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1m2s0a
why aren't all foods high in protein? isn't protein used for the structure of all living things?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1m2s0a/eli5_why_arent_all_foods_high_in_protein_isnt/
{ "a_id": [ "cc57xhc", "cc580bh" ], "score": [ 3, 5 ], "text": [ "While protein does create the structure of many things, carbohydrates can also create structure. For example, chitin, which makes up the exoskeletons of bugs, is a type of carbohydrate. The structures of most plants and fung...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1ve3uk
why does my hair stand up when i'm scared?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1ve3uk/eli5_why_does_my_hair_stand_up_when_im_scared/
{ "a_id": [ "cerbv2m", "cerc2cs", "cerfk1d" ], "score": [ 3, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "The idea was that, back when the hair covering our bodies was thicker, making it stand up would make us look bigger & more intimidating to whatever is scaring us. ", "It makes you look bigger. It ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
c1hlsl
we have goat milk and cow milk to consume, but why is it merely impossible to find pig milk in a grocery store?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/c1hlsl/eli5_we_have_goat_milk_and_cow_milk_to_consume/
{ "a_id": [ "erd9x5v" ], "score": [ 15 ], "text": [ "Firstly, it just doiesn't taste very good. Pig's milk is watery, and quite gamey.\n\nThe real reason though is that pigs simply don't produce very much milk, and don't like being milked. Cows have been domesticated for thousands of years, and se...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1ldn94
how do seat-belts know when to tighten?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1ldn94/eli5_how_do_seatbelts_know_when_to_tighten/
{ "a_id": [ "cby6iln" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "A pendulum under the seat acts as a sensor. When it swings a certain way the seat belt locks up." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
ev0p4y
how do surgical masks protect you from getting infected when there are huge gaps near your cheeks and the bridge of your nose?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ev0p4y/eli5_how_do_surgical_masks_protect_you_from/
{ "a_id": [ "ffso2ic", "ffso6w8", "ffsol9u" ], "score": [ 11, 19, 2 ], "text": [ "They don't protect you from disease, they protect those around you from your disease. Surgical masks make it so that if you cough, you aren't spraying germs all over the place.", "Wearing a surgic...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
7zn6v1
what is the "crunchy" feeling when a muscle knot is being massaged?
I get really bad knots in my neck and shoulders. What the heck is that crunching?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7zn6v1/eli5_what_is_the_crunchy_feeling_when_a_muscle/
{ "a_id": [ "dup8oxl" ], "score": [ 8 ], "text": [ "As I understand (from my massage therapist and physio), it's the muscle fascia sort of \"slipping\" past the skin, with just enough friction to \"catch\" and release repeatedly, such as when you rub your hands together when they're slightly wet. ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
bldxjh
why do horses start side by side while runners are spread at equal distance before the race?
Is the difference just negligible for horses? Don't we want the race to be the same length for all the participants?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bldxjh/eli5_why_do_horses_start_side_by_side_while/
{ "a_id": [ "emnmfix", "emnmn2e", "emnv0tp" ], "score": [ 17, 45, 20 ], "text": [ "The horses can collapse to the inside on the start, so there isn't officially any longer loop for them to take. When runners start something that they have to stay in their lanes for, there is a loo...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
4096rl
the scientific consensus says gmo's are safe, and we seem to value our scientific consensuses here in the usa on other issues...so whats all the fuss about?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4096rl/eli5_the_scientific_consensus_says_gmos_are_safe/
{ "a_id": [ "cysefuf", "cysekte", "cysfwul", "cysg980", "cysjp49", "cyskn49", "cyskute", "cyslwod", "cysm82j", "cysmnnw", "cysnu9l", "cysssvg", "cystnv0", "cystosy", "cysufub", "cysul47", "cysvhyt", "cysvj7y", "cysvnsv", "cysxn4n", "c...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470-2045%2815%2970134-8/abstract", "http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18790555", "http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.4161/gmcr.28449#.VpHhJlm0mzw", "http://scc-csc.lexum.com/scc-csc/scc-csc/en/item/2147/index...
70si9o
how do gps apps such as maps or waze know the new formation of roads after construction?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/70si9o/eli5_how_do_gps_apps_such_as_maps_or_waze_know/
{ "a_id": [ "dn5mr4j", "dn5pt4d" ], "score": [ 40, 6 ], "text": [ "It first important to understand how Google Maps gets all if it's data. Some of it's data is pre-programmed into their systems. This is usually used as initial data, especially for testing. Google provides many more feature...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
5wz6dn
if america spends so much more on its military than russia, why are countries somewhat evenly matched?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5wz6dn/eli5_if_america_spends_so_much_more_on_its/
{ "a_id": [ "dedyyu3", "dedz7kq" ], "score": [ 4, 3 ], "text": [ "They aren't. In a conventional war the US could handle multiple Russias at the same time. However the war wouldn't be conventional because Russia's policy on nuclear weapons is that they will use them as a first strike again...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
4d7dv0
does turning a car at a slower speed give it a sharper turning radius?
I noticed that when turning into a parking spot people will go as slow as they can to make sure their car can fit into the spot. However, some people seem to believe that actually moving at a slower speed will lead to a sharper turn. How could this be true?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4d7dv0/eli5_does_turning_a_car_at_a_slower_speed_give_it/
{ "a_id": [ "d1odpqy" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "As long as your tires aren't slipping, they are controlling your path. So, your turning radius will just depend on steering wheel position. " ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3d4qjl
i have a math and odds question that i don't know how to explain in the title.
Okay so say you have a bag of 10 colored balls. 4 red, 4 blue and 2 yellow. You stick your hand in and pull out a ball and it's red. there was a 40% chance and you pulled out a red ball. Great. Now you put it back in and pull out another ball at random. Now the chances of a red ball being picked is back at 40%. Bu...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3d4qjl/eli5_i_have_a_math_and_odds_question_that_i_dont/
{ "a_id": [ "ct1qjtz", "ct1qlqo", "ct1qxah", "ct1rtdv", "ct1xhsv" ], "score": [ 4, 8, 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Because if you want the outcome \"2 red balls\", then you have to hit a 40% chance, and *after* successfully drawing red you have to hit another 40% chance. S...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
f36o64
how can a broken heart hurt so much psychically?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/f36o64/eli5_how_can_a_broken_heart_hurt_so_much/
{ "a_id": [ "fhgwj1m", "fhgwn6c", "fhgwu4h", "fhgxh3z", "fhgzs5j", "fhh0f5y" ], "score": [ 7, 3, 46, 8, 2, 5 ], "text": [ "It's a great question. I was so hung up on this one girl that after she left, I was in torment mode for at least six months. I physical...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17857-broken-heart-syndrome" ], [], [] ]
2k9mak
why does medical and other scientific research cost so much money? i've seen basic research funded by millions of dollars.
Does research really cost millions upon millions of dollars?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2k9mak/eli5_why_does_medical_and_other_scientific/
{ "a_id": [ "clj7fty" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "Yes, it does. Biomedical research starts with what you think of as lab experiments - people moving liquid from one tube to another, petri dishes, etc. Then it moves to animal studies, which themselves can easily cost millions of dollars per stu...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
c3rnh1
what are the actual risks of talking about tienanmen square massacre in china?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/c3rnh1/eli5_what_are_the_actual_risks_of_talking_about/
{ "a_id": [ "ersqrxp" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "You’ll get re-educated to be a more harmonious citizen in re-education camp if you have families that would make a fuss if you’re missing, if you don’t you’ll just disappear. \n\nThey actually talk about their version of the event in uni. The gis...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2isn7f
what's stopping me from taking a relatively large loan and leaving the country to live in another country?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2isn7f/eli5_whats_stopping_me_from_taking_a_relatively/
{ "a_id": [ "cl52xpl", "cl52z2j", "cl533i2", "cl55jho", "cl58lwq" ], "score": [ 8, 5, 19, 5, 6 ], "text": [ "literally nothing. A lot of people do just that. However, you are still obligated to fulfill your responsibility to your creditors and thus, leaving the coun...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
1rlukv
what is a "reasonable doubt"? i know what the legal definition is, but i want to know what i means.
The legal definition is "a doubt which would cause a reasonably prudent person to pause or hesitate before making an important decision." What does this mean in the context of a criminal trial?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1rlukv/eli5what_is_a_reasonable_doubt_i_know_what_the/
{ "a_id": [ "cdoj5fj" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Identical twin brothers are accused of murder. Their identical DNA was found at the crime scene, proving one of them did it. Neither will rat on the other, so there's no witness testimony. Absent other evidence, neither brother can be convicte...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
4kvefz
how can services like cloudflare filter out ddos traffic without getting a false positive from, for example, an article getting posted on reddit and subsequently getting clicked by 10 million people?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4kvefz/eli5_how_can_services_like_cloudflare_filter_out/
{ "a_id": [ "d3i3bcx" ], "score": [ 15 ], "text": [ "So I'm not the expert here, ~~Debbie~~ wait wrong subreddit.\n\nAnyway, the goal of DDoS isn't to bring down a server in the sense you and I usually think of it.\n\nLoading a webpage works like this:\n\n\"Hello, server at _URL_1_? Are you there?...
[]
[]
[ [ "poorunsuspectingsite.com/coolthingpostedonreddit.html", "poorunsuspectingsite.com", "https://support.cloudflare.com/hc/en-us/article_attachments/201742508/overview.png" ] ]
4mef5t
does shifting quickly up in manual car really save gas?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4mef5t/eli5_does_shifting_quickly_up_in_manual_car/
{ "a_id": [ "d3uttj6", "d3uwre1", "d3uxvjg" ], "score": [ 4, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "A really really good driver can save gas with good shifting, but 99.999% of drivers are not that good. I think the average driver would be hard-pressed to beat a modern automatic transmission.", "Th...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
98rlpc
why is tesla having higher networth than ford or gm, when the former hardly produces a small percentage of cars than latter?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/98rlpc/eli5_why_is_tesla_having_higher_networth_than/
{ "a_id": [ "e4i90i5", "e4i995r", "e4i9aar", "e4ic06w", "e4ieytm" ], "score": [ 2, 7, 5, 60, 5 ], "text": [ "I don’t understand this either. Hype maybe?", "The main reason is that the share price is based on what they are going to do in the future, not just wha...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
yq317
why is the japanese culture obsessed with robots? more specifically humanoid robots?
It seems that in not just popular culture but also in other industries the Japanese more then any other culture seems to have a fascination with humanoid looking robots.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/yq317/eli5_why_is_the_japanese_culture_obsessed_with/
{ "a_id": [ "c5xtim5", "c5xtn1r" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "I am not 100% sure if this answers it but here goes.\n\nWhen cartoons where first being developed to appeal to kids animation was super expensive and time consuming so people had to find a way to do it as cheaply and quickly...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/the-big-picture/3854-The-Collar" ], [] ]
1vqwpy
why does my body feel "slanted" when i'm lying in bed when i'm drunk?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1vqwpy/why_does_my_body_feel_slanted_when_im_lying_in/
{ "a_id": [ "ceuxtkw", "ceuzadj" ], "score": [ 2, 3 ], "text": [ "Because your balance perception is off because you're drunk.", "the reason you are dizzy while drunk is that not all of your senses are working like they should. If you sit your tactile sense, inner ear and eyes are gett...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
9re085
how did we end up with a silent k, of all sounds, in words like knight and knife?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9re085/eli5_how_did_we_end_up_with_a_silent_k_of_all/
{ "a_id": [ "e8g51pt", "e8g63ha" ], "score": [ 5, 4 ], "text": [ "Silent letters are the ghosts of pronunciations past. The word 'knight', with its silent 'k', and silent 'gh', is cognate with the German word for servant, 'knecht', where every letter is pronounced. ... The 'e' isn't pronou...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
4o7kvr
why are there more bugs out at night?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4o7kvr/eli5_why_are_there_more_bugs_out_at_night/
{ "a_id": [ "d4a84b1", "d4ajdwi" ], "score": [ 6, 2 ], "text": [ "Because they have a better chance of not being eaten by birds, most of which sleep at night. ", "Many factors, such as cooler temperatures, evolving on preying on nocturnal prey species, predatory evasion, etc. Also arti...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
17vfq3
what is a subsidy?
I was reading this thread _URL_0_ And i know ive heard this word before but i am barely knowledgeable in any kind of financial way. Googling this only led to more questions :(
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/17vfq3/eli5_what_is_a_subsidy/
{ "a_id": [ "c896qda", "c896xea" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Very simply, a subsidy is when the government offers money to a group, usually corporations, to achieve various results. This can range from lower prices for the consumer, to help researching new technologies, to an effort t...
[]
[ "http://www.reddit.com/r/technology/comments/17uywm/solar_power_to_be_sold_for_less_than_coal/" ]
[ [], [] ]
101ydp
how did newton figure out gravity?
What was his process in deducing that all mass have gravity? I can't get my head around how he could have done that without any frame of reference. Did he know that earth was orbiting the sun? Or the moon was orbiting the earth?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/101ydp/how_did_newton_figure_out_gravity/
{ "a_id": [ "c69pd1g", "c69rgzs" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "The rotations of the planets were well known. however it was assumed that the orbits were circular. Newton invented calculus (though whether or not he was the first is a matter of debate) and proved that the orbits are ellip...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1cdeu8
why is it that when i watch tv recordings from the 70's, 80's or 90's the quality is absolutely terrible, almost unwatchable, but back then they seemed perfectly fine?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1cdeu8/eli5why_is_it_that_when_i_watch_tv_recordings/
{ "a_id": [ "c9ff8q7", "c9fg1w2", "c9fm4gf" ], "score": [ 4, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Compared to everything else at the time, they looked pretty much the same. Also, you're probably watching on a much nicer screen now.", "The quality of the equipment you were watching it on was much...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
1m81he
why sometimes paintings that look like a wounded chicken drew them are considered art and could be sold for millions?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1m81he/eli5why_sometimes_paintings_that_look_like_a/
{ "a_id": [ "cc6n194", "cc6oyhc", "cc6r0jt" ], "score": [ 5, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Art isn't all about who can make the most detailed drawings, aesthetics are huge in it. A very detailed and beautiful landscape would fit in nicely with a traditional theme, however minimalist or abstra...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://faculty.txwes.edu/csmeller/human-prospect/ProData09/02WW1CulMatrix/WW1PICs/Cubism/Picasso1881/Pic1937Guer465.jpg" ], [], [] ]
6euilg
how did someone like duterte rise to the power in the philippines ?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6euilg/eli5_how_did_someone_like_duterte_rise_to_the/
{ "a_id": [ "did3dbn", "did5qib" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ "It really comes down to the fact that the Philippines has had a massive problem with drug usage in the past several decades. Along with that is a prosperous organized crime epidemic. Rodrigo Duterte, while he was mayor of Da...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
3s34ly
what is sql? is it one of the simpler programming languages?
I have seen it as a "desired skill" on many job descriptions. I am wondering what makes it useful, and what specific industries it may particularly apply to. Thanks!
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3s34ly/eli5_what_is_sql_is_it_one_of_the_simpler/
{ "a_id": [ "cwtnh59", "cwtnkfw", "cwtp8i8" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "SQL = Structured Query Language.\n\nIt is a language meant for getting/updating data in databases. An example command (so to speak) would be\n INSERT INTO table(col1, col2) VALUES(val1, val2)", ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
21oco3
why isn't canada outrageously wealthy due to their landmass?
So Canada is a wealthy first world country -- but why isn't it disproportionately wealthy compared to other first world countries? Why is the GDP per capita similar to that of France, Germany, Japan, etc? Shouldn't Canada have a huge advantage considering the vast amount of natural resources? Canada can have the same a...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/21oco3/eli5_why_isnt_canada_outrageously_wealthy_due_to/
{ "a_id": [ "cgeygm7", "cgez0yo", "cgezn0o", "cgezxjc", "cgf15d3", "cgf1imc", "cgf1ygj", "cgf2coc", "cgf2em5", "cgf2fcu", "cgf2teh", "cgf2zv1", "cgf31nh", "cgf36az", "cgf39w5", "cgf3cdr", "cgf42xs", "cgf45rh", "cgf49bp", "cgf4ce2", "c...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://business.financialpost.com/2011/08/31/arctic-has-great-riches-but-greater-challenges/" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
2r69bo
how are baitcar operations legal? what makes it not entrapment?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2r69bo/eli5_how_are_baitcar_operations_legal_what_makes/
{ "a_id": [ "cncum1c", "cncun7k", "cncve3q", "cncvpq9" ], "score": [ 11, 5, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Entrapment is when an officer convinces someone to commit a crime they otherwise wouldn't. When bait cars are set up, there's no undercover cop standing there telling them they sh...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
5l7n3u
why do you have to "charge" glow in the dark stuff?
You know how you have to hold glow in the dark items under light to "activate" them? The only answer my drunken, man-child brain can muster is that it traps the light and holds for later use. I'm also pretty sure that is incorrect.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5l7n3u/eli5_why_do_you_have_to_charge_glow_in_the_dark/
{ "a_id": [ "dbtk261", "dbtk4bp" ], "score": [ 5, 19 ], "text": [ "The light is charging the molecules inside. Think of it like this, compare the \"activation\" to winding up a wind up toy and when you stop and let it go it is slowly releasing the energy you built up. Instead of a toy walk...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
1s0zdb
why are probabilities called densities?
It seems there ought to be more to it than *because it shows how the distribution is "weighted"*. Everybody (well, in the math world) throws around stats/prob vocabulary, but a lot of it is non-intuitive. Is there a secret manuscript laying all this out that all proper statisticians have read? So much of what I've see...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1s0zdb/eli5_why_are_probabilities_called_densities/
{ "a_id": [ "cdsx4y6" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Density refers to how tightly packed the elements of a set are. Density as the trivial relationship between mass and volume follows this.\n\n\nObserving probabilities as the relationship of chances and incidences and mapping them to a unitary sca...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
9kit58
how do drugs like kamagra and viagra affect the body?
Hello! I was wondering how these work. I heard that originally it was used for other medicinal purposes and the primary use of it now days was just a side effect. How do they work in the human body? Thank you in advance!
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9kit58/eli5_how_do_drugs_like_kamagra_and_viagra_affect/
{ "a_id": [ "e6zl5t5" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "Your question was so interesting that I looked it up. Thanks for making me learn something interesting\n\nI'll try to explain Viagra (active ingredient sildenafil). Wikipedia says:\n\n > \n\"Sildenafil is a potent and selective inhibitor of [cG...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CGMP-specific_phosphodiesterase_type_5", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corpus_cavernosum_penis" ] ]
3c5ktk
why aren't the joint chiefs five star ranks?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3c5ktk/eli5why_arent_the_joint_chiefs_five_star_ranks/
{ "a_id": [ "cssgzji", "csshlpz" ], "score": [ 6, 2 ], "text": [ "Because the joint chiefs don't individually control everything. They each have control in their respective branches, but they still have to coordinate with each other.\n\nOn the flip side, the president can't be expected to ...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
f21pdq
why is it best for someone with frostbite to warm up slowly?
It seems like the best idea would be to warm them up as quickly as possible, but I’ve heard that’s not the right course of action. Why should you warm them up slowly? And what happens if they warm up too quickly? I’m from the Southeastern US, so I have no experience with extreme cold or frostbite, I’m merely curious
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/f21pdq/eli5_why_is_it_best_for_someone_with_frostbite_to/
{ "a_id": [ "fh9t5al", "fh9uk9s", "fh9x7v5", "fh9ywhv", "fha0yic", "fhajgvj" ], "score": [ 28, 14, 9, 5, 6, 2 ], "text": [ "It's not about you warming up too quickly. A very cold hand is also a numb hand, so you can't tell how hot the water you're putting o...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
2s1ina
how did the states get their shapes?
I actually searched for this and surprisingly it wasn't on /r/eli5 . I googled it also and just came up with a TV show and no real answers. I guess my question is. Was it just who claimed the land while the states were being formed? Or is it a real reason behind the random shapes of the states?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2s1ina/eli5_how_did_the_states_get_their_shapes/
{ "a_id": [ "cnlaelr", "cnlag5z", "cnlakyn", "cnlb44t", "cnlcwku" ], "score": [ 18, 6, 8, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Sometimes it was geographic boundaries like rivers or mountain ranges. Sometimes it was done via treaty with other countries (and they stuck when the state b...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
26ehxp
why don't reboil water? or is it ok?
“What on earth are you doing?! Why are you boiling the water again? You’re not supposed to do that!”
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/26ehxp/eli5_why_dont_reboil_water_or_is_it_ok/
{ "a_id": [ "chq99ge", "chqa0qv", "chqc7jb" ], "score": [ 18, 4, 5 ], "text": [ "Completely false. There's nothing wrong with boiling water a million times, other than the fact that you won't have much left.", "Random fact if you boil water to much it can become deoxygenated th...
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[]
[ [], [], [ "http://amasci.com/weird/microwave/voltage2.html#coffee" ] ]
1sa1kh
if i bought a self driving car, would i need a drivers license?
If these Google mobiles are able to drive all aspects of a trip. i.e. From where ever its parked, to parking at its final destination. Would i need a drivers license? I understand I'll still need insurance, because you cant control other drivers. But if i'm just gonna sit there and either sleep or use some sort of ...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1sa1kh/eli5if_i_bought_a_self_driving_car_would_i_need_a/
{ "a_id": [ "cdvhn2q" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "California is still in the process of creating laws regarding this matter, so I can only give you a speculative answer.\n\nYou would need a drivers license to operate a self driving car in case the system malfunctioned. With that same line of tho...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
fejovi
how are we able to hold our breath for so long? how do our vitals still receive oxygen?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/fejovi/eli5_how_are_we_able_to_hold_our_breath_for_so/
{ "a_id": [ "fjp6nxd", "fjohdnl" ], "score": [ 2, 9 ], "text": [ "Also remember that if you stopped breathing right now, there is enough oxygen in your blood for you to have little to no brain damage for 10 minutes, *as long as your heart keeps pumping*. Sanjay Gupta wrote about this in th...
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[ [], [] ]
3qy7k8
why can't windmills based out at sea have a tidal power element at there base to allow for tidal-energy too ?
At the moment there are hundreds of sea-based windmills for getting marine style wind-power, which are based miles out at sea. My question is: Why don't these incorporate a tidal-power marine-water-turbine at the base of these so that any platform could accumulate tidal aswell as wind-energy ?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3qy7k8/eli5_why_cant_windmills_based_out_at_sea_have_a/
{ "a_id": [ "cwjc2ls" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Because that would merely cost, while only increasing energy production by a very small margin.\n\nWind turbines are placed in areas with high wind, and ideally on sandbanks to reduce installation costs. The chance that this matches with a place ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2qrtf0
why are universities treating education like it is corporate business?
Why don't they lower tution/ costs so that more students can attend to make up for the loss of profit? The cost of higher education contributes so much to the debt of this country that it sounds counter-intuitive to cause such financial strain on future customers. Is the demand for higher education really that high tha...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2qrtf0/eli5why_are_universities_treating_education_like/
{ "a_id": [ "cn8wt5v", "cn8yefp" ], "score": [ 11, 2 ], "text": [ "You named them. More faculty, more housing, more classrooms. Universities are very expensive to run. Qualified professors aren't exactly a dime a dozen, and most universities I've seen are running low on space to expand,...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Financial_endowment", "http://www.acenet.edu/the-presidency/columns-and-features/Pages/state-funding-a-race-to-the-bottom.aspx" ] ]
e7acv9
how does the measles virus wipe out your body's "memory" of immunity to other viruses and why is this not common in other viruses?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/e7acv9/eli5_how_does_the_measles_virus_wipe_out_your/
{ "a_id": [ "f9y94cj" ], "score": [ 9 ], "text": [ "The virus has a proclivity for immune memory cells as targets for infection. This causes the death of the immune memory cells from the action of the virus itself and from elimination by the healthy aspects of the immune system in fighting the inf...
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[]
[ [] ]
196lm5
running, sprinting, and jogging. what's the difference?
I've been running for the past couple of weeks and I have been asked whether I sprint or jog, and I have no idea what the difference is between them. Please help me out!
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/196lm5/eli5_running_sprinting_and_jogging_whats_the/
{ "a_id": [ "c8l9a1o", "c8l9fi5" ], "score": [ 2, 4 ], "text": [ "Sprinting is all out pedal to the metal so to speak ...jogging is maybe half speed... its to get your heart rate up and be able to endure the exhaustion of physical activity ...if that doesn't help google it ", "Running ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
3roln1
asian keyboards
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3roln1/eli5_asian_keyboards/
{ "a_id": [ "cwpwgpr" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Most of them look pretty much like U.S. keyboards.\n\nYou usually type the Japanese or Chinese characters phonetically with standard letters. Then a list of possible matches appears where you are typing, and you can click or arrow to the correct ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
6dizz7
why is it easier for me to remember numbers that are hyphenated (social social security numbers, phone numbers) but hard to remember a long stretch of only numbers?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6dizz7/eli5_why_is_it_easier_for_me_to_remember_numbers/
{ "a_id": [ "di30g19", "di30imn" ], "score": [ 2, 9 ], "text": [ "This is probably due to a memory process called \"chunking\". Basically, your short-term memory can hold around 5 to 9 pieces of information at a time. When you see a string of numbers, such as 457389321, your short-term m...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
42jv13
why is it when a child is learning to speak, the most common constant expressed is a "w"-sound?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/42jv13/eli5_why_is_it_when_a_child_is_learning_to_speak/
{ "a_id": [ "czay1sb", "czay8gz" ], "score": [ 3, 3 ], "text": [ "It's because it's a really easy sound to make. Children learn easy sounds like /m p b w/ etc. first, and then they learn harder sounds later on.", "Not an expert in any way, but I would assume it has something to do with...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
4wiwid
how were 5v and 12v decided on as the "go to" voltages for so many electronic devices, specifically computers?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4wiwid/eli5_how_were_5v_and_12v_decided_on_as_the_go_to/
{ "a_id": [ "d67i29n", "d67i5bt", "d67j52m", "d67maau", "d67ml5v", "d67rqej" ], "score": [ 3, 5, 4, 2, 21, 7 ], "text": [ "Transistor Transistor Logic gates operate on 5Volts. Logical 0 is up to....I think 1.5volts? Logical 1 from 3.5-5v\n\nNot sure wh...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
4atckz
because natural selection is not happening to humans with modern medicine, what does it mean for the human race in the near and distant future?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4atckz/eli5_because_natural_selection_is_not_happening/
{ "a_id": [ "d13a0wy", "d13b4pl", "d13bdea", "d13d3yc" ], "score": [ 5, 20, 6, 2 ], "text": [ "Medical and technological advances will heavily outweigh the potential evolutionary benefits humanity as a species may have possibly gained over thousands of years due to natural ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://www.thelancet.com/cms/attachment/2040893391/2054793694/gr4.jpg" ], [] ]
38gfiw
why do zambonis need to be so big?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/38gfiw/eli5why_do_zambonis_need_to_be_so_big/
{ "a_id": [ "cruu5rw", "cruvvwo", "cruwgyj" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "To hold more warm water so they can clean/smooth ice more effectually. \n\nHow whole internal parts works I am not 100% on. But playing hokey for 10 years you tend to notice things. I know it picks up t...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
edo6go
why does sleep deprivation make you see spiders/bugs on your peripheral vision?
ETA: I’m bipolar and have put myself through bad sleep deprivation during episodes of mania (don’t do this, kids), as well as talked to people who have undergone the same and it seems most people have a similar experience: Spiders > phantom sensations > loss of depth perception > some weird music that feels like it co...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/edo6go/eli5_why_does_sleep_deprivation_make_you_see/
{ "a_id": [ "fbj3cs7" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "I'm pretty sure you are asking why sleep deprivation causes hallucinations, well, sleeping is important for your body, but it's the most important thing for your brain, because during a sleep cycle the brain gets rid of toxins that have accumulat...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://neuroscience.stanford.edu/news/why-do-humans-hallucinate-little-sleep" ] ]
6r3hhp
what determines a person's sense of humor?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6r3hhp/eli5what_determines_a_persons_sense_of_humor/
{ "a_id": [ "dl22ppn", "dl2638k", "dl2ay43" ], "score": [ 7, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Mostly psychological. When a person has good sense of humor, it generally means they are happy, socially confident and likely to have a healthy perspective on life. But this has exceptions because hum...
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[]
[ [], [], [] ]
2qu9s5
how does time lapse video with the different angle work? does someone slowly move the camera to a different location to create that smooth movement?
_URL_0_ here's a few good example but what is the setup like? I would really like to try doing something like this.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2qu9s5/eli5how_does_time_lapse_video_with_the_different/
{ "a_id": [ "cn9k1ve", "cn9srjx" ], "score": [ 6, 2 ], "text": [ "jop, stepper motors and stuff, actually many people build those themselves because its really not dark magic. _URL_0_", "/u/YMK1234 is right. You just build a rig that will move the camera, usually powered by an electric...
[]
[ "http://vimeo.com/31413518" ]
[ [ "http://www.diyphotography.net/build-an-amazing-super-versatile-diy-time-lapse-dolly/" ], [] ]
3m9u9s
how does russia maintain and sustain #2 military in the world with economy smaller than brazil or italy (#10)?
I don't understand how Russia can pump out advanced fighters like PAK-FA or advanced tanks like T-14 Armada MBT, or upgrade their entire tank force to T-90 when they are apparently broke from oil plunge, sanctions, etc... I don't understand!
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3m9u9s/eli5_how_does_russia_maintain_and_sustain_2/
{ "a_id": [ "cvd8vj5", "cvdbnrs" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ "By spending a larger portion of their money on their military. This is how North Korea keeps a large army on a small GDP, they don't spend as much on food. It's all a matter of choices.", "No other country manages to s...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
28vedr
why do you hear a whoosh noise if you put a glass on your ear?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/28vedr/eli5why_do_you_hear_a_whoosh_noise_if_you_put_a/
{ "a_id": [ "cietlbh" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Blood flow in your year. I guess you can hear it because it is amplified in the enclosed space of the glass." ] }
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[ [] ]
6djj8t
how a noun can become a verb, like google or photoshop?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6djj8t/eli5_how_a_noun_can_become_a_verb_like_google_or/
{ "a_id": [ "di356o0" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "People just start using the word as a verb and it becomes popular.\n\nThere's not much more to it than that." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
5rw7yt
how do electronic ph sensors work?
This is pretty much what I wonder about every kind of sensor - electronic scales, cameras, etc. - but the one I especially don't get is an electronic pH probe. What exactly is it that "senses" the H+ ions present in a solution, differentiates from any other kind of dissolved cation, and translates the intensity of the ...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5rw7yt/eli5_how_do_electronic_ph_sensors_work/
{ "a_id": [ "ddanz1j" ], "score": [ 8 ], "text": [ "An electric pH meter is essentially just a voltmeter. An acid solution is essentially half of a battery, so the pH meter brings the rest of the battery along and measures the potential difference between the two leads on the probe. Once you've de...
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[]
[ [] ]
7tgzkc
if light slows down in water, how does it speed back up again when it comes out?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7tgzkc/eli5_if_light_slows_down_in_water_how_does_it/
{ "a_id": [ "dtcfufa", "dtchspt", "dtcr5mu", "dtd5nzj", "dtdt9dg" ], "score": [ 150, 3, 7, 10, 2 ], "text": [ "There's a way to think about this problem that was--IIRC--in Stephen Hawking's *A Brief History of Time*. \n\nImagine a big famous actor walking through a ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://www.reciprocalsystem.com/rs/satz/permit.htm" ], [ "http://www.askamathematician.com/2011/08/q-if-light-slows-down-in-different-materials-then-how-can-it-be-a-universal-speed/" ], [] ]
2r7gqt
store tells me to rub the chip when my debit card is not recognized? the chip is clean, so why does this help?
My debit card has a chip on it. The payment tills at the store often don't recognize it and I am being told to rub the chip. Doing this once or twice usually gets it to work again. What is going on here? I requested a new card already thinking the one I had must be faulty but within a month the problem returned on the ...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2r7gqt/eli5_store_tells_me_to_rub_the_chip_when_my_debit/
{ "a_id": [ "cnd5708", "cndd9g7" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Sometimes a fine layer of oil forms on the chip. Rubbing it removes this layer", "Cashier here, bend the card only slightly so the chip is directed further in the machine. That always work." ] }
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
21crs7
showering after a meal
I was told as a kid that taking a shower right after a meal was bad. I never really got a good reason why though. What are some reasons, if any, as to why it is a bad idea.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/21crs7/eli5_showering_after_a_meal/
{ "a_id": [ "cgbs4xa" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "For a warm shower: Blood gets diverted to the skin, to lower your body's temperature (which increased all of a sudden when you're under hot/warm water). \n\n\nSince this happens on a large surface area (almost your entire body's surface area), th...
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[ [] ]
69x23k
why does the same setting in the shower feel warmer in the summer than in the winter? i've noticed on a warm day, i need to turn the shower down because it feels too hot, but surely it's the same temperature?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/69x23k/eli5_why_does_the_same_setting_in_the_shower_feel/
{ "a_id": [ "dha1gnm", "dha1kti" ], "score": [ 2, 4 ], "text": [ "The water starts warmer in warm weather.\n\nImagine the heater raises the water temp by 20 degrees. If it's 90 outside, it goes to 110. If it's 50 outside, it goes to 70.\n\nThis is a gross oversimplification, of course. But...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
z4vdq
the difference between routers, switches, access points
Its work related and id love to know
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/z4vdq/eli5_the_difference_between_routers_switches/
{ "a_id": [ "c61g3th", "c61hcpt", "c61hsnz" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 6 ], "text": [ "For this example we will keep it simple.\n\nRoutes are smart switches, they can assign IP addreses and handle local and internet traffic.\n\nSwitches are not as smart as routers, they basically add more...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
2l9zhx
why car companies have such a problem with the destruction of their cars in video games , but apparently not that much in the movies ?
Sorry for bad eng :-/
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2l9zhx/eli5_why_car_companies_have_such_a_problem_with/
{ "a_id": [ "clsvmme", "clt4e6e" ], "score": [ 6, 2 ], "text": [ "It depends on the video game. Manufacturers like certain video games and license their vehicles to those games because they put the brand in front of young and impressionable consumers. They also like their product in movies...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
92aym0
what exactly happens with the moon during a full eclipse?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/92aym0/eli5_what_exactly_happens_with_the_moon_during_a/
{ "a_id": [ "e34cj79", "e34cqs6" ], "score": [ 12, 5 ], "text": [ "The Earths shadow lines up with the moon completely blocking out the light from the sun which usually lights it up during the night, like if you put your hand in front of a torch, whatever you were shining the torch at beco...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
cji5bq
why is it that a lizard can jump off insane heights but not take any damage and be fine but if we scaled us down to the size of a lizard we'd die from that high of a fall?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cji5bq/eli5_why_is_it_that_a_lizard_can_jump_off_insane/
{ "a_id": [ "evdgl0v" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Lizards weigh less, so the impact when they land is a lot lower. If I fall, it's equivalent to a 100 pound person landing on me. If a 300 pound person falls, it's equivalent to a 300 pounds of person landing on them. The gecko just takes a few ou...
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[ [] ]
73ijaa
how did medical care become standardized?
It seemed like just 100 years ago, doctors were still going door-to-door diagnosing hysteria on women and not washing their hands. Now we have this complicated system with medical schools and residencies that are consistent across the whole country and everyone learns the same thing. How did that all get standardized w...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/73ijaa/eli5how_did_medical_care_become_standardized/
{ "a_id": [ "dnql7sj" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Many, many smart inventions. I'm not a history geek, so I'm unsure about the specifics, but the conventional microscope was only created in the last hundred - two hundred years. From this, people discovered bacteria, viruses, amoebas, cells, and ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2n5dv4
why do we need the give the security code off the signature strip of credit cards when we buy things online?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2n5dv4/eli5_why_do_we_need_the_give_the_security_code/
{ "a_id": [ "cmaha8s", "cmaha93", "cmai1gl" ], "score": [ 7, 30, 3 ], "text": [ "It's an additional layer of security for online purchases. If someone were to obtain your credit card number (even with the exp date), they would likely be unable to use it online as just about every r...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
4hv2ij
why does sweet and salty food taste better together?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4hv2ij/eli5_why_does_sweet_and_salty_food_taste_better/
{ "a_id": [ "d2sk2j7" ], "score": [ 11 ], "text": [ "We generally do not like the taste of bitter. Salt has the miraculous ability to block the taste of bitter. When we say salt is a \"flavor enhancer\" what we're typically talking about is its capacity to block bitter, allowing other flavors to...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
jaxjs
bosnia
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/jaxjs/eli5_bosnia/
{ "a_id": [ "c2ami4w", "c2ami4w" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "A place where bad people go. ", "A place where bad people go. " ] }
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
3m7rvl
when employers take 1+ weeks to get back to you after an interview, what are they waiting for?
No rejection, no offer, no indication of anything other than "you are still in the process, very busy, please wait". What are some common things they're doing, why don't they reject the candidate already (since in my experience waiting a long time = usually not good) and is waiting for more than a week usually bad?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3m7rvl/eli5_when_employers_take_1_weeks_to_get_back_to/
{ "a_id": [ "cvcp8o3", "cvcpbm2", "cvcpqk7", "cvcpvkk", "cvcq50f", "cvcrpx5" ], "score": [ 12, 9, 2, 3, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "They are interviewing other people. There's really no reason to reject someone immediately, for two reasons: one, it limits their optio...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
7m57ks
difference between led, amoled, lcd, and retina display?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7m57ks/eli5_difference_between_led_amoled_lcd_and_retina/
{ "a_id": [ "drrhaz5", "drrhdyr", "drrhfsd", "drrhvuv", "drrj1rb", "drrkjgu", "drrkz58", "drrlms1", "drrnbbg", "drrnzds", "drro0d9", "drrpfif", "drrq7xd", "drrqeej", "drrtpar", "drrytti", "drs0zmj", "drs24xt", "drs2od5" ], "score": [ ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "https://www.w3schools.com/colors/colors_rgb.asp", "https://imgur.com/a/nbl54", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pixel_density", "https://imgur.com/a/S2KOv", "https://imgur.com/a/uvy8v" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "...
3emyvl
what is the difference between economic espionage and corporate espionage?
This is the article I found that confused me. _URL_0_
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3emyvl/eli5_what_is_the_difference_between_economic/
{ "a_id": [ "ctggocn", "ctggv9g" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "In most contexts they mean the same thing. Specifically referring to China they may be avoiding the term corporate espionage because in a lot of instances the government of China is the one doing the spying and then handing ...
[]
[ "http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2015/07/25/fbi-china-most-predominant-economic-espionage-threat-to-us/" ]
[ [], [ "http://www.cracked.com/blog/we-found-pirates-at-consumer-electronics-show/" ] ]
6nsqhf
why is lifting weights with long arms heavier than with short arms?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6nsqhf/eli5_why_is_lifting_weights_with_long_arms/
{ "a_id": [ "dkbxh2r", "dkcqv6j" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "It deoends on how you're lifting the weights, but usually the shoulder or the elbow will act as a pivot when lifting dumbbells.\n\nThis is because when a force is applied along a rod (arm/forearm) that is fixed to a pivot (s...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2enbqh
why is it bad to defrost/heat up meat twice?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2enbqh/eli5_why_is_it_bad_to_defrostheat_up_meat_twice/
{ "a_id": [ "ck138lu", "ck1h813" ], "score": [ 14, 2 ], "text": [ "Commercially frozen meat is often flash frozen, this means that the ice crystals formed are small and don't damage the meat cells very much. If you freeze meat at home it's a much slower process, Large ice crystals form an ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1r2o1k
water damage is horrible for houses. so what about when constructing a house, and it's completely exposed for weeks, and it rains?
I life in San Francisco and a new house is going up on my block. It's been raining the last few days and I see these guys just going about their business putting up walls and such. The house is just wood framing and a foundation at this point. Isn't this horrible for houses? It must happen all the time.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1r2o1k/eli5_water_damage_is_horrible_for_houses_so_what/
{ "a_id": [ "cdiz2gx", "cdj0ppm", "cdj1slw", "cdj49dc", "cdj8m0k" ], "score": [ 25, 6, 4, 2, 4 ], "text": [ "Water damage is bad because the house traps moisture in, allowing mold to grow and wood to rot.\n\nWhen a house is incomplete and exposed to air, it is able ...
[]
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[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
c4u0wg
physical mimicry in nature
How did it even come to exist? Do the animals just so happen to develop traits over time, that just so happen to share traits of its surroundings? Or do they actively start developing traits with the purpose of looking like its surroundings? Also, how do these animals learn to mimic behaviour of certain things, like ...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/c4u0wg/eli5_physical_mimicry_in_nature/
{ "a_id": [ "eryfvzq" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Evolution occurs by natural selection.\n\nWhat this means is that, in every generation, some individuals will reproduce and some will not. In this case the key point is whether or not each individual was caught by a predator before it had a chanc...
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[ [] ]
6mycyt
how do you distinguish when to use one hyphen and when to use two? (- vs --)
I understand you use one to connect two words like "self-destructed" or "ex boyfriend", but what about in a sentence? Are there different ways to use hyphens in a sentence, or is it a common misconception on how to properly use them?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6mycyt/eli5_how_do_you_distinguish_when_to_use_one/
{ "a_id": [ "dk5bac5", "dk5brks", "dk5n7rw" ], "score": [ 3, 7, 2 ], "text": [ "The \"two hyphens\" you're referring to is called an em dash, which is actually the length of three hyphens. It's used to structure or interject a sentence in a similar way a comma or parenthesis would....
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
1p38w3
how does someone determine if a company is a shell company or not?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1p38w3/how_does_someone_determine_if_a_company_is_a/
{ "a_id": [ "ccye9xt" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "If the company has no registered assets and doesn't do any business, its a shell." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
w828r
the rules of rugby
So, I now live in a country that likes rugby. I looked at the wikipedia article but it makes no sense. Can you explain the rules please?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/w828r/eli5_the_rules_of_rugby/
{ "a_id": [ "c5b2zwf", "c5b30ko", "c5b3aow", "c5b3jx1", "c5b3m47", "c5b45zj", "c5b4iza", "c5bbk2l" ], "score": [ 3, 5, 59, 14, 2, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "There are 3 main rules of Rugby you need to know:\n\n1 the ball must go backwards unless k...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKgV8Go9t3o" ], [ "http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xldymd_lynx-rules-to-rugby-nz_lifestyle" ], [ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEQyCcageGg" ], [ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRigOe2IHFM", "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjREZB...
40t4wk
how do dictionaries determine the earliest known use of a word?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/40t4wk/eli5_how_do_dictionaries_determine_the_earliest/
{ "a_id": [ "cywuhym", "cywuj2z", "cywujyf" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "It's the first \"known\" use, so they take the first use that they are aware of and put it in. There's no guarantee it's the actual earliest use of the word. If an earlier use of the word shows up, then...
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[ [], [], [] ]
73v7he
in cases of mass shootings with one perpetrator, why do witnesses often report seeing multiple attackers?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/73v7he/eli5_in_cases_of_mass_shootings_with_one/
{ "a_id": [ "dntd1ue", "dntdfg9" ], "score": [ 12, 5 ], "text": [ "Gunshots are very loud. That means that they echo in situations where other sounds wouldn't have audible echos. They hear shots from several directions, and tell that to the police, who decide to play it safe and act as t...
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[ [], [] ]
24de1d
if families like rockefeller and rothschild have are famous for being rich and powerful, how come none of their members appear on rich lists online?
I was just curious to find out how much they are worth, but am struggling to find that information
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/24de1d/eli5_if_families_like_rockefeller_and_rothschild/
{ "a_id": [ "ch608bb", "ch60aa0", "ch60bhl", "ch6125i" ], "score": [ 5, 2, 4, 4 ], "text": [ "I think there are a couple reasons. First, old families get very adept at hiding their assets. Second, over time the wealth becomes very diffused so not one person holds that muc...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://www.forbes.com/2002/02/28/0228dynasties.html" ], [ "http://www.vox.com/2014/4/24/5643780/who-is-thomas-piketty#interview" ], [] ]
j9j68
the process of applying to and going to a four year college.
What steps does someone have to take in order to go to college? How is it paid for? Are the SAT's necessary?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/j9j68/eli5_the_process_of_applying_to_and_going_to_a/
{ "a_id": [ "c2a9ges", "c2a9k1j", "c2a9ges", "c2a9k1j" ], "score": [ 4, 4, 4, 4 ], "text": [ "Those are some good questions! It's been a few years since I've had to complete the whole process, but I'll do my best.\n\nIn order to go to college, you need to do a few things. Y...
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[ [], [], [], [] ]
4665mv
why does the smell of heated food spread easily?
When I toast some hot cross buns in the toaster, pretty soon the whole house is filled with the scent of fresh hot cross buns. However, room temperature or cold food doesn't have its scent travel at all, you need to be right next to it to smell it. How is this "scent amplification" caused?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4665mv/eli5_why_does_the_smell_of_heated_food_spread/
{ "a_id": [ "d02rl71", "d02vjji", "d031te3", "d032ohr" ], "score": [ 4, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "A scent is actually physical particles that have spread out into the air and get inhaled into your nose.\n\nHotter gases or molecules have more energy, and move around much more qu...
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[ [], [], [], [] ]
2i1ser
what's the big deal about the internet of things? why do people think it will change the world, and why do they think it will be worth hundreds of billions of dollars?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2i1ser/eli5_whats_the_big_deal_about_the_internet_of/
{ "a_id": [ "cky1h35" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "It means extending the configurability, extensibility, easy of access, and all the other perks of the Internet to everyday objects. It'll be amazing. Right now it's trivial to integrate your email to your cellphone, or some app to some other serv...
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5y6y56
why do we often feel more sad when viewing or hearing about animal suffering/death, than we do about the equivalent in humans?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5y6y56/eli5_why_do_we_often_feel_more_sad_when_viewing/
{ "a_id": [ "denn9jr", "denpuk6" ], "score": [ 11, 2 ], "text": [ "There's a thing called the [Just-World Hypothesis](_URL_0_). Humans want to think that the world is a fair place; so when we hear about something bad happening to someone, there's a tendency to think of a reason they *dese...
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[]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Just-world_hypothesis" ], [] ]
3b7ns8
why are words like "queue" and "tea" have so many unnecessary letters behind them?
And others like "Jeopordy" and "colonel".
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3b7ns8/eli5_why_are_words_like_queue_and_tea_have_so/
{ "a_id": [ "csjlto1" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Some of them indicate a specific pronunciation. For example, the *ea* in \"tea\" indicates that it should be pronounced with the long e sound (\"eeee\"). Removing the a from the end would give you *te*, which could be pronounced \"teh\", \"tay\...
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[ [] ]
pstrb
the mindset of very rich people that are trying to get even richer
Why people like Rupert Murdoch want to get even richer and many times are (accused of) doing it by immoral ways? There are many conspiracy theories about how super rich are screwing millions of lifes to get even richer. Why they would do that?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/pstrb/eli5_the_mindset_of_very_rich_people_that_are/
{ "a_id": [ "c3rydes", "c3rz6jo", "c3rzbvc", "c3rzxns", "c3s0ml3", "c3s1u6d", "c3s4saz", "c3sa591" ], "score": [ 8, 10, 3, 5, 5, 4, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "You ever seen the show \"Hoarders\"? Some people do that with money.", "Some people de...
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[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
1j0vtg
why do a lot of mentally disabled people look alike?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1j0vtg/why_do_a_lot_of_mentally_disabled_people_look/
{ "a_id": [ "cb9ye4v", "cb9yini", "cb9ymwf", "cb9z8nf", "cb9zg1f", "cba006l", "cba00zj", "cba05am", "cba0di2", "cba0doh", "cba0f3d", "cba0vof", "cba1d67", "cba1g69", "cba1koq", "cba1kxb", "cba1m7r", "cba1wt1", "cba210a", "cba2xz5", "c...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Down_syndrome#Signs_and_symptoms" ], [], [], [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1j0vtg/why_do_a_lot_of_mentally_disabled_people_look/cb9ymwf" ], [], [], [ "http://depts.washington.edu/fasdpn/htmls/fas-face.htm" ], [], [...
2pjwss
why does it make sense to design new paper money that is harder to fake, if the old bank notes are still valid?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2pjwss/eli5_why_does_it_make_sense_to_design_new_paper/
{ "a_id": [ "cmxdcw2", "cmxence" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "I'd imagine it's because the old bank notes would be slowly weeded out of circulation, but the process cannot begin without the new bank notes.", "Unless artificially aged, brand new counterfeit banknotes in the style of...
[]
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[ [], [] ]
22zfwn
what types of jobs do people in the cia actually do? how many people actually work as secret agents and whatnot?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/22zfwn/eli5_what_types_of_jobs_do_people_in_the_cia/
{ "a_id": [ "cgrwe6t", "cgrwj2a", "cgrwuec" ], "score": [ 3, 7, 2 ], "text": [ "Nice try Putin.", "There are tons of jobs in the CIA, from accountants and doctors to special operations types. The closest thing to James Bond would be guys from the Special Activities Division, th...
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[]
[ [], [], [] ]
490i91
why are for-profit universities (devry, ashford, phoenix, etc.) under so much scrutiny?
What makes them unpopular choices? How are they bad? And if they're as bad as I hear, why haven't they been shut down?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/490i91/eli5_why_are_forprofit_universities_devry_ashford/
{ "a_id": [ "d0o3l23" ], "score": [ 9 ], "text": [ "For-profit universities tend to be HUGELY profitable, but there's no real mechanism for shutting them down when they're bad. The government doesn't license higher education, so they have no power to do so. Traditional universities seek accredit...
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[ [] ]
5uwsbl
how does a common cold give me a headache?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5uwsbl/eli5_how_does_a_common_cold_give_me_a_headache/
{ "a_id": [ "ddxjn34" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "The cold virus reproduces by hijacking the genetic machinery of host cells and causing host cells to manufacture copies of the virus. The virus then destroys the host cell outer membrane so that copies of the virus can escape the host cell and in...
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[ [] ]
4b4wkr
erdogan's politics. turkey is a democratic country, why is he still in power?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4b4wkr/eli5_erdogans_politics_turkey_is_a_democratic/
{ "a_id": [ "d163u0b" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "He is in power because more people support him than oppose him. Turkey is, in a way, an extreme form of the US in that it's split between eastern turkey and western turkey. Eastern Turkey is very islamic and the entire country has tilted that way...
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[ [] ]
1caybj
the end of the movie stanley kubrik's "the shining"
[Specifically with this photo] (_URL_0_) And what did Delvard Grady mean when he said that he (Jack's character) "had always been the care taker" there?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1caybj/eli5_the_end_of_the_movie_stanley_kubriks_the/
{ "a_id": [ "c9eqram", "c9esadj" ], "score": [ 7, 3 ], "text": [ "i assumed he was possessed by the spirit of the previous caretaker. basically the hotel is evil and the spirits inside consume him. the photo appears after his death- and now he is one of the ghosts doomed to haunt the hotel...
[]
[ "http://propaholics.wolfchasers.com/uploader/users/public/k44965ShiningPictureq228.jpg" ]
[ [], [] ]
9azwl8
if the universe is infinite, why is there doubt that there are other lifeforms?
& #x200B;
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9azwl8/eli5_if_the_universe_is_infinite_why_is_there/
{ "a_id": [ "e4za8pi", "e4zatb3", "e4zb8az", "e4zdq1e" ], "score": [ 7, 5, 4, 5 ], "text": [ "The universe being infinite doesn't necessitate that everything happen in that universe. A unique event could still exist. Nor do we know the starting conditions of life, and with ...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjtOGPJ0URM", "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eujwxh_r43E", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drake_equation" ] ]
3bogqb
if a hospital has to be evacuated, what happens to patients that are in the middle of surgery?
EDIT: Perhaps I should clarify...middle of RECEIVING surgery!
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3bogqb/eli5_if_a_hospital_has_to_be_evacuated_what/
{ "a_id": [ "cso0bn6", "cso4bub" ], "score": [ 15, 8 ], "text": [ "Standard practice would be to get them stable enough for transfer. There would be a lot of variables depending on the type of surgery, and how far along they were in it. Evacuation of a building as large as a hospital is no...
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[ [], [] ]
2tj7kv
why are people able to get away by not paying child support?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2tj7kv/eli5why_are_people_able_to_get_away_by_not_paying/
{ "a_id": [ "cnzjoli" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "It's very difficult to get someone jailed for not paying what they owe. You have to prove that they *could* pay but choose not to; even when that's possible, we're generally uncomfortable with the idea of jailing people for not paying debts.\n\nT...
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at1m2i
ancient languages deciphered
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/at1m2i/eli5_ancient_languages_deciphered/
{ "a_id": [ "egy2aps" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "Your specific example of Sanskrit actually never needed to be “discovered”, because people didn’t stop using it. It became kind of like Latin for India and Asia, and continued to be studied by scholars throughout the centuries.\n\nThat said, lang...
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[ [] ]