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
59xx0i
how can somebody be allergic to water?
I have heard about people suffering from a water allergy & having to take special pills to be able to tolerate it. How can this even be possible considering the human body is mainly water?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/59xx0i/eli5_how_can_somebody_be_allergic_to_water/
{ "a_id": [ "d9c7bd9", "d9c7ex0", "d9ca638" ], "score": [ 3, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Very little is known about it but it's characterized by hives breaking out on the skin when it comes in contact with water. So it's not really an allergy in that your immune cells are overreacting to wa...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://nymag.com/scienceofus/2015/10/what-its-like-to-be-allergic-to-water.html" ] ]
38jxe1
how do services like apple pay and android pay benefit apple and google?
ELI5:How do services like apple pay and android pay benefit apple and google?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/38jxe1/eli5how_do_services_like_apple_pay_and_android/
{ "a_id": [ "crvlh5j" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Banks charge merchants a transaction fee for using credit cards. Apple has negotiated to get a small sliver of this fee for transactions done using Apple Pay (which is beneficial to the bank because it encourages more use of the cards and also is...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
8r8i0l
how does saturn maintain such uniform patterns on its disks?
I never could comprehend how the rings stay so uniform. The disk formation I get, Gravity and orbit will do that, but having the rings form completely uniform from each side like that just feels impossible.. Saturn has all the time in the world and with enough time anything is possible but there must either be a few ph...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8r8i0l/eli5_how_does_saturn_maintain_such_uniform/
{ "a_id": [ "e0pbfb6", "e0pd8qa" ], "score": [ 4, 3 ], "text": [ "Saturn's rings are inside the Roche limit. That's the minimum distance a moon can orbit a body without being torn apart by tidal forces. Once a.moon gets closer than that it will break up and form a ring system. Initially...
[]
[ "https://www.fossweb.com/delegate/ssi-foss-ucm/Contribution%20Folders/FOSS/multimedia/Planetary_Science/binders/images/fullsize/19saturnpia06193.jpg", "https://d1o50x50snmhul.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/11170731/haumea.jpg" ]
[ [], [] ]
1cxwnu
why does pubic hair end at a relatively convenient length, while head hair seems to have no limit?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1cxwnu/eli5_why_does_pubic_hair_end_at_a_relatively/
{ "a_id": [ "c9l0iey", "c9l2e1y", "c9l2vat", "c9l40jn", "c9l5m2k", "c9l5yuv", "c9lgwrl" ], "score": [ 7, 40, 36, 10, 28, 12, 2 ], "text": [ "both grow and fall out continuously. The average at any given time for head hair is just longer than body hai...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
2q6d5g
why do stray cats bolt away like lightning when they see a human approaching from 10 feet away, yet show no fear when a 2 ton car barrels toward them?
Doesn't the noise and relative size scare them at all? Or are their sensory organs not equipped to recognize danger from a modern creation?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2q6d5g/eli5_why_do_stray_cats_bolt_away_like_lightning/
{ "a_id": [ "cn39gah" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Cats primarily rely on their sense of smell. But there's more to your question. How long does a cat have to perceive a human walking towards them at 2 miles an hour? How long a car traveling at 35?" ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
a6n8pi
why when you're deep in thought or thinking about a memory, you seem to completely zone out of your current surroundings and feel as if you're almost reliving the memory or thought?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/a6n8pi/eli5_why_when_youre_deep_in_thought_or_thinking/
{ "a_id": [ "ebwnep3", "ebwoqlz" ], "score": [ 21, 3 ], "text": [ "This is an excellent question. In fact, this question may actually be about what makes humans unique.\n\nFirst, let's consider something all organisms share: the need to understand their environment. While we may not look a...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
9v8hz9
where do the blood vessels go after a chicken is cooked?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9v8hz9/eli5_where_do_the_blood_vessels_go_after_a/
{ "a_id": [ "e9a6ngy", "e9a7r1r" ], "score": [ 11, 17 ], "text": [ "They're much easier to find in the thigh and drumstick. The vessels are still there, but a chicken simply doesn't USE it's breast muscles much so it doesn't have a huge blood supply, the cuts of meat we eat exclude as much...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
730h8u
why are people banned from living "off the grid"?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/730h8u/eli5_why_are_people_banned_from_living_off_the/
{ "a_id": [ "dnmlkai", "dnmlnb3", "dnmloo1", "dnmlqom", "dnmruon", "dnmt3m7" ], "score": [ 8, 5, 2, 41, 6, 17 ], "text": [ "You're not banned from it. You just can't live on property you aren't authorized to be on, whether private property or gov owned pro...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
bbb7xa
why are there no smartphones with e-ink displays?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bbb7xa/eli5_why_are_there_no_smartphones_with_eink/
{ "a_id": [ "ekhk8nw", "ekhkgdi", "ekhlrx7", "ekhpwem" ], "score": [ 5, 2, 7, 7 ], "text": [ "Phone companies have tried prototypes but nothing really gained traction. OLEDs today can do practically the same and still give you the color when you want it.", "If you have ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
fxyyof
why does your scalp produce more dandruff as more flakes come off?
How do you not run out of itchy scalp flakes to have fall off
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/fxyyof/eli5_why_does_your_scalp_produce_more_dandruff_as/
{ "a_id": [ "fmxf2zw", "fmxolzt" ], "score": [ 12, 5 ], "text": [ "dandruff is just dead skin. scalp is word we use to call skin on top of your head. your body regularly sheds skin all over. the thing with scalp skin is that it's easily trapped by hair instead of falling off your body ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
30x901
what is wahhabi/salafist islam? what is the shiite equivalent?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/30x901/eli5_what_is_wahhabisalafist_islam_what_is_the/
{ "a_id": [ "cpwnhly" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "They are schools of thought in Sunni Islam founded by Mohammed bin Abd al Wahhab. Both are about returning to the practices of early 7th century Islam (as the name Salaf refers to \"ancestors\") and discarding tradition/innovation/philosophy that...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
8dlsi6
why do certain types of noise enhance our abilities to focus and study whereas others don't?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8dlsi6/eli5_why_do_certain_types_of_noise_enhance_our/
{ "a_id": [ "dxo5ne0" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "A constant (background) noise gives your brain time to shut it out, while when it is quiet, any sudden sounds alert your brain something's up" ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2vlz4a
if i give someone $1 million, why do i have to pay a gift tax?
Assuming I have already paid taxes on the $1 million dollars, why does the act of giving it to someone subject me to even more taxes? What is the reasoning behind the gift tax?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2vlz4a/eli5_if_i_give_someone_1_million_why_do_i_have_to/
{ "a_id": [ "coiuexs", "coiumid", "coiuxxu" ], "score": [ 2, 4, 4 ], "text": [ "~~You don't pay a gift tax. The recipient pays the tax on the gift.~~\n\nTIL.", "In what jurisdiction? There're a lot of them.\n\nOne justification for it would be that it's an exorbitant amount of ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
41sfb8
there seem to be significantly fewer contradictions in the quran than in the bible. is this simply because of a lack of research, or is it objectively less contradictory?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/41sfb8/eli5_there_seem_to_be_significantly_fewer/
{ "a_id": [ "cz4sdip", "cz4se0k", "cz4ti1s" ], "score": [ 7, 7, 4 ], "text": [ "unless I am mistaken the Koran was written by one man, while the Bible was written by many across several centuries.", "The Bible is a compilation of many different works written over the span of ce...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
35b1im
what causes certain people to constantly tap or have their hands busy?
I've always tapped to a certain beat (or to no beat in particular), or felt the need to have my hands occupied. And I know I'm not the only one.. is it determined by a certain characteristic of the mind?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/35b1im/eli5_what_causes_certain_people_to_constantly_tap/
{ "a_id": [ "cr2oy9z", "cr2pzep" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Not really sure but maybe it's to keep the brain occupied?", "I am sure that you're not the only person to ask this question and the drug company that delivered us respite from our merciless affliction of 'Restless Leg S...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
18o8ek
why is photography equipment so expensive?
What causes cameras and lenses to be so expensive? How are +$6,000 bodies and $2,000 lenses justified?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/18o8ek/why_is_photography_equipment_so_expensive/
{ "a_id": [ "c8govus" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "So much goes into making a lens. The kind of glass used, aperture blades, image stabilization, and autofocus mechanisms are a few of numerous things you have to think about. If you're a photographer at the superbowl, would you want a lens that ta...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1w20r5
the rice experiment
I know this seems like it shouldn't even belong in any respectable scientific discussion, but I still have to ask. Please do not just downvote and ignore this simply because the premise is so ridiculous. Basically, the rice experiment involves taking three glass jars, filling them all with rice and water, then leavin...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1w20r5/eli5_the_rice_experiment/
{ "a_id": [ "cexyqtn" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ " > but it appears that many people have attempted this experiment with very interesting results. Example: _URL_0_\n\nAnd a lot of people have tried it, gotten an unfavorable result and not posted a video about it. Selection bias at it's finest."...
[]
[ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sbzCaEsHfw" ]
[ [ "http://www.youtube.com" ] ]
f8h84o
how does a man without the bottom part of his body pee?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/f8h84o/eli5how_does_a_man_without_the_bottom_part_of_his/
{ "a_id": [ "filb26s" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "It depends?\nIf he still has his kidneys: he can either have a catheter in his bladder OR (if he looses his bladder) you can have a catheter in your kindeys as well.\n\nIf he also doesn't have his kidneys: he doesn't pee. It all works with dialys...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
5awips
why do religious leaders wear funny hats?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5awips/eli5_why_do_religious_leaders_wear_funny_hats/
{ "a_id": [ "d9jwj40" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "For the same reason that the [Peaked Cap](_URL_0_) is worn in many military forces: it can be a potent and easy to recognise symbol of authority.\n\n " ] }
[]
[]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peaked_cap" ] ]
3f83bt
what is the difference between williams syndrome and down's syndrome?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3f83bt/eli5_what_is_the_difference_between_williams/
{ "a_id": [ "ctm9jew" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Williams Syndrome (WS) and Down Syndrome (DS) are discrete disorders with many differences. WS is caused by deletion of genetic material, while DS is caused by an additional chromosome 21. DS is much more common. WS and DS both have distinct faci...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
6sdydm
why is it that your arm can lose blood, fall asleep for 20 minutes, and be fine when blood is restored, but cutting blood off to your brain for even a minute (e.g. having a stroke) can have irreversible damage?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6sdydm/eli5_why_is_it_that_your_arm_can_lose_blood_fall/
{ "a_id": [ "dlbyswq", "dlbz7iz" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "1) Falling asleep on your arm doesn't block all bloodflow. Even the brain can survive significant amounts of time in low-oxygen (aka: Hypoxia), though it should still be avoided.\n\n2) Muscles, especially when not in use, us...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
4tncx5
blue light filter glasses and why they're good for people who stare at screens for long times
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4tncx5/eli5_blue_light_filter_glasses_and_why_theyre/
{ "a_id": [ "d5inedu" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "Part of your brain is responsible for telling you when to sleep and when to not sleep. It uses a chemical you may have heard of, melatonin. When your eyes perceive blue light, nerves send a signal to this region of the brain and aid in destroying...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://justgetflux.com" ] ]
26xvle
why are most blockbuster movies/films first released outside of north america?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/26xvle/eli5_why_are_most_blockbuster_moviesfilms_first/
{ "a_id": [ "chvip0v", "chvivct" ], "score": [ 4, 33 ], "text": [ "i.e. _URL_0_ and countless others. In fact almost every movie I wanted to see this year was first released abroad. Why? I mean it's not like they need extra time for dubbing. ", "We've reached the point now where a bloc...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edge_of_Tomorrow_(film)" ], [ "http://www.cbsnews.com/news/why-more-and-more-blockbusters-are-premiering-abroad/" ] ]
26yerc
how many years of memories can the brain support?
Lets say you lived with a healthy brain for 1000 or 10000 years. Would you be able to remember anything from when you were 20?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/26yerc/eli5how_many_years_of_memories_can_the_brain/
{ "a_id": [ "chvnbay", "chvo3ek" ], "score": [ 4, 2 ], "text": [ "There's no way to know because we don't live that long, but probably not. As you get old, time starts moving a lot faster and your perspective can get warped. If a regular person spends 50 years married to a person, that's t...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
mw5r2
why will wearing somebody's glasses ruin my eyes?
I tried on my dad's gasses and he got mad at me, telling me that wearing them will ruin my eyes. Why, reddit?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/mw5r2/eli5_why_will_wearing_somebodys_glasses_ruin_my/
{ "a_id": [ "c34bfuo", "c34bnz2", "c34cgbv", "c34crxk", "c34e1bx", "c34klgl", "c34bfuo", "c34bnz2", "c34cgbv", "c34crxk", "c34e1bx", "c34klgl" ], "score": [ 3, 20, 10, 2, 12, 2, 3, 20, 10, 2, 12, 2 ], "text": [ ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
395rxd
how do the nations that are rescuing the migrants in the mediterranean deal with the migrants after they have saved them?
Do they send them back to there home country? Or do they process them as you would if the migrants came to the country a conventional way?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/395rxd/eli5_how_do_the_nations_that_are_rescuing_the/
{ "a_id": [ "cs0megv", "cs0nege" ], "score": [ 4, 2 ], "text": [ "They take them to Italy, and Italy processes them. Whether Italy is helped in any way with the costs and logistics....", "They get sent to processing centers where they could easily stay for months on end while the Itali...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1qw49v
why is it that drugs like marijuana & cocaine are banned in most countries, yet alcohol isn't?
Does alcohol not have as bad (if not worse) mind altering properties? Is it not as addictive as other drugs, and costs the health industry millions every year? Is it a money thing when it comes to governments, or because it's more socially acceptable?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1qw49v/eli5_why_is_it_that_drugs_like_marijuana_cocaine/
{ "a_id": [ "cdh3f8z", "cdh3fer", "cdh3gbl", "cdh4vl5", "cdh5501", "cdh56u3", "cdh862p", "cdh8l8i", "cdh8roq" ], "score": [ 7, 14, 2, 4, 4, 6, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Around the same time someone came up with the *fantastic* idea of pro...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.beerhistory.com/library/holdings/raley_timetable.shtml", "http://www2.potsdam.edu/hansondj/Controversies/1114796842.html#.Uool1xqsh8E", "http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17687926" ], [], [], [] ]
43dj2s
why don't more websites host their downloads via torrents?
I don't see a drawback to it. You wouldn't have to pay for a server to host your file. Higher download speeds for your clients. More availability with 200 seeders compared to hosting it on one single server that could be down for a day. Ubuntu hosts their image file via torrent. Why haven't other people followed...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/43dj2s/eli5_why_dont_more_websites_host_their_downloads/
{ "a_id": [ "czhfwf8", "czhfwsj", "czhfxfu", "czhhgmr" ], "score": [ 51, 2, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "Torrenting requires people to already have a properly configured client. For a lot of people that's an intimidating requirement, and the current Internet culture is (understandabl...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
767ns5
how are cell and landline calls almost instanteous when talking with someone (most the time)?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/767ns5/eli5_how_are_cell_and_landline_calls_almost/
{ "a_id": [ "dobwnhd" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Electricity flows through copper (and laser light through fiber optic cables) at over 100,000 km/sec. Your voice actually travels *faster* on a wire than it does through the air!" ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3g7w7d
how do we know voter fraud does not occur in the u.s.? is it possible that it occurs undetected? what evidence should voter fraud theoretically leave behind?
I've been wondering about this for a while and want to get a straight answer. One of the reasons people condemn voter ID laws in the U.S. is because they claim voter fraud is a non-existent problem. Apparently, we know that voter fraud does not happen, and I'm not sure how. To me, it seems like voter fraud is the kind...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3g7w7d/eli5_how_do_we_know_voter_fraud_does_not_occur_in/
{ "a_id": [ "ctvpafy", "ctvpqfi", "ctvqcr1", "ctvqxwf", "ctw7zhv", "ctw8b20" ], "score": [ 20, 3, 6, 2, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "I suppose that there is no way to \"know\" that people don't commit voter fraud undetected. However, several organizations and governm...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
4gntmu
why do ingrown hairs end up 2-4 times the length of other hairs?
I've heard that hairs will grow to a certain point and stop, yet there was one time I pulled out an ingrown hair that was more than twice the length as the rest of the hairs within that area. Did the moist environment/irritated skin cause that ingrown hair to miss the memo to stop growing?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4gntmu/eli5_why_do_ingrown_hairs_end_up_24_times_the/
{ "a_id": [ "d2j5mho" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Hair doesn't stop growing, it just falls out. It might look the same length in an area because the hairs fall out at about that length. Maybe an ingrown hair doesn't fall out because it has a better anchor?" ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
4is49v
how did the cavemen draw on the cave wall? and how did the paintings survive for so long?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4is49v/eli5_how_did_the_cavemen_draw_on_the_cave_wall/
{ "a_id": [ "d30my60", "d31oeqf" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "They used natural pigments made from plants and animal parts, and probably painted with their fingers.\n\nA dry cave is a very peaceful place, especially if it's been sealed off by a rock slide or something similar. Without ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1tk8td
why doesn't the brain adjust to a shaky video like it adjusts when our heads are tilted/rotated/shaken?
Especially for GoPro cameras. The person wearing the helmet can see just fine and make sense of the sights but the person watching the video is objected to a whole lot of shaking.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1tk8td/eli5why_doesnt_the_brain_adjust_to_a_shaky_video/
{ "a_id": [ "ce8sj3e", "ce8syg5", "ce8tudr" ], "score": [ 6, 2, 7 ], "text": [ "Your brain uses a lot more information to perceive the world around you than just light. So even though your eyes are bouncing around as you ride down a mountain on your vehicle of choice, your brain kn...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
53i7ml
how do ponzi schemes make money if they constantly owe investors?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/53i7ml/eli5_how_do_ponzi_schemes_make_money_if_they/
{ "a_id": [ "d7tce7q", "d7tidlw" ], "score": [ 2, 6 ], "text": [ "The person running the ponzi scheme doesn't pay out all the money to \"investors.\" For example, they say, Give me $1000 and I'll return $1500 (a 50% return) in 2 months. They keep drawing in \"investors\" and pocket half, p...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
b9pmgn
how was audio/music in pre modern computers edited and had post sfx added?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/b9pmgn/eli5_how_was_audiomusic_in_pre_modern_computers/
{ "a_id": [ "ek66vjj" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Video editing was done with an editing machine/desk. Which is a large workstation for using scissors on the reels. where there is a physical film you can cut frames and replace them and glue the film back together.\n\npost SFX for film was just r...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
59kp6a
how did aleppo become a central point for war in the middle-east?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/59kp6a/eli5_how_did_aleppo_become_a_central_point_for/
{ "a_id": [ "d997v32" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Aleppo is the largest city in Syria and has been a battleground since the outbreak of the Syrian Civil War. Because it is so densely urbanized it is excellent defensive ground, and none of the sides in the war have been able to completely take th...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
asd706
about 17%-35% of the population experience photic sneeze reflex (sneezing when exposed to bright light). what causes this?
The **photic sneeze reflex** (also [backronymed](_URL_4_) as, **Autosomal Compelling Helio-Ophthalmic Outburst** (**ACHOO**) **syndrome**[\[1\]](_URL_0_) and colloquially **sun sneezing**) is a condition that causes [sneezing](_URL_2_) in response to numerous stimuli, such as looking at bright lights or periocular (su...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/asd706/eli5_about_1735_of_the_population_experience/
{ "a_id": [ "egtgj9h" ], "score": [ 9 ], "text": [ "Cross-talk between nerves from the nose and eyes. When a sudden and sufficient increase in light hits the eyes, the signals get interpreted as an irritation in the nose and a sneeze is triggered. \n\nI have it and it's fucking annoying." ] }
[]
[ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photic_sneeze_reflex#cite_note-Laura_Dean,_MD-1", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photic_sneeze_reflex", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sneeze", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photic\\_sneeze\\_reflex", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Backronym" ]
[ [] ]
cats55
what causes someone to think something and a second later when they are about to share it, the thought is gone?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cats55/eli5_what_causes_someone_to_think_something_and_a/
{ "a_id": [ "etbcbu6" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "The things that you're currently thinking of are stored in working memory and aren't immediately turned into long term memories.\n\nWhen you forget what you were just thinking of a minute ago, it's because your brain didn't store that information...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3bphd2
why is the state department releasing hillary clinton's e-mails in batches? i don't understand why it's happening or why it's okay?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3bphd2/eli5_why_is_the_state_department_releasing/
{ "a_id": [ "csob0mk" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "As a public official her emails are part of public record the same as every President, Secretary of State, Attorney General, etc before her. Any emails that relate to her official work belong to the government. \n\n" ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
rnuv5
woodstock
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/rnuv5/eli5_woodstock/
{ "a_id": [ "c47ai32" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "Woodstock was a bigass music festival where a SHITLOAD of counterculturalists :hippies: got together and smoked dope and dropped acid and listened to music for 2-3 days. The Who was there, Hendrix was there, shit went DOWN man" ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
23qwkv
quantum memory
In [this thread from /r/technology](_URL_0_) it was mentioned that scientists have managed to "freeze" light, and to quote the article > "The reason for wanting to hold light in its place (aside from the sheer awesomeness of it) is to ensure that it retains its quantum coherence properties (i.e. its information state...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/23qwkv/eli5_quantum_memory/
{ "a_id": [ "cgzpno6", "cgzpr4k", "cgzr1bx" ], "score": [ 4, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "In simple terms, things get very funny on the very small scale. The best model to predict behavior on those scales is probabilistic. This has lead many (a vast majority?) of partial physicists to beli...
[]
[ "http://www.reddit.com/r/technology/comments/23qgsf/scientists_freeze_light_for_an_entire_minute/" ]
[ [], [], [] ]
yfk0l
- how the eyes of a portrait can follow you around, always staring at you regardless of where you're standing
Either a photograph or a painting - you know, when the eyes are following you around. Always staring at you. I was always mesmerizer by this effect as a child. Is there an intentional method that produces this effect? How come it's only *some* portraits and not all of them? I'd also like an explanation of what exactly ...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/yfk0l/eli5_how_the_eyes_of_a_portrait_can_follow_you/
{ "a_id": [ "c5v3oqs", "c5v3usa", "c5v4q9n", "c5v4tqs", "c5v5ew5", "c5v9fnn" ], "score": [ 8, 12, 45, 2, 4, 9 ], "text": [ "If you take a picture of someone looking directly at the camera, their eyes will forever be staring directly at the camera; and if you...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UirpkTAq3uY" ], [], [], [], [] ]
95z197
why do diving masks fog up underwater?
Why do they fog up underwater, even if you put your saliva on the mask or keep water in there?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/95z197/eli5_why_do_diving_masks_fog_up_underwater/
{ "a_id": [ "e3whprw", "e3whu7q" ], "score": [ 3, 3 ], "text": [ "because of the temperature difference between your hot face, and the cold water.\n\nNot to mention theres the moisture from the small amount of air that does go out your nose.\n\nall that moist air inside the mask is going t...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
f9g0iz
what are those small coloured circles near the barcode on packaging for candy bars etc.? something to do with what dyes or colours are used during printing? why are they only on certain packaging and not all?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/f9g0iz/eli5_what_are_those_small_coloured_circles_near/
{ "a_id": [ "firam4n", "firamvr", "firh8m3" ], "score": [ 8, 9, 3 ], "text": [ "They will be marks to do with the printing. Colour marks and register marks.\n\nThey will be on some packages and not others depending on the size of the print, how the package is cut and folded.\n\nIf ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
3yequf
why do cell phone signals deteriorate in mountainous areas?
Is it just proximity to cell towers or something else?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3yequf/eli5_why_do_cell_phone_signals_deteriorate_in/
{ "a_id": [ "cyct03m", "cyd19q2" ], "score": [ 3, 3 ], "text": [ "Cell phones are basically a radio. They need a clear line of sight to get the proper data transfer. If a building or mountains are in the way.. No service! Also the phone companies need to put more towers in and they have to...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2dxnev
if continents drift a couple of inches each year, how are some ancient structures still aligned with certain stars/planets?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2dxnev/eli5if_continents_drift_a_couple_of_inches_each/
{ "a_id": [ "cju2ps7", "cju3lav", "cju4d8g", "cju6iqg" ], "score": [ 6, 3, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "I'm not qualified at all to answer this question but we're talking inches in comparison to so many millions of miles to other planets and so unimaginably further to other stars on ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "http://xenon.colorado.edu/spotlight/kb/gps_tectonics/PearsonPrenticeHall.jpg", "http://www.cheops-pyramide.ch/khufu-pyramid/pyramid-alignment.html" ] ]
2o5gh9
zipper merging
Talking about cars and traffic etiquette/efficiency. When to zipper merge? How? Why is it better? (is it?) Diagrams would be super useful too.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2o5gh9/eli5_zipper_merging/
{ "a_id": [ "cmjv1xy", "cmjv9q5", "cmjvfwa" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 4 ], "text": [ "1. It prevents parts of the road from being unused, as illustrated [here](_URL_0_).\n\n2. Because both lanes will be moving at all times, this prevents a lot of stop-and-go, which reduces fuel waste as ...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://bit.ly/1FNKU4x" ], [], [] ]
17mmhc
why is leather considered more ethical than fur?
is it just because we use the meat too?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/17mmhc/why_is_leather_considered_more_ethical_than_fur/
{ "a_id": [ "c86vrrq", "c86vwlb", "c86wrtf", "c86x50a", "c86xds4", "c86xjtx", "c86xrii", "c86zlhr", "c86zxbt", "c8703ue", "c870jng", "c870m9c", "c872861", "c874dcx", "c87510l" ], "score": [ 4, 12, 38, 210, 5, 3, 2, 77, ...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=7hZh_zrV6oY#" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
1slv9g
why do people 'reach for the sky' when they get knocked out?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1slv9g/eli5_why_do_people_reach_for_the_sky_when_they/
{ "a_id": [ "cdyv09t" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "It is called the \"fencing response\" and from what I can tell just has to do with the arrangement of the lateral vestibular nucleus and that injury to the head will stretch the cerebellar peduncles and activate the LVN. Basically, hitting your h...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
8dceax
lab grown meat, does it take as long to grow as the animal?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8dceax/eli5_lab_grown_meat_does_it_take_as_long_to_grow/
{ "a_id": [ "dxmffhp" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "This is a little bit like asking the Wright brothers whether security checks at airports are going to be inconvenient.\n\nWe are still trying to figure out how to create lab grown meat. While I think it is almost certain that in 50 years most me...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1hs0ql
why is it that humans have favorites? such as favorite colors, numbers and many other things favorited.
My girlfriend and I were discussing favorite numbers and I had the question of why is your favorite number your favorite instead of what is your favorite number, and she had no clue but just 'because'.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1hs0ql/eli5_why_is_it_that_humans_have_favorites_such_as/
{ "a_id": [ "caxbog4" ], "score": [ 9 ], "text": [ "I'm not sure I understand your sentence \"why is your favorite number your favorite instead of what is your favorite number\"...\n\nBut as to why humans *have* favorites, this seems to be how animals work in general - we evaluate things and facts...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
6tip10
how come an usb-c 85w apple charger can charge a phone or a tablet without blowing it up? how does the power supply know how much power to feed?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6tip10/eli5_how_come_an_usbc_85w_apple_charger_can/
{ "a_id": [ "dlky9lt", "dlkyibf" ], "score": [ 5, 8 ], "text": [ "The charger senses what its charging and adjusts the voltage to 5 or 15 volts. 15 volts for pc and 5 volts for phone. Lets say the charger supports 3 amps then the phone would get 15W but the pc (Mac) would get 45W", "Th...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1s7sl6
what would happen if the minimum wage was $22/hr and it had to increase at the same rate as inflation?
Basically, I'm asking about the economic consequences. Would it be an overall positive/negative thing to occur, or would it be somewhere in the middle? Would it help get rid of income inequality? Share your thoughts everyone.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1s7sl6/what_would_happen_if_the_minimum_wage_was_22hr/
{ "a_id": [ "cdurdkh", "cduri5r", "cdurmxj", "cdutkvy" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "You are probably going to get quite a few different answers on this based on people's economic and political views. I'm still really early in to my economics schooling, but IIRC ra...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://img.sparknotes.com/figures/3/38bf88807fd6b1e5beccc807f687acf4/minwage.gif" ], [], [], [] ]
c005k4
why does coke push diet coke so hard?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/c005k4/eli5why_does_coke_push_diet_coke_so_hard/
{ "a_id": [ "eqz2gfd" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Coke sells really well. Diet Coke sells less, so they're trying to increase sales and drive brand awareness. Also it's a company image thing. Diet Coke is falsely sold and percieved as being \"healthy\" so they want to make you think they care ab...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
ag1cjw
how much of a financial strain the u.s. prison system is on the economy (if any at all) and what could fix it?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ag1cjw/eli5_how_much_of_a_financial_strain_the_us_prison/
{ "a_id": [ "ee2v73z", "ee2vket", "ee2xrdt", "ee30zjo" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Not a huge strain. The total cost to the country is about $182 Billion per year, a bit under 1% of our annual productivity.", "Putting a precise number on how much the US spend...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
v314u
"http," "https," "www," and what purpose they serve if i can still reach my intended online destination without typing them in.
This has confused me since the third grade or so, when I realized that my librarian was full of shit and that, no, "_URL_2_." didn't need to be typed in for me to reach my intended online site, be it _URL_1_ or, more likely (then, at least), _URL_0_. But that's a tangent. I just want to know - like a five-year-old, be...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/v314u/eli5_http_https_www_and_what_purpose_they_serve/
{ "a_id": [ "c50vg83", "c50x2ag" ], "score": [ 7, 2 ], "text": [ "There are a bunch of different *protocols* your computer uses to figure out how to interact with the internet. HTTP is what you use to transfer webpages; there's also SMTP (used for sending emails), POP (used for recieving e...
[]
[ "neopets.com", "britannica.com", "http://www" ]
[ [ "www.X.com", "X.com" ], [ "http://www.reddit.com:80/", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gopher_\\(protocol\\)" ] ]
1r4fxw
how do physical evolutionary changes occur?
You hear things like an animal has adapted to its environment (skin colour change etc) through evolutionary changes throughout thousands of years. But if a human was to stay in a corn field for thousands of years would their skin become the colour of the field? How does an animals skin colour change to that certain env...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1r4fxw/eli5_how_do_physical_evolutionary_changes_occur/
{ "a_id": [ "cdjha66", "cdjhcwm", "cdjhf4v", "cdji408" ], "score": [ 2, 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "You can't predict evolution like that. It doesn't have set goals. \n\nHowever, you can predict after a mutation arises. If humans had to hide in cornfields all the time because ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
1xjv3j
what are the pros and cons of tar sand oil?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1xjv3j/eli5what_are_the_pros_and_cons_of_tar_sand_oil/
{ "a_id": [ "cfc0olu" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "As a western Canadian, I suppose it falls on me to answer.\n\nThe pros: It's a viable oil option from a stable country (Canada is doesn't have some of the instability issues that some Middle East countries do), it produces jobs in Canada (product...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
5ike4c
why can't humans look in separate directions (like chameleons)
Is it a paired muscle/tendon type deal, like with your fingers? Or is it something our body just doesn't do, like sneezing with your eyes open?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5ike4c/eli5_why_cant_humans_look_in_separate_directions/
{ "a_id": [ "db8tq8g", "db8tx8i" ], "score": [ 4, 2 ], "text": [ "We have all the neuron connections do to it, and there are no physical barriers. Our brain just doesn't really know how. Some people have trained themselves to be able to move their eyes independently.\n", "It's not re...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1hm6l9
how do 'sports tricks' videos work?
I didn't really know what to call them. I'm talking about when you see footage of amazing feats by professional (or otherwise) athletes. like [this](_URL_0_) and [this](_URL_1_). It always really seems like those videos were taken in one take? Are these athletes actually that amazing. Do they take a ton of takes that a...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1hm6l9/eli5_how_do_sports_tricks_videos_work/
{ "a_id": [ "cavpg5t" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Videos are really just pictures shown really really fast.\n\nRemember that [flipbook](_URL_0_) Bobby showed you one time?\n\nImagine if Bobby took a pen and drew on every single page of the flip book. It'd be a lot of work, but if he did it, he c...
[]
[ "http://youtu.be/ezBMBkx_nyA", "http://youtu.be/WQ_tHqMVRzw" ]
[ [ "http://files.coloribus.com/files/adsarchive/part_1002/10024755/file/pedigree-pet-food-lying-dog-flip-book-small-42066.jpg" ] ]
21343p
why do some phone cases or watches say water proof up to a certain amount of feet (like 6ft)? is it the water pressure difference? is the water pressure difference that significant?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/21343p/eli5_why_do_some_phone_cases_or_watches_say_water/
{ "a_id": [ "cg956t0", "cg96aj8", "cg9dvvl", "cg9g0gd" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "Yes, it is the water pressure difference, and yes, the water pressure difference is that significant.", "One thing to consider: When you jump in the water, swim etc. the pressu...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
6g0g9r
why many pms symptoms and early pregnancy symptoms are similar or the same
freaks me out every month for like 2 days because i'll think i'm pregnant but then i'm not
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6g0g9r/eli5_why_many_pms_symptoms_and_early_pregnancy/
{ "a_id": [ "dimgxd5", "dinpo9x" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Because your body is preparing for a pregnancy. Every single month, your body is like \"maybe this time we're *really* pregnant\" \nSo until your body realises \"aw hell, no baby again\" the hormones are the same. ", "T...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
3qcnub
why doesn't reddit have their own app instead of reddit is fun or baconreader? wouldn't they make more money from having a self-made universal app for ios and android?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3qcnub/eli5_why_doesnt_reddit_have_their_own_app_instead/
{ "a_id": [ "cwe03hh", "cwe0dif" ], "score": [ 3, 7 ], "text": [ "They're working on the mobile version of the site rather than making an app: _URL_0_", "Reddit is partnered with 'Alien Blue - The most popular reddit browsing app by downloads and use' and may have even bought them. " ...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://m.reddit.com" ], [] ]
1vxsm1
how does st jude hospital continue to operate while remaining free to patients and families?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1vxsm1/eli5_how_does_st_jude_hospital_continue_to/
{ "a_id": [ "cewsfws" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Heavy donations of not only money, but time from the workers. Alk of the research they do they share freely with anyone who it could help, so people gladly donate. " ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
46098r
what's the point of non-alcoholic beer?
If beer is beer with alcohol, what's the point of Non-alcoholic beer?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/46098r/eli5whats_the_point_of_nonalcoholic_beer/
{ "a_id": [ "d01f3qi", "d01fbgs", "d01fgnc" ], "score": [ 9, 2, 6 ], "text": [ "some people have dietary restrictions/are recovering alcoholics/don't want to drink alcohol for whatever reason but still like the taste.", "Some people like the taste of beer but don't like the alc...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
35h158
how do pop-up blockers work? how do sites get around them?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/35h158/eli5_how_do_popup_blockers_work_how_do_sites_get/
{ "a_id": [ "cr4c5dh" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "The original pop-ups would open a new page in a new window, and give that window a size and position to open to, so it would show up in front of the web page.\n\nPop-up blockers would see that call \"hey, this page wants to open a new window, sho...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
613r2l
why is security clearance not required for potus and many other "powerful" politicians?
Edit: Clarification -- I want to know why POTUS ( & others) do not need to undergo investigation for security clearance.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/613r2l/eli5why_is_security_clearance_not_required_for/
{ "a_id": [ "dfbg1xj", "dfbho0r", "dfbhth6", "dfbjdo1", "dfbm6ql", "dfbqbkb" ], "score": [ 3, 4, 3, 2, 11, 2 ], "text": [ "POTUS is granted a security clearance as part of their position, allowing that millions of citizens trust then enough to vote for them ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
ako2qp
how is it that large buildings don't sink overtime?
I get you have to set foundations before starting to building large apartments and skyscrapers but how does the soil/earth not start sinking or compressing over time with all that weight? Is earth that tightly packed? Every time I dig it seems the soil is fairly loose.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ako2qp/eli5how_is_it_that_large_buildings_dont_sink/
{ "a_id": [ "ef6cxsb" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "The type of foundation depends on the type of soils and rock the building is sitting on. \n\nSpread footings are adequate on heavy compressed soils and rock. Their size will vary with soil and rock type.\n\nShoring systems like caissons also cont...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
e7dxcd
how do single propeller planes counter the torque from the propeller.
I was playing kerbal space program last night and my single prop planes kept flipping over. I understand that having a second propeller spinning the opposite way can counteract this, but how do single propeller planes do this?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/e7dxcd/eli5_how_do_single_propeller_planes_counter_the/
{ "a_id": [ "f9y470i", "f9y55dz", "f9y5l01" ], "score": [ 65, 11, 8 ], "text": [ "The only way to stop the plane veering up and to the left is actively steering against it. Modern single-prop aircraft have automatic systems to counteract this issue in a manner relative to the speed...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
16obvb
do women's bodies retract dramatically after giving birth?
I know about losing pregnancy weight and what not, but women's bellies are huge at the end of pregnancy, the day after giving birth what do their mid-sections look like?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/16obvb/do_womens_bodies_retract_dramatically_after/
{ "a_id": [ "c7xtv2j", "c7y3cfp" ], "score": [ 6, 2 ], "text": [ "Skin is an amazing organ, and in a healthy person, surprisingly stretchy.\n\nStraight after the birth and for many months, it will be saggy, but not as much as you might think. It does spring back into shape a bit. It's a bi...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2gzkq6
why do so many people who emigrate from the middle east open convenience stores?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2gzkq6/eli5_why_do_so_many_people_who_emigrate_from_the/
{ "a_id": [ "cknxndk", "ckny4hd", "cknyakx", "cknyvoe", "cko09gv", "cko130q", "cko4efm" ], "score": [ 3, 31, 11, 6, 4, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "I would think it would be a way to work independently, if one has the start up money.\n\n\nMany immigrants start...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
16alxu
why do basketball games look slower on tv then they do in person?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/16alxu/eli5_why_do_basketball_games_look_slower_on_tv/
{ "a_id": [ "c7u8tk1", "c7ua9mp" ], "score": [ 4, 3 ], "text": [ "I don't think they look any slower, but rather the camera view that most games are shot from is the ideal angle where you can see the entire half court and every player moving. You can therefore anticipate where players are ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
6umuic
why is it that when you take a nap you almost always wake up super sweaty and disoriented but when you wake up from sleeping over night you feel rested and aren't sweaty?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6umuic/eli5_why_is_it_that_when_you_take_a_nap_you/
{ "a_id": [ "dltx09m", "dltygb8", "dltz5ae" ], "score": [ 33, 9, 32 ], "text": [ "I believe it's because when you bed down for a night's sleep, you're typically going to bed around the same time and indulging your circadian rythym. Your body releases hormones that help you sleep, a...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://www.sleepcouncil.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/sleep-pattern_lo-res-300x173.jpg" ], [ "https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3gs1rp/eli5_why_do_you_sweat_so_much_when_you_take_a_nap/", "https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5gnm8y/eli5_why_do_we_get_ho...
2y99uc
why can i not just walk up to a drive-thru window & order food?
It just doesn't make sense to me. I see a lot of places that have security cameras in their drive-thru lane, so if it's the threat of being robbed that's an issue, it seems like it'd be much easier to catch someone whose face isn't hidden by a darkened vehicle & who clearly isn't going to be able to be 5-10 miles awa...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2y99uc/eli5_why_can_i_not_just_walk_up_to_a_drivethru/
{ "a_id": [ "cp7e0c3", "cp7f19t", "cp7g0a7", "cp7g8ry", "cp7h6pm" ], "score": [ 18, 3, 2, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "It would be a liability to have pedestrians in a lane built for cars to travel through. If they allowed people to do it they would be responsible when someon...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
6hlb1d
what is that little hangy thing in the back of our mouths? what does it do?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6hlb1d/eli5_what_is_that_little_hangy_thing_in_the_back/
{ "a_id": [ "diz6bda", "diz6cbg", "diz6ehw" ], "score": [ 2, 3, 8 ], "text": [ "The palatine uvula works in conjunction with the soft palette to close off the nasopharnyx preventing food from entering the sinuses. Its also integral to the formation of certain phonemes. Not to menti...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palatine_uvula" ], [] ]
5rfgyq
why is local control of schools seen as superior to national government control?
We always hear about the states fighting about getting "local control" but why is the mindset that this is better?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5rfgyq/eli5_why_is_local_control_of_schools_seen_as/
{ "a_id": [ "dd6s7w9", "dd6u91e", "dd7evd1" ], "score": [ 8, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "People care about their children. When national criteria differ from their own criteria of what's important for their children to know, people start demanding local control.\n\nI see it as part of a wi...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
ado889
why do gaming companies forbid pirating their outdated products (90s and 00s consoles emulators and roms, for example), if it doesn't hurt them, and they can't realistically make money off of it?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ado889/eli5_why_do_gaming_companies_forbid_pirating/
{ "a_id": [ "editlxn", "ediu018", "ediucrx", "ediv10p", "edj47ka" ], "score": [ 17, 16, 4, 10, 4 ], "text": [ "I can think of 2 reasons: protecting company ip but more so anticipating the future revenue generated from rereleasing said old games (ie Nintendo).", ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
3klu2m
why you need to drive in a high gear on ice?
Technical details are very welcome (as long as they aren't too advanced)
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3klu2m/eli5_why_you_need_to_drive_in_a_high_gear_on_ice/
{ "a_id": [ "cuyhj4v", "cuyr89h" ], "score": [ 11, 7 ], "text": [ "The idea is to prevent the wheels from spinning out.\n\nIf you apply too much torque to your wheels (on or off ice), they will end up spinning out. However, on ice this can be achieved with far less torque than it would tak...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
e3k2np
what's the difference between energy and power?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/e3k2np/eli5_whats_the_difference_between_energy_and_power/
{ "a_id": [ "f93hc93", "f93kylx", "f93l1a9", "f93p6ct" ], "score": [ 7, 8, 11, 8 ], "text": [ "In super easy term, energy is endurance and power is strength. For example a lamp working at 100 Watts (power) will illuminate more than a similar lamp working at 60 Watts. The 1...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
41suf5
how does something like an hdmi port become near universal?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/41suf5/eli5_how_does_something_like_an_hdmi_port_become/
{ "a_id": [ "cz4w0nh", "cz4x8lr" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "The short answer is: Companies don't want to bother with spending money on competing formats by introducing 17 different different ports, 15 of which will inevitable fail. There is some history here, such as the Apple 'Fire...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HDMI#History" ] ]
23lp1o
explain like i'm 5 what is beyond the 3rd dimension.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/23lp1o/eli5_explain_like_im_5_what_is_beyond_the_3rd/
{ "a_id": [ "cgy7gu1", "cgy7pnf" ], "score": [ 4, 3 ], "text": [ "The easiest way (for me) to conceptualize the fourth dimension is to consider time as the fourth dimension. Unlike the other three dimensions where we are free to move about, we are being forced forward through the forth dim...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://www.geom.uiuc.edu/~banchoff/Flatland/", "http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/45/Dimension_levels.svg" ] ]
11gn86
why doesn't the redbull skydiver who is jumping from the stratosphere burn up?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/11gn86/eli5_why_doesnt_the_redbull_skydiver_who_is/
{ "a_id": [ "c6mammt" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Because he won't reach enough speed to do it. Imagine a space shuttle coming down from space, they do it at such high speed (17.000 mp/h) that the friction from the air itself burns the underside. Theres no chance he will reach those numbers :)" ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2blnyi
tuna. how can one tuna fish be worth over a £million? what stops you from simply catching a tuna and becoming very rich?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2blnyi/eli5_tuna_how_can_one_tuna_fish_be_worth_over_a/
{ "a_id": [ "cj6imp6", "cj6in54" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Source on that value please.", "It's worth what it is because someone is willing to pay that much. They really want it.\n\nNothing stops you except the difficulty of catching such a valuable fish. (If it were easy to cat...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
40bgs5
phone batteries and charges vs laptop batteries and chargers
Recently I was shopping for a laptop and a phone. The phone I got has 3400 mAh of capacity and my whole phone is smaller than the battery of my laptop, which has a capacity of 4450 mAh. Is a different technology used for these batteries? Also, I can charge my phone in 1:30 minutes from 0-100 and my phone's charger is ...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/40bgs5/eli5phone_batteries_and_charges_vs_laptop/
{ "a_id": [ "cysvnyy" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "Milliamp-hours are not a unit of energy storage. They are a unit of charge storage, but they don't say how much energy that charge has. Voltage tells you how much energy the charge has. You can only compare mAh to mAh *if* both batteries are the ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
abiblg
how does the human body which had a cold stop sneezing when asleep, but keep sneezing when awake ?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/abiblg/eli5_how_does_the_human_body_which_had_a_cold/
{ "a_id": [ "ed0h4pu", "ed0mhyl", "ed0v6kk", "ed0zesg" ], "score": [ 4362, 104, 2, 19 ], "text": [ "When we’re awake, particles, allergies or an illness can stimulate the nerve cells in the nose. The nerves then send signals to the brain in order to initiate a sneeze to get...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
1u4t7x
why is it that reddit only displays some of my subreddits in the drop down at one time?
When I click the 'My Subreddits' drop down in the top left, it varies between which of my subreddits are actually showing on any given visit to the site.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1u4t7x/eli5_why_is_it_that_reddit_only_displays_some_of/
{ "a_id": [ "ceek206", "ceeldtg" ], "score": [ 2, 3 ], "text": [ "Is there a maximum number it can display?", "The maximum number of subreddits for the drop down list is 50." ] }
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
8z87k2
why do homonyms and homophones exist?
I mean, there are so many different possible combinations of letters that haven't been used, yet we have so many words that sound the same/are spelled the same but have different meanings.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8z87k2/eli5_why_do_homonyms_and_homophones_exist/
{ "a_id": [ "e2gtzpx" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "Homonymes (as did homophones) started out being written/pronounced differently. It's actually a common fallacy to assume that the current state of a language is the 'right one' (you can see a lot of it in the word literally) but this isn't the ca...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
7b7s32
how is it possible for us to know if a sound comes from the top or the bottom given that we only have two ears aligned horizontally?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7b7s32/eli5_how_is_it_possible_for_us_to_know_if_a_sound/
{ "a_id": [ "dpfvcar", "dpfwx2j" ], "score": [ 4, 5 ], "text": [ "It's difficult for human to determine the height of a sound. Owls for example have an ear higher that the other to better be able to locate sounds", "The shape of your ears directs sound into your ear canals difforently ...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Oai7HUqncAA" ] ]
4wob3k
why do our minds switch around beginning and ends of words when speaking? example, the jox fumped over the log.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4wob3k/eli5_why_do_our_minds_switch_around_beginning_and/
{ "a_id": [ "d68r3n3", "d68r3so", "d6948zg" ], "score": [ 11, 6, 2 ], "text": [ "This is because in the process of thinking and preparing for the next word you're going to say, you mix the order up.\n\nIn your example, when you say \"the\", your brain gets ready to say fox but also...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/2jjh1w/what_happens_in_the_brain_when_spoonerism_occurs/" ], [] ]
l1dsk
why does a sound sound different after you've heard it more than once in a row?
Pretty much just curious why I perceive a sound differently hearing it just once, compared to what the same exact sound sounds like played over and over in repetition. I also find the sound never to sound the same again even if I do something else for a while, forget about it, then play the sound just once again. (sor...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/l1dsk/eli5_why_does_a_sound_sound_different_after_youve/
{ "a_id": [ "c2ozv8g", "c2ozv8g" ], "score": [ 4, 4 ], "text": [ "When your brain notices repetition, it filters out what stays the same so it can better notice what changes.", "When your brain notices repetition, it filters out what stays the same so it can better notice what changes....
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
7ugi2d
can biological cells only divide or can they also be create/assembled?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7ugi2d/eli5_can_biological_cells_only_divide_or_can_they/
{ "a_id": [ "dtk58a9", "dtk5e1e" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "That's a great and exciting question. According to the [abiotic hypothesis of the origin of life](_URL_1_), the first living organisms came to be from the \"assembling\" of biomolecules that came to be due the primordial env...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synthetic_biology", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abiogenesis" ], [] ]
e9v7zi
how do mri and fmri work, are they used simultaneously?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/e9v7zi/eli5_how_do_mri_and_fmri_work_are_they_used/
{ "a_id": [ "falyatk", "falzchc", "famc0ld" ], "score": [ 6, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "Your body is exposed to a strong magnetic field, it forces all the protons to align with it. You are then exposed to a radio pulse which knocks the protons out of alignment. Sensors then measure thing...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://contestimg.wish.com/api/webimage/5cc1187cd58fe54460eaa1e7-1-large?cozy=1", "https://previews.123rf.com/images/alchemic2015/alchemic20151902/alchemic2015190202710/117025989-chaotic-field-containing-random-aster-banner-decoration-.jpg", "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/tomduck/ele...
257sjl
why do company's sponsor the pga when it seems like pro golf doesn't make much money?
And how can golfers make so much money from just one tournament? It seems like they don't get high ratings on TV, or many fans that go to the tournaments. So where is the revenue generated?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/257sjl/eli5_why_do_companys_sponsor_the_pga_when_it/
{ "a_id": [ "chejb2a", "chejn0k" ], "score": [ 4, 2 ], "text": [ "Golfers and golf fans are rich, relatively speaking. The value of the eyeball of a golf watcher is more valuable than the eyeball of a nascar watcher or an NFL watcher. Advertising cost is about the value of the audience, ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2tbbxr
as far as the oscars are concerned, what is the difference between cinematography and film editing in a film?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2tbbxr/eli5_as_far_as_the_oscars_are_concerned_what_is/
{ "a_id": [ "cnxfkte", "cnxgtjb" ], "score": [ 6, 2 ], "text": [ "Cinematography is the setting up of and framing of shots, while editing is how those shots are strung together. Hope this helps. ", "Cinematographers operate cameras and lenses using a combination of artistic interpretat...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
4q6co2
how do interpreters hear the next line while interpreting what was just said?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4q6co2/eli5_how_do_interpreters_hear_the_next_line_while/
{ "a_id": [ "d4qq8hp", "d4qqj8t", "d4qqqj6", "d4qr3mi", "d4qr8qq", "d4qrrz5", "d4qs8hp", "d4qsrjs", "d4qu1pb", "d4quq07", "d4qv0m7", "d4qv396", "d4qvg85", "d4qxwtn", "d4qza4r", "d4qzoa8", "d4r12ow", "d4r1i8w", "d4r1pj7", "d4r4245", "d...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXNTArhA0Jg", "https://careers.un.org/lbw/home.aspx?viewtype=LCEFD&FId=7", "http://aiic.net/interpreting-explained", "http://www.cit-asl.org" ], [], [], [], [], [], [ "https://www.youtube.com/wat...
999mbu
why news organizations don’t sue for libel when a truthful article is called ‘fake news’?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/999mbu/eli5_why_news_organizations_dont_sue_for_libel/
{ "a_id": [ "e4lzqgl", "e4lzrg5", "e4m375c" ], "score": [ 4, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "That's not what libel is. Libel means that the information in the article itself is harmful or false. Saying an article is “fake news” after the fact simply because it might hurt someone's feelings is n...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
35mv7h
why do we find "sweet" things so pleasurable? even other animals really seem to enjoy sweet things.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/35mv7h/eli5_why_do_we_find_sweet_things_so_pleasurable/
{ "a_id": [ "cr5v63i" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Sweet implies calories, and animals need calories to survive. Animals evolved not knowing where their next meal was coming from, so it benefits them to eat as many calories as possible while they can. By making calories pleasurable, it creates ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1ogxd4
how did the military phonetic alphabet get its letter/word combinations? and why is "f" fox-trot and not just "fox"? and why is 9 "nin-er"?
How did we get the letter and word combinations of the phoenetic alphabet, and more importantly, why did they not choose easier to understand and remember words for the letters? For example: Just FOX for F and not trot on the end, it sounds like two words and could confuse people. Why is 9 NINER with an ER on the en...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1ogxd4/eli5_how_did_the_military_phonetic_alphabet_get/
{ "a_id": [ "ccrtykq", "ccru1sy", "ccrua00", "ccrv5uu", "ccs13dq" ], "score": [ 4, 3, 3, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Verbal communications, particularly over radio, are subject to noise. Ambiguity needs to be avoided as much as possible. \"Nine\" and \"five\" sound too sim...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NATO_phonetic_alphabet" ], [], [] ]
8mofbr
why is it so difficult to stop crying once you start? any sad thought and the tears will burst again
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8mofbr/eli5_why_is_it_so_difficult_to_stop_crying_once/
{ "a_id": [ "dzpx2e9" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Because your moods tend to follow thought. Your state of mind is likely to shift to the thoughts you are having. Saying that, the catharsis felt after releasing emotions is good for you and once you've been through the things you need to process,...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
ekr4mu
is the universe actually expanding and getting bigger? or is light from farther away just now reaching us and allowing us to see what was already there? and how would we tell the difference?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ekr4mu/eli5_is_the_universe_actually_expanding_and/
{ "a_id": [ "fdd7xxl", "fdd82uc", "fdd8q7d", "fdd9epl", "fddnbmn" ], "score": [ 13, 6, 6, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "The universe is expanding in the sense that everything we've already seen is getting more distant. The rate at which it is getting more distant roughly corre...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]