still be restrictions (e.g. entropy might be a necessary factor for a un...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
g23n9a
is it true that the missionary position was named after christian missionaries? if it is true why weren't tribes people already doing that simple position?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/g23n9a/eli5_is_it_true_that_the_missionary_position_was/
{ "a_id": [ "fnjb6f6", "fnjj2vq", "fnjnhcg" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "It's certain that the natives knew many positions, including the missionary one. \n\nIn the Bible it uses the phrase to lay down with as a euphemism for having intercourse with. So some thought that a...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
1ssxpy
inspired by the recent cairo front-page. is the fact that it is snowing in cairo and (apparently) not in some northern countries a weird thing with weather, or am i just missing something basic?
I hear some countries are having the coldest winters they've had in several decades, while some redditor mentions that Sweden is on its way to having the warmest winter it's had in a while. I haven't really payed much attention to weather (considering I'm from Florida, where it's constantly too hot to live during the ...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1ssxpy/eli5_inspired_by_the_recent_cairo_frontpage_is/
{ "a_id": [ "ce0wacs" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Common misconception about Global Warming - its not just things getting warmer. It means that the climate itself is changing, and weather patterns are becoming more unpredictable. \n\nThat includes snow in Cairo, or Texas, or warmer winters in Sw...
[]
[ "http://www.reddit.com/r/pics/comments/1sse8e/for_the_first_time_in_112_years_it_snows_in_cairo/ce0sem1" ]
[ [] ]
584jr0
how can this happen?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/584jr0/eli5_how_can_this_happen/
{ "a_id": [ "d8xcqj7", "d8xcqk0", "d8xct15" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "While I wasn't there to witness this, I expect snow fell on the slide and stuck temporarily, and then as a roughly bound-together mat slid off the slide, at a later time, as snow/ice, not liquid water."...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
3asbof
what if a witness says no when asked to take the oath.
If someone is called up as a witness in a trial what happens if they refuse to take the oath? (I'm referring to the "The truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth" )
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3asbof/eli5_what_if_a_witness_says_no_when_asked_to_take/
{ "a_id": [ "csfib76", "csfioi4", "csfjt82" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "A few things, really depends on the judge and what role you have in the case.\n\n1. if you're a minor witness they'll just tell you to leave.\n\n2. if you're a key witness or are the litigant/plaintiff/...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
28a8d2
why do so many people enjoy modern ultra-realistic computer games simulating horrible things like war and murder?
Computer games these days are so realistic looking and the weapons are based on the real thing right down to the way they "feel". The way some games allow you to slow down and follow a bullet while the camera pans round as it enters and exits a soldier's body. The blood, the guts and the killing troubles me and I fail ...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/28a8d2/eli5why_do_so_many_people_enjoy_modern/
{ "a_id": [ "ci8x76z", "ci8x78p", "ci8x7lu", "ci8xjlc", "ci8xu4g", "ci8yb7t", "ci8yv3q", "ci8zcdd", "ci924n5", "ci930lq", "ci93d1i", "ci95ug6" ], "score": [ 26, 8, 9, 17, 7, 155, 6, 2, 3, 2, 13, 3 ], "text": [ ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
8dfk8w
if we breathe in o2 and use the oxygen, how do we release co2? the same ammount of oxygen we took in, just an added carbon atom
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8dfk8w/eli5_if_we_breathe_in_o2_and_use_the_oxygen_how/
{ "a_id": [ "dxmpccd", "dxmpcyr", "dxmpedy", "dxmpm22", "dxmxlqa", "dxmxvze", "dxmyd9u", "dxn05pv", "dxn0hpt" ], "score": [ 26, 3, 5, 147, 4, 2, 4, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "The carbon isn't coming from air we breathe in, it's coming from gl...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
2osb3n
how come the dollar and euro are worth more than the nok and yet the economy of norway is doing so well?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2osb3n/eli5_how_come_the_dollar_and_euro_are_worth_more/
{ "a_id": [ "cmq1k0d", "cmq1tmv" ], "score": [ 8, 2 ], "text": [ "The price of one currency in another currency is not in any way an indicator of the relative strength of the economy.\n\nLet me ask you a question. If the US government decided tomorrow that they were no longer going to mea...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2zczru
why can dogs stop their pee stream, carry on like normal, and pee again later on the same walk without seeming uncomfortable?
Once I start peeing I really can't stop mid-stream for more than a few seconds. There is no way I could stop, keep walking around for a few more minutes and then finish. Yet my dog, and lots of other dogs seem to be able to pee as they please.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2zczru/eli5why_can_dogs_stop_their_pee_stream_carry_on/
{ "a_id": [ "cphzg0a" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "I can stop mid-stream and leave. I think it's just muscular control. \n\nAlso dogs have a special use for peeing which makes it necessary for them to do it." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
8ovkpk
why is it hard to snap out of deep thinking
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8ovkpk/eli5_why_is_it_hard_to_snap_out_of_deep_thinking/
{ "a_id": [ "e06fder", "e06nwhm" ], "score": [ 5, 3 ], "text": [ "Serious comment and I’m not trying to make fun of you. You might actually have ADD. You’re basically describing it. ", "I agree with /u/homebrew311evolver, you might have ADD.\n\nI say this because I have ADD and you are...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
16h19g
graphing linear equasions.
For example: 4x - 6y = 12 x/2 - 4y = 4
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/16h19g/eli5_graphing_linear_equasions/
{ "a_id": [ "c7vyl2h", "c7vyo4y" ], "score": [ 4, 11 ], "text": [ "There are two good ways to graph a line when it's in the form Ax + By = C. Let's just look at the first equation, 4x - 6y = 12.\n\n**Slope-intercept form**: When a line is in the form y = mx + b, this is called slope-interc...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1szbkv
what is the highest somebody can skydive?
I know this is a bit hypothetical. But I saw the Baumgartener spacejump. Just got finishied watching Gravity. How high can somebody in an astronaut style space suit jump from, and still have gravity pull them in? Even with a "booster pack" to get them pointed in the right direction, would a human "burn up?" given our m...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1szbkv/eli5_what_is_the_highest_somebody_can_skydive/
{ "a_id": [ "ce2rnf9", "ce2unr6" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "You have to go something like 2/3 of the way to the Moon before if you slowed down you'd be fall towards the Moon instead of the Earth. If you had a suit with heat shields that could survive reentry I guess that distance is...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SuitSat" ] ]
f3i4oc
why do codeine-based painkillers cause constipation?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/f3i4oc/eli5_why_do_codeinebased_painkillers_cause/
{ "a_id": [ "fhiybpz" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "It's not just codeine, but all opioids. Opioids are a central nervous system depressants. They block pain receptors in the body, and this reduces pain. One of the side effects of slowing down the central nervous system is that it affects involunt...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
4gbdq6
how does the glass from a car shatter into small, almost uniform bits, while most other glass shatters into random shards.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4gbdq6/eli5_how_does_the_glass_from_a_car_shatter_into/
{ "a_id": [ "d2g3fzy", "d2g3htx", "d2g72yt", "d2gdimn" ], "score": [ 25, 15, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "It's tempered so it does that. It's much less likely to seriously hurt you because there's no huge chunk to stab you. Also, if you roll you can exit quickly.", "Car glass is ...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Safety_glass" ], [], [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xe-f4gokRBs", "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0i5rycLJ3D8" ] ]
49fpt1
growing up i was told that pc gets more virus/ malware problems because of the massive user base. a lot more people have macs now - how are incidents like the transmission ransomware still so rare?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/49fpt1/eli5_growing_up_i_was_told_that_pc_gets_more/
{ "a_id": [ "d0rfykz", "d0rfzni", "d0rgcun", "d0rh014", "d0ro4gi" ], "score": [ 6, 5, 45, 2, 4 ], "text": [ "While a lot more people have Macs than before, the marketshare is still solidly controlled by non-Mac PCs. [This article](_URL_0_) illustrates this pretty we...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://bgr.com/2015/07/11/mac-vs-pc-sales-2015/" ], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Operatingsystem_market_share.svg" ], [], [] ]
89vyno
why is everything 2.4ghz?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/89vyno/eli5_why_is_everything_24ghz/
{ "a_id": [ "dwty8kr", "dwtyfbf" ], "score": [ 5, 3 ], "text": [ "Because its a special uncontrolled radio frequency band. \n\nTthe band is intended for industrial, scientific and medical short range transmissions; the ISM band covers a larger range of spectrum, but the 2.4GHz part is allo...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
93hk39
why do flies and bees etc wings sound so loud when they fly?
For such small animals the sound of them flying is really loud and noticeable,why is that?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/93hk39/eli5_why_do_flies_and_bees_etc_wings_sound_so/
{ "a_id": [ "e3de79t" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Your ears are vibration sensors; sound is the air vibrating. Insects have to flap their wings hundreds of times per second to stay in the air. The flapping motion of their wings causes the air to vibrate back and forth hundreds of times per sec...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
4hdriw
why are we taught different explanations and understandings of historical events at different levels of education?
At least in U.S. public schools, I have been taught multiple explanations for why/how historical events unfolded, depending on my grade-level at the time. The explanation given for the discrepancies are typically along the lines of- "It is simpler for lower-level teachers to give you a cleaner, neater answer." I was al...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4hdriw/eli5_why_are_we_taught_different_explanations_and/
{ "a_id": [ "d2p7ltb", "d2p8sp3" ], "score": [ 2, 3 ], "text": [ "So, basically, you want college students to learn history in ways that also make sense for eight year olds? ", "You have to build an education on a foundation. If you are talking to a five year old person, they can und...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
u2xbw
why do computers sometimes incorrectly read discs?
Right now I've got a commercial DVD that my computer insists is blank. It was running just fine last night, and this isn't a common problem with my computer. I've also (with other computers) had my computer fail to recognize a blank disc, as if there were no disc in the drive at all. What gives?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/u2xbw/eli5_why_do_computers_sometimes_incorrectly_read/
{ "a_id": [ "c4rvn61" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "It is easy for us to take things like disc drives for granted without appreciating that they are actually very complex systems with a lot of different pieces of hardware and software. A lot of things have to go *right* for a disc to be read. \n...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
5doah9
amortization - what does that mean?
As seen on financial reports of companies.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5doah9/eli5_amortization_what_does_that_mean/
{ "a_id": [ "da61jg7", "da62gk0" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "The easiest parallel would be depreciation of a tangible asset, your car gets used, and is worth less money, that is depreciation.\n\nwhen you do this to an intangible asset, its called amortization.", "An amortization h...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
727vj9
what is that little floating thing that we see when our eyes are closed? why do we see it?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/727vj9/eli5_what_is_that_little_floating_thing_that_we/
{ "a_id": [ "dnghw8r", "dnguv6o" ], "score": [ 21, 5 ], "text": [ "The floaters? When you squint? They're shadows formed by the light. When light enters our lens, it passes through a clear fluid called vitreous humour and it may have lumps broken off that wander around. You're basically se...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
20xkfd
in america, what is meant by college? is it the same thing as university or are they separate? what different qualifications do american's receive throughout education?
In Britain is goes: - Primary school (ages 3-11) -- SATs - Secondary school/high school (ages 11-16) -- GCSEs - College (ages 16-18) -- A levels - University (ages 18+) -- Degrees
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/20xkfd/eli5_in_america_what_is_meant_by_college_is_it/
{ "a_id": [ "cg7nt8m", "cg7nwe1", "cg7o7d1" ], "score": [ 6, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "College and universities are both post-secondary education in the US. However, Universities tend to be larger institutions and more research-oriented than college with more advanced degrees offered, but...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
3gxbxi
what causes the noises that come from the walls and ceiling in my house?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3gxbxi/eli5_what_causes_the_noises_that_come_from_the/
{ "a_id": [ "cu2bjqd", "cu2blkj", "cu2boiu", "cu2br9x" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "not entirely sure, but possibly a combination of dirt moving below the foundation, andwood expanding and contracting. or it could be a family member walking around, or a ghost", ...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://lifehacker.com/strange-house-noises-explained-and-how-to-fix-them-1569420462" ], [], [] ]
1ommcc
why do i feel like i can only fall in love with a woman because of her looks, and not her personality even though i want it vice versa? what psychological explanation is there?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1ommcc/eli5_why_do_i_feel_like_i_can_only_fall_in_love/
{ "a_id": [ "cctfgmd", "cctfhfd", "cctg5s3" ], "score": [ 18, 2, 8 ], "text": [ "Because you haven't fallen in love with a woman yet.", "Either you're just shallow or you haven't met the right one yet, you'll know.", "You've attached your own personal status to her looks. ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
2mawtc
are all dogs able to howl?
I have 2 dogs, ones a terrier mix the other is a schnoodle. The schnoodle "sings", the terrier never does though he sometimes will bark along with us. Would he still be able to howl if he wanted to or do some dogs not have the physiology?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2mawtc/eli5_are_all_dogs_able_to_howl/
{ "a_id": [ "cm2iuvb", "cm2iv9h", "cm2ltfl", "cm2ocoe" ], "score": [ 7, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Mine can't.\n\nShe attempts whenever my roommates dog goes on a really long tear with any sirens outside but it comes out as a whiney chattering. Totally adorable.\n\n\nWe had tak...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
2fzb9u
why do instructors scream so much in the army?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2fzb9u/eli5_why_do_instructors_scream_so_much_in_the_army/
{ "a_id": [ "cke5jig", "cke5msy", "cke5r6m", "cke5smr", "cke71td" ], "score": [ 10, 25, 6, 9, 5 ], "text": [ "To break you out of your comfort zone", "The idea is it gets soldiers used to following instructions in stressful situations.", "Essentially to brea...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://nsm.com.au/wp-content/themes/NSM/includes/timthumb.php?q=100&zc=1&src=http://nsm.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Jubes.jpg&w=230&h=150" ], [], [ "http://www.slate.com/blogs/quora/2013/03/05/why_is_boot_camp_so_intense.html" ] ]
x08dy
the elephant's foot at chernobyl, and some other questions.
1. I'm kind of confused as to what the Elephant's Foot at Chernobyl is, and why this quote is often accompanied with photos I see of it: "If you were to look at this, you would die instantly." Do they mean that the heat given off of it would kill you instantly? Or the radiation it gave off? How does the radiation kill ...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/x08dy/eli5_the_elephants_foot_at_chernobyl_and_some/
{ "a_id": [ "c5i14fc" ], "score": [ 8 ], "text": [ "i used wikipedia and other sources of the internet. i am by no means an expert. your question made me curious and i figured that answering you was a fast way to learn. :)\n\n1) the elephant's foot at chernobyl is essentially a big melted hunk of ...
[]
[ "http://youtu.be/rvAJ_u3Q0Hw?t=43s" ]
[ [] ]
1ofk4s
where does the water in water bottles actually come from?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1ofk4s/eli5where_does_the_water_in_water_bottles/
{ "a_id": [ "ccrhkd9", "ccrhke6", "ccrhqlw" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Depends on the water bottle.\n\nBut often from public water supplies, like what comes out of your sink. Many water bottles will specifically state the source in some small print somewhere on the bottle...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
2o5txg
why are musical notes the frequency that they are? is there some science behind musical scales or is it completely a "learned" appreciation?
Why is the frequency spread between notes what it is? Is there some math behind why some notes work in chords with others but some don't? If someone chose a different arbitrary frequency spread for notes and then exposed a child who has never heard music to it, would the child appreciate that as music or does something...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2o5txg/eli5_why_are_musical_notes_the_frequency_that/
{ "a_id": [ "cmjz2de" ], "score": [ 10 ], "text": [ "In western music our tuning systems (as there are more than one) date back to the Greeks. They were obsessed with numbers, and when they discovered an octave on a lyre could be played by a string with half the length of the root, they sought out...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
bw6drw
cooling sheets/pillows magic?
How do cooling sheets and pillows work? I bought some for the coming summer as my room has poor A/C. Now I find myself laying awake at night, wondering how they work? And they appear to have a limit to how cool they can get as I’ve already had some very hot nights that they feel just as warm. Is it a gel? Special fabri...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bw6drw/eli5_cooling_sheetspillows_magic/
{ "a_id": [ "epvm4g7" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "To understand that, you need to know that there is more than temperature of an item that determines how hot/cold it feels. It is mostly about how quickly heat enters or leaves your body, which is dependent on a property called thermal conduction...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
4zmqgi
why are all of the planets orbiting outside of mars gas giants (excluding pluto and that other new, basic maybe-planet.)
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4zmqgi/eli5_why_are_all_of_the_planets_orbiting_outside/
{ "a_id": [ "d6x3gox" ], "score": [ 41 ], "text": [ "Good question!\n\nThe planets in our Solar System formed from the solar nebula – the disc of gas left over from the formation of our Sun. Over time, this material began to collide and stick together, forming larger clumps that could collide with...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://www.spaceanswers.com/solar-system/why-are-planets-closer-to-the-sun-more-dense/" ] ]
3qidzc
the difference between processed meat and non-processed meat?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3qidzc/eli5_the_difference_between_processed_meat_and/
{ "a_id": [ "cwfh6ey" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Processed meat has been salted, cured, fermented or undergone other processes to enhance flavour or extend preservation.\n\nProcessed: hot dog, bacon, jerkey\n\nNot processed: fresh fish, chicken breast, steak" ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
48b82f
how do experts in photograph analysis know that a photo hasn't been doctored?
Is there science to it? Is it like a crime scene where you just have to infer something from certain clues and cues?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/48b82f/eli5_how_do_experts_in_photograph_analysis_know/
{ "a_id": [ "d0i8phi", "d0i8pjt", "d0i99ew", "d0iszva", "d0j3jxy" ], "score": [ 18, 4, 386, 2, 7 ], "text": [ "You have to carefully examine the image. In digital photography, there may be pixelation or other clear signs of modification. Inconsistent focus or lighti...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://lh6.ggpht.com/_9F9_RUESS2E/TFbO35gYj8I/AAAAAAAADZw/5QDbxeydpQk/s800/photoshop-mistakes-enlarge-fail.jpg", "http://photoshopfail.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Photoshop-Fail-Ann-Taylor-Missing-Arm.jpg", "http://www.diyphotography.net/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Nikon-Fake-...
6nfddx
how do missiles from fighter jets that are fired have such good accuracy? how can they change their direction in mid air by themselves and hit a moving target?
[Here is an example of what I mean](_URL_0_) How does the missile turn so well and have exact coordinates?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6nfddx/eli5_how_do_missiles_from_fighter_jets_that_are/
{ "a_id": [ "dk91ja5" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "There are a couple of ways missiles can be guided:\n- Through infrared tracking. The missile has a heat sensor on it that finds the massive amounts of heat put out by a jet engine and points the missile at it.\n- Through laser designation. The mi...
[]
[ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdWBjhUrw5U" ]
[ [] ]
1n61ok
why do i need to pee more frequently once i've "broken the seal" ?
Not that I'm drinking right now...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1n61ok/eli5_why_do_i_need_to_pee_more_frequently_once/
{ "a_id": [ "ccfp09d", "ccfp0mm", "ccfp1d2", "ccfpng2", "ccfqste", "ccfzxxo" ], "score": [ 2, 7, 2, 7, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "At a certain point, you're putting more in than what's coming out.", "alcoholic beverages can be a bladder irritant for many people ...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://mentalfloss.com/article/31408/science-breaking-seal#ixzz2fzbbVY9l" ], [], [], [], [] ]
g3lfu0
why is a vacuuman empty space when it's also just space below the atmospheric pressure?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/g3lfu0/eli5why_is_a_vacuuman_empty_space_when_its_also/
{ "a_id": [ "fnrz851" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "In an atmospheric sense, a vacuum is any absence or lack of pressure. A pure vacuum would contain no molecules of any gas (even outer space isn’t a truly pure vacuum but it’s pretty close). \n\nBy definition an ‘empty space’ would be a vacuum bec...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
58pjrk
how does the fbi track people's computers and since they can track it how do they not easily catch all the criminals and paedophiles who do stuff like buy drugs and look at child pornography?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/58pjrk/eli5_how_does_the_fbi_track_peoples_computers_and/
{ "a_id": [ "d92a8ek", "d92anzm" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ " > How does the FBI track people's computers\n\nI'm not sure exactly what you mean by \"track\", but the FBI can find out who downloaded a file by finding out the IP addresses that downloaded the file and and then getting th...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2f6u0q
how hard would it be to find the hacker who leaked the nudes?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2f6u0q/eli5_how_hard_would_it_be_to_find_the_hacker_who/
{ "a_id": [ "ck6fjri" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "He would have to be a complete amateur to post them from his home IP address. He either used a proxy, or uploaded them from somewhere else. Someone who'd make a rookie mistake that bad almost certainly wouldn't have the skill to get the pictures ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
n4zuf
why are countries like great britain in the european union but they do not have the euro?
I guess I understand that they simply chose not to switch their currency, my question though is, what lead them and others to decide this? What sorts of costs or benefits does their choice give them? This question came about as a result of my reading [this NYT article.](_URL_0_) Thanks!
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/n4zuf/eli5_why_are_countries_like_great_britain_in_the/
{ "a_id": [ "c36a01m", "c36a0qv", "c36a01m", "c36a0qv" ], "score": [ 9, 13, 9, 13 ], "text": [ "only 17 of the 27 members of the EU use the Euro. ", "Switching your currency to the same currency as the other countries in the eurozone means that they are no longer in as ...
[]
[ "http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/08/world/europe/britain-suffers-as-a-bystander-to-europes-crisis.html?partner=rss&emc=rss" ]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
2v95gr
why can i focus on my work when i listen to music, but when i'm listening to the tv. it ruins my concentration?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2v95gr/eli5why_can_i_focus_on_my_work_when_i_listen_to/
{ "a_id": [ "cofjy0o" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Because it takes different parts of the brain. When listing to someone talk on TV you are trying to understand the context and keep up with what is being said in a way you don't do in music." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
fiyh26
do hospitals in the us just let homeless people die because they have no money or insurance to pay medical bills?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/fiyh26/eli5_do_hospitals_in_the_us_just_let_homeless/
{ "a_id": [ "fkjwq41", "fkjwtuy", "fkjwvip", "fkjx0wj" ], "score": [ 2, 5, 20, 9 ], "text": [ "No, homeless people are generally poor and thus covered by Medicaid which is basically government insurance that pays for medical care for poor people.", "In theory, almost ev...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
53l0tb
the difference between a historian and someone who just really likes history?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/53l0tb/eli5_the_difference_between_a_historian_and/
{ "a_id": [ "d7tzvwi", "d7u06h7", "d7u1423", "d7u3q67" ], "score": [ 5, 7, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Historians would almost always have an academic degree, higher than undergrad (ie masters or above) and usually with a concentration in some specific area and/or timeframe they are...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
44leje
why is the maximum volume on tvs so high?
Well, at least mine, anyway - the maximum volume goes up to an arbitrary value of '100', though I rarely ever go past 15. Even with a larger group of people, where background noise is usually pretty loud, I don't need to go past a quarter of the maximum threshold.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/44leje/eli5_why_is_the_maximum_volume_on_tvs_so_high/
{ "a_id": [ "czr0fq2", "czr1lnp" ], "score": [ 2, 3 ], "text": [ "could be that some channels are low volume so its nice to have that high number; \nalso you could connect your tv to another device so you make your tv to loudest and then control the volume with the other device.", "T...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
cn2rgp
how do meat tenderizers work?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cn2rgp/eli5_how_do_meat_tenderizers_work/
{ "a_id": [ "ew6e3yl" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "When we look at a cut of beef, we're seeing a collection of muscle fiber. What we're *not* seeing, but what makes the meat difficult to cut through and chew, is the elastic-like web of *collagen,* a structural protein that binds muscle fibers tog...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2x6f6u
why are murderers and serial-killers so notoriously famous in america?
People like Bundy, Gacy, Dahmer, why do they seem so common in comparison to other countries and why are they glorified?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2x6f6u/eli5_why_are_murderers_and_serialkillers_so/
{ "a_id": [ "coxb0oe", "coxb14t" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "They aren't glorified, people just remember what they did because it was that messed up. It's part of our history to be messed up in the head!", "Same reason people like horror movies, tragic stories, and Liveleak. Its e...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
3gcdjb
why does it seem that people always have more sad thoughts/are in their feelings in the nighttime compared to the day?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3gcdjb/eli5_why_does_it_seem_that_people_always_have/
{ "a_id": [ "ctwt5ip", "ctwuo47", "ctwus6k", "ctwvd8j", "ctwvnbh", "ctx2khe" ], "score": [ 4, 31, 10, 3, 33, 2 ], "text": [ "At night, the sun has gone down and aside from artificial lighting, it's pretty dark out. Moods of people can be affected by their su...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
zi7hy
how insurance companies can claim an incident is an "act of god."
Just curious as to how an insurance company can say an event is an "act of God." Especially in the United States where the pot is mixed with different religious backgrounds.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/zi7hy/eli5_how_insurance_companies_can_claim_an/
{ "a_id": [ "c64seip", "c64uema", "c650rjw" ], "score": [ 64, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "It's a legal term, and essentially refers to unforeseeable events for which nobody can be held responsible. It could just as well be called flibbolugy, the fact that it refers to God is legally irrelev...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
j3qzz
can anyone explain texas hold 'em li5?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/j3qzz/can_anyone_explain_texas_hold_em_li5/
{ "a_id": [ "c28vz4o", "c28wa29" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Texas Hold 'em is a type of poker where the dealer gives each player two cards. After this, the dealer lays down three cards (called the flop), then one card (the turn), then one more card (the river).\n\nThese five cards c...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
zgmqk
why are there so many posts in r/science about breakthroughs, but i haven't seen anything about them anywhere else?
Maybe I worded that weird, I mean like I see all these posts in /r/science like "Male birth control available soon" or "Cure for cancer sitting on the shelf in Sweden," but none of them have come to light yet? I haven't heard of any of these things happening outside of the scientists' testing of them. If they're so ama...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/zgmqk/eli5_why_are_there_so_many_posts_in_rscience/
{ "a_id": [ "c64f0ib", "c64gg3s" ], "score": [ 16, 3 ], "text": [ "It's mostly because of poor science journalism trying to sensationalize anything.\n\nFor instance, if a paper is published with an abstract that essentially says \"We've done a study and found that people with Gene X have a...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
b5u5gb
is there any science/research behind why certain people find trolling fun? if so, what's the overwhelming consensus?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/b5u5gb/eli5_is_there_any_scienceresearch_behind_why/
{ "a_id": [ "ejg6dlb" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "It would be an act that would appeal to psychopaths, Borderline Personality, Oppositional Defiance Disorder. Psychopaths have very muted emotions and pleasure and don’t empathize well, so the excitement of the drama, sense of superiority it gives...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1v5m0v
are there dead whales/giant mantas/other big marine animals just sitting at the bottom of the oceans?
I feel like with all of the life down there, I'd have seen a photo or two of a big whale or something dead at the bottom of the ocean. I tried to imagine it but I couldn't, mostly because I have nothing to base it off of. Obviously smaller fish and other marine animals that have died would be hard to notice, but shoul...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1v5m0v/eli5_are_there_dead_whalesgiant_mantasother_big/
{ "a_id": [ "ceoxbys", "ceoxpok", "cep076p" ], "score": [ 18, 11, 2 ], "text": [ "They do sink to the bottom but they don't last very long. They get decomposed. Just like if an animal dies in the forrest, it gets broken down by insects, fungus, bacteria, worms. The same thing ha...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HG17TsgV_qI" ], [ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdI3eFrTGs8", "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQbGk4sHROg" ], [] ]
b7z347
why is long eye contact with others seen as abnormal?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/b7z347/eli5_why_is_long_eye_contact_with_others_seen_as/
{ "a_id": [ "ejv20xe" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "In most mammals/birds a long look is seen as predatory, which is the same reason that its creepy when people dont blink.\n\nSource: Falconer, Me" ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2fxt5v
the government of the united arab emirates.
What is an Emirate? How and why did they become United? The Arab part I get.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2fxt5v/eli5_the_government_of_the_united_arab_emirates/
{ "a_id": [ "ckdqinc" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "An emirate is similar to a kingdom. So think United Arab Kingdoms. When the British relinquished control of their territories in the area, new countries formed from former emirates. UAE started out as two emirates, Abu Dhabi and Dubai and later ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
ftwupf
why does soda fizz a lot when you pour it into a glass, but sparkling water doesn’t? they’re both carbonated, is it just different because of the sugar?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ftwupf/eli5_why_does_soda_fizz_a_lot_when_you_pour_it/
{ "a_id": [ "fm9oz4k", "fm9p3us", "fma7o7s", "fma907r", "fmadj4k", "fmadx9b", "fmaf85y", "fmagfcg", "fmaotpz", "fmb8xfy" ], "score": [ 3134, 11, 75, 31, 3, 10, 3, 6, 3, 4 ], "text": [ "Soda is filled with sucrose which disrupt...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://youtu.be/Fot3m7kyLn4", "https://youtu.be/XczcDe7_sLE", "https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4175435/", "https://socratic.org/questions/how-do-hydrogen-bonds-affect-solubility", "https://youtu.be/NMSxuORKynI", "https://chem.libretexts.org/Courses/Winona_State_University/Kl...
9d066a
what is the difference between a complex and non complex carbohydrate?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9d066a/eli5_what_is_the_difference_between_a_complex_and/
{ "a_id": [ "e5eg5jl", "e5eg9v8" ], "score": [ 11, 2 ], "text": [ "Carbohydrates are composed of a whole lot of sugar molecules stuck together. Complex carbohydrates are made of way more sugar molecules than simple carbohydrates. \n\nCompare [sucrose](_URL_1_), table sugar, which is a simp...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://d2vlcm61l7u1fs.cloudfront.net/media%2F591%2F5918dad3-68c1-4938-bdce-815da7607533%2FphpdORU0S.png", "http://www.nutrientsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Sucrose.jpg" ], [] ]
3bizoh
is the federal reserve bank owned by the u.s. government?
I read somewhere that it was created by Congress but wasn't actually a part of the government as a whole. What's going on?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3bizoh/eli5_is_the_federal_reserve_bank_owned_by_the_us/
{ "a_id": [ "csmkzz2", "csmmgwl" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "It's not really owned by anyone, just like Congress isn't really owned by anyone. The President appoints its top leaders, and Congress can tell it to do or not do certain things, so it's certainly controlled by the governmen...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2rnljf
what things do i need to know about personal finance by the time i'm 25?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2rnljf/eli5what_things_do_i_need_to_know_about_personal/
{ "a_id": [ "cnhiuhi", "cnhj4n1", "cnhj6gc", "cnhk0pg", "cnhliy2", "cnhlpah", "cnhmsy7", "cnhnvao", "cnhpatt", "cnhqsv9", "cnhqw8o", "cnhsm8h", "cnhtduf", "cni00hn", "cni21av", "cni29rq", "cni6la0" ], "score": [ 3, 115, 8, 6, ...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://www.businessinsider.com/compound-interest-retirement-savings-2014-12" ], [], [], [], [ "http://www.creditkarma.com/" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2014/06/29/5-ways-rich-people-use-credit.aspx" ], [], [], [ ...
16gt7r
t-test and anova
I searched and found an explanation but it didn't really help. Could someone explain these 2 terms in true 5-year-old terms? An example or two will be appreciated as well.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/16gt7r/eli5_ttest_and_anova/
{ "a_id": [ "c7vz0zw" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "To put it like you're five the best I can: when scientists observe something, like say the height of a five-year-old, they don't expect everyone to be the same size. Of course most of the kids are *about* the same height, but there are always kid...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
497c6z
how does simultaneous incoming calls work
A house phone can only receive a call in or send a call out. If line is busy then other people can not use it. When you call different businesses, whether a vanity number or not they are able to receive in multiple calls at one time and line don't normally go busy. Having thousands of people call in simultaneously how...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/497c6z/eli5_how_does_simultaneous_incoming_calls_work/
{ "a_id": [ "d0pkix0", "d0plnt7", "d0pmiol" ], "score": [ 17, 2, 15 ], "text": [ "The only reason house phones only receive a single call in at a time is because you're only paying for that service. Most phone companies can and will upgrade your home's number of lines if you want t...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
3g65ei
how come 3g/4g can transmit so far from one station, but im lucky if wifi will even transmit outside my lawn
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3g65ei/eli5_how_come_3g4g_can_transmit_so_far_from_one/
{ "a_id": [ "ctv7lw9", "ctv7sl2", "ctv7xht" ], "score": [ 6, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "Cellular signals are carried by structures commonly referred to as 'towers.' You could put one on your roof, but the neighbourhood association would probably object.", "The transmitters and receiv...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
c5rgir
why do tracts in the central nervous system mostly have a projection on the opposite hemisphere?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/c5rgir/eli5_why_do_tracts_in_the_central_nervous_system/
{ "a_id": [ "es3t0y1" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "There's a few ideas out there about why the decussation happens, most seem to suggest that it facilitates organization. I had the exact same question for my neuro professors, no one really knows for sure if it provides any sort of evolutionary ad...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2s87c6
how did ancient society forge gold coins? and how did they make sure that they were made of real gold?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2s87c6/eli5_how_did_ancient_society_forge_gold_coins_and/
{ "a_id": [ "cnn2ld7", "cnn2rb1", "cnn2x29" ], "score": [ 5, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "I want to say that they were struck rather than forged. As far as making sure they were gold, that's why you see people biting coins in movies based way in the past(gold is much softer than other metals...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://physics.weber.edu/carroll/archimedes/crowntst.htm" ] ]
2y1lja
how does oil move from arabian oil fields to us markets?
Is there an American go between? Or is it purchased by the government?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2y1lja/eli5_how_does_oil_move_from_arabian_oil_fields_to/
{ "a_id": [ "cp5epn1", "cp5t278" ], "score": [ 7, 3 ], "text": [ "I work in oil and gas in the US so i can give a tl;dr shot at explaining it. In the US we mainly operate off two different markets for crude oil, BRENT and WTI (West Texas Intermediate). Countries can be viewed as as busines...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
4uv7f9
how does the wayback machine (_url_0_) decide when to snapshot a webpage?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4uv7f9/eli5_how_does_the_wayback_machine_archiveorg/
{ "a_id": [ "d5t32ye" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "The Wayback Machine does not operate like a search engine, so it does not continuously crawl the web for updates. They work off a variety of data (including user-submitted and 3rd-party information) because of that archiving is almost random and ...
[ "Archive.org" ]
[]
[ [ "http://www.forbes.com/sites/kalevleetaru/2016/01/18/the-internet-archive-turns-20-a-behind-the-scenes-look-at-archiving-the-web/#71a18f978002" ] ]
21xb1e
marketamerica's "legal" pyramid scheme
I have a friend who's entering a new business called MarketAmerica. After doing some research, I found a lot of mentioning of "legal pyramid schemes". So I was hoping someone could explain how one makes a pyramid scheme legal, and how MarketAmerica works in relation. I want to help my friend make a good decision.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/21xb1e/eli5_marketamericas_legal_pyramid_scheme/
{ "a_id": [ "cghbvsh", "cghbwo4", "cghlhuv" ], "score": [ 3, 6, 3 ], "text": [ "They actually sell a product. \n\nPyramid schemes become legal if they have some sort of product they are \"technically\" selling. However, their core element is a pure pyramid scheme.\n\nI would advi...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
49jna7
why can a average computer display beautiful hd video, but struggle with gaming graphics?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/49jna7/eli5_why_can_a_average_computer_display_beautiful/
{ "a_id": [ "d0s9se0", "d0s9ylc", "d0sa1or" ], "score": [ 37, 7, 2 ], "text": [ "When you're gaming, the computer has to generate the graphics on the spot 60 frames per second, instead of just reading a file.\n\nIt's the difference between looking at a picture of a cake and baking ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
1tmkvq
why do people like guy fawkes?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1tmkvq/eli5_why_do_people_like_guy_fawkes/
{ "a_id": [ "ce9fepr", "ce9fi2k" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ "Because the movie V for Vendetta made it cool to like him. Most Americans have no clue what he really stands for.", "Mostly because of 'V for Vendetta'. This is a graphic novel and later a film. In these, the main charac...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
9y8k28
why does the battery life of brand new phones crater after a few months?
This has happened with every smart phone I've e ever owned. For the first few months the battery life will be as advertised. After a few months the phone can't even make it through half a day. My type of usage remains the same. For instance, I recently got a galaxy S9. Used to last two days between changes. Now las...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9y8k28/eli5_why_does_the_battery_life_of_brand_new/
{ "a_id": [ "e9zha10", "e9zin56", "e9zkg31", "e9zujjh" ], "score": [ 4, 3, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Batteries get worse and hold less charge the more you use them. So over time it can't store as much charge.\n\nYou could also have a lot of background stuff happening information a...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
8tu2zy
without entering political debate, what are the good and bad things about privatising a big public company (e.g: energy, airports) ?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8tu2zy/eli5_without_entering_political_debate_what_are/
{ "a_id": [ "e1a89zv" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "Privatizing as a concept leans on the hypothesis that, in the pursuit of profit, private business will be able to do the same job for less cost than a public entity that isn't trying to turn a profit. The motivation for profit drives innovation....
[]
[]
[ [] ]
eaxc8v
how can we sometimes tell exactly what time is it, the moment we wake up, without looking the at the clock?
Today, when i woke up the fisrt thought i had was: i better get up, 11 is late even for a Sunday. Then i looked at my phone and sure enough, the time was 10:55. And it wasn't the first time i did that guess. Is it pure luck or something more?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/eaxc8v/eli5_how_can_we_sometimes_tell_exactly_what_time/
{ "a_id": [ "faz83fe" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "It's a mix of pure luck and educated guesses. One factor is you can more or less know what time of the day is depending on your normal sleep schedule and how bright is outside. This second one is only true when you've been somewhere long enough t...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1bkpul
what do scientists' who are looking for cures to diseases normal work day look like?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1bkpul/eli5_what_do_scientists_who_are_looking_for_cures/
{ "a_id": [ "c97jl9e", "c97k9nv", "c97mayj", "c97nd2w", "c97r0b6", "c97urih" ], "score": [ 118, 42, 10, 4, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "If you've ever taken a biology or chemistry class in High School you already know pretty much what's involved. Just instead of your...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
13pb8r
why can people live on an all or almost all junk food diet without getting really sick?
Some people don't even gain weight while living this way. Mostly or even all nutritionless and high sugar/fat/sodium etc. diet, and usually not much exercise. How come you don't see a whole bunch of college students keeling over from heart attacks after living a year on ramen noodles and cheetos?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/13pb8r/eli5_why_can_people_live_on_an_all_or_almost_all/
{ "a_id": [ "c75xkvt", "c75y9k4", "c75yrc3", "c75zrn5", "c760bsk", "c761pyz", "c761qq0", "c761uej" ], "score": [ 15, 10, 19, 9, 8, 3, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "I think they are getting enough nutrition to live, but not feel great probably, and that ...
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[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
6kd010
why in english can one say "i used to think so" why can the word used be applied in this way?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6kd010/eli5_why_in_english_can_one_say_i_used_to_think/
{ "a_id": [ "djl4gdz" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Another definition of the verb 'used' is \"describing an action or state of affairs that was done repeatedly or existed for a period in the past\"\n\nFor example \"that house used to be an empty lot\"\n\nIt's only used in the past tense in this w...
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[]
[ [] ]
6b165e
is there an explanation for when you're watching a movie you've already seen 20 times and then all of the sudden you come across a scene you have no recollection of at all?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6b165e/eli5_is_there_an_explanation_for_when_youre/
{ "a_id": [ "dhiywp5", "dhiz2qo" ], "score": [ 2, 3 ], "text": [ "Yeah, it's because your kids watched it so many times, and after a while you find that its been on your television 24/7 for the past month, but you've been blocking it out so you don't have a complete mental breakdown. Then ...
[]
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[ [], [] ]
1s9fir
why do we cringe? and why, even though its an uncomfortable feeling, do we keep watching whatever is making us cringe?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1s9fir/why_do_we_cringe_and_why_even_though_its_an/
{ "a_id": [ "cdv91tj" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "It's the 'flight' part of our instinctual [fight-or-flight](_URL_0_) reaction to dangerous or unpleasant things. Cats and other primal animals are much more subject to their instincts, and will flee the scene immediately upon encountering somethi...
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[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fight-or-flight_response" ] ]
1swk4r
cases in language.. accusative, nominative, dative, genitive, etc.
I've been trying to learn German recently and can't get my head around these concepts..
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1swk4r/eli5_cases_in_language_accusative_nominative/
{ "a_id": [ "ce1xf72", "ce1xvbm", "ce1y7gq" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Cases are sort of like tenses for nouns. They indicate the role the noun is playing in a sentence. The explanations I'm about to give are from Latin, so there may be slight differences.\n\nNominative in...
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[ [], [], [ "http://d24w6bsrhbeh9d.cloudfront.net/photo/3623111_700b.jpg" ] ]
59q9vw
health insurance deductibles
My company has open season for insurance and I am trying to figure out health insurance deductibles and how they work.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/59q9vw/eli5_health_insurance_deductibles/
{ "a_id": [ "d9ahd6r" ], "score": [ 11 ], "text": [ "The way it usually works is this:\n\nPremium - Monthly fee, always the same. Your work might pay all or some of this for you.\n\nDeductible - Total amount you have to spend on health-related costs before insurance starts to pay. This is often so...
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[ [] ]
3d7k3k
what would happen to north korea (and subsequently the world) if kim jong un suddenly vanished?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3d7k3k/eli5_what_would_happen_to_north_korea_and/
{ "a_id": [ "ct2r002" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "It would be kept silent for weeks at first while they tried to locate him. North Korean news might fabricate some stories about what he's up to here and there, but mostly they won't talk about him.\n\nSomething similar happened last year when he ...
[]
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[ [] ]
91hocy
what happens when social security runs out?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/91hocy/eli5_what_happens_when_social_security_runs_out/
{ "a_id": [ "e2y1rj4", "e2y2vkg", "e2y4ddc", "e2y7acu" ], "score": [ 11, 5, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "It’s not going to run out. Tax structure will be changed to match contributions to cost. Even if they let it go insolvent before it’s fixed the government still has an obligation ...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [ "http://www.pensionrights.org/publications/statistic/how-many-american-workers-participate-workplace-retirement-plans", "PensionRights.org" ] ]
a9q4rq
how do the stars remain in the same spot every night if the planet is both orbiting the sun and rotating at the same time?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/a9q4rq/eli5_how_do_the_stars_remain_in_the_same_spot/
{ "a_id": [ "eclfcxc", "eclfnxm", "eclfoo1", "eclfxxr" ], "score": [ 14, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "They don't. They just move very, very slowly because they're very far away.\n\nImagine driving on a road and looking at a mountain at the horizon. The mountain doesn't look like i...
[]
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[ [], [], [], [] ]
5lrb7b
why can a honey badger get bit by a poisonous snake, and be okay?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5lrb7b/eli5_why_can_a_honey_badger_get_bit_by_a/
{ "a_id": [ "dbxunf5" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "The Honey badger isnt immune to the venom but just has thick skin and fur, and usually the venom doesn't penetrate their skin\n\n\nAKA Honey badger dont give a shit" ] }
[]
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[ [] ]
a57le1
why can men transitioning to women receive hormone pills to develop breasts but women with small breasts cant?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/a57le1/eli5_why_can_men_transitioning_to_women_receive/
{ "a_id": [ "ebkdpfu", "ebkg265", "ebkg4v9", "ebkn2r4", "ebkoyg1", "ebkp0d8" ], "score": [ 120, 30, 35, 9, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "Because females already have the levels of hormones desired by trans females. Breast growth does have some limitation by genetics, ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [ "http://docs.autismresearchcentre.com/papers/2013_Auyeung_Prenatal%20and%20postnatal%20hormone%20effects_EuJPhysio.pdf", "https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7477289", "https://www.reddit.com/r/lgbt/comments/8wh5qs/my_master_list_of_trans_health_citations_in/", "http://aebr...
34foxu
since every copy of windows mediaplayer has a "rip cd" button, why hasn't the mpaa gone after microsoft?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/34foxu/eli5_since_every_copy_of_windows_mediaplayer_has/
{ "a_id": [ "cqu8hge", "cqu9qtn" ], "score": [ 5, 9 ], "text": [ "Court cases have ruled that you have the legal right to make copies of your CDs, even to the extent of changing the format (e.g. ripping a CD to and MP3).\n\nHowever there are two reasons why the MPAA hasn't gone after Micro...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
u04ep
why did zuckerberg go public with facebook's stock and why are the shares tanking?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/u04ep/eli5_why_did_zuckerberg_go_public_with_facebooks/
{ "a_id": [ "c4r70ct", "c4r76lc", "c4r77dc", "c4r7aau", "c4r7lzz", "c4r7nre", "c4r7snz", "c4r7try", "c4r7wua", "c4r8j5x", "c4r8uya", "c4r9vxc", "c4ra0np", "c4rbbfc", "c4rbmae", "c4rc0dw" ], "score": [ 235, 60, 10, 25, 258, 2, ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
1sqbj2
how does a disease effect a country's economy?
According to a guest scientist on NPR, Alzheimer will cost the US billions of dollar in the next few years. I can sort of understand how factors such as labor and drugs are part of it, but BILLIONS?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1sqbj2/eli5_how_does_a_disease_effect_a_countrys_economy/
{ "a_id": [ "ce04h53" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "A heard a good example using AIDS in Africa. If 5 million people in a country are suffering from AIDS, they're going to need another 5 million people to care for them. That's 10 million people who are out of the workforce, which is going to hur...
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[ [] ]
3gxyfn
why do one of my plugs sometimes have a bigger side?
I live in America, and sometimes the plugs have a larger side so that they will only fit in one way. What is the reason for this?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3gxyfn/eli5_why_do_one_of_my_plugs_sometimes_have_a/
{ "a_id": [ "cu2hnzk", "cu2i0bu", "cu2i28x" ], "score": [ 25, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "So you don't have to stretch up two sizes, just maybe one. The flare is to hold it in place and you should be able to maneuver it even if at a smaller size. Also, aesthetics. Generally, they are usuall...
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[]
[ [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AC_power_plugs_and_sockets#Polarization", "http://electronics.stackexchange.com/questions/15228/why-are-some-ac-outlets-and-plugs-polarized" ] ]
2ubzsp
why in animated series or movies objects that are interacted with by the characters are drawn differently?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ubzsp/eli5_why_in_animated_series_or_movies_objects/
{ "a_id": [ "co7010o", "co70933", "co70e50" ], "score": [ 9, 3, 6 ], "text": [ "A static background can be drawn once and the characters overlayed on top. Moving objects need to be drawn over and over again, so they are on different layers.", "This is something you mostly see i...
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[ [], [], [] ]
1itty0
the counter argument to: "if you've done nothing wrong, you have nothing to hide."
I have a general sense that this is wrong or at least over simplified. I know a few people that hold to this argument, but I don't know practically, simply and point-by-point how to refute it.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1itty0/eli5_the_counter_argument_to_if_youve_done/
{ "a_id": [ "cb7yryz", "cb7yrz0", "cb7ys5f", "cb7yum1", "cb7yv7d", "cb7ywgq", "cb7zdev", "cb7zlcm", "cb7zn41", "cb808by", "cb80chk", "cb80cye", "cb80moz", "cb80qmn", "cb813ut", "cb814ju", "cb827cw", "cb82ip9", "cb836ja", "cb84d4u", "c...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304319804576389601079728920.html" ], [ "http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704471504574438900830760842.html" ], [], [], [], [], [ "http://rabble.ca/blogs/bloggers/kryst...
4vklqq
do antibiotics and antibacterial chemicals (like in soap) kill our own cells, if not, why not?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4vklqq/eli5_do_antibiotics_and_antibacterial_chemicals/
{ "a_id": [ "d5z5kin" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "I don't know about cells, but yes, they do kill beneficial bacteria on our skin that protect us from invasion by other more malicious bacterias. It's why the natural community has nothing wrong with soap, but they hate hand sanitizer" ] }
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[ [] ]
7f5v5e
why do people wake up very early in the morning on every weekday to go to work, school etc. but sleep through to very late times on weekends and holidays, regardless of what time they begin sleeping?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7f5v5e/eli5_why_do_people_wake_up_very_early_in_the/
{ "a_id": [ "dq9owzq" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "They are required to get up for work and school and so do not actually sleep as much as they want/need to sleep. But they do sleep to the natural point of waking when they have nothing forcing them to get up. " ] }
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[ [] ]
6rqga1
what differentiates life from everything else if both are just atoms?
What makes us different than just normal matter? How is it that the way the atoms in our bodies are arranged allow us to move and do stuff even though we are made of lifeless atoms?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6rqga1/eli5_what_differentiates_life_from_everything/
{ "a_id": [ "dl70e8m", "dl70q2x", "dl79ij5", "dl7l88s" ], "score": [ 22, 12, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "The most truthful answer, and probably the most frustrating, is that life is simply active energy in the universe given self-awareness. The only reason we're different from a roc...
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[ [], [], [], [] ]
2e8kyy
the concept of women "syncing up" their periods.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2e8kyy/eli5_the_concept_of_women_syncing_up_their_periods/
{ "a_id": [ "cjx37x7", "cjx3lbi", "cjx4d12", "cjx77e1" ], "score": [ 75, 6, 5, 3 ], "text": [ "They don't, it's a myth.\n\nConsidering cycles range from 25-30 days and can last from 3-9 days (sometimes more) in duration, they don't actually sync up, they just gradually over...
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[ [], [], [], [] ]
8hopvv
what kind of service or "package" does a tier 3/last mile isp get from a tier 1/infrastructure isp
Does the Tier 3 have a data cap? Or do they get a & #37; of the Tier 1's bandwidth or utilization?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8hopvv/eli5_what_kind_of_service_or_package_does_a_tier/
{ "a_id": [ "dylr5xn" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Tier 3 providers buy per gigabyte from Tier 1 ISPs and use the Tier 1 ISPs infrastructure. Tier 1's are forced by law to allow a minimum amount of Tier 3's so there aren't as many monopolies (we saw how that turned out). They generally turn it ar...
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2h32bl
what are the positive aspects of the american national debt, if any, and what would be the benefits of paying off the debt?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2h32bl/eli5_what_are_the_positive_aspects_of_the/
{ "a_id": [ "ckoxjqk", "ckp3bdd", "ckp4vku", "ckp8my7", "ckpbgdh", "ckpksra" ], "score": [ 69, 7, 3, 2, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Not an American, but the big advantage of a national debt in very basic terms is that you have a lot of money. You can use that money t...
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[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
9b1az4
why does our body want to jump when it feels a lot of pain at once?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9b1az4/eli5_why_does_our_body_want_to_jump_when_it_feels/
{ "a_id": [ "e4zkygj" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Adds extra stimulation to dull the senses, like rubbing your arm after getting punched and such. Why did you have an extremely hot bowl of milk? " ] }
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[ [] ]
2f5p80
why does it feel even more euphoric to stretch when you have a cold or the flu?
Just something I'm pondering. I currently have a really bad head cold and stretching seems to be 10 times more enjoyable.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2f5p80/eli5why_does_it_feel_even_more_euphoric_to/
{ "a_id": [ "ck6acv5" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Well I tell you what-not because of the blessing of some phony god! \nBut actually, you are likely down a lot when you are sick, moving less, and your muscles aren't used, they need to be stretched and used, and so your body rewards this. Think ...
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3v6bq5
why do we raise our pitch at the end of questions but not normal sentences?
At the end of questions why do we raise the pitch of our voice? From what I know we don't do it at the end of any other sentences, so why just questions?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3v6bq5/eli5_why_do_we_raise_our_pitch_at_the_end_of/
{ "a_id": [ "cxko72l" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "The purpose is specifically to indicate that the sentence is a question. And not just any question, but a yes/no question.\n\nFor example:\n\n\"This is fun\"\n\nWhen said with a *falling intonation*, i.e. lower pitch at the end, this is a declar...
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353rwh
why is it that when a crime is committed against animals it gets more attention on social media compared to when a crime is committed by a human?
For example, at the moment there is a post that has went viral locally about someone kicking their dog. Everyone is going nuts saying that the person responsible is scum. The thing is, you very rarely see posts on Facebook about similar crimes against humans. Its not common to see 'this poor man was assaulted in the ...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/353rwh/eli5why_is_it_that_when_a_crime_is_committed/
{ "a_id": [ "cr0phz4", "cr0rkxc", "cr0s78t" ], "score": [ 7, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "We treat crimes against those who could not defend themselves as harsher than those against people who could. We get angrier at someone who beats up a child or a dog than an adult. ", "Because the k...
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[ [], [], [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKKXQP6vehM" ] ]