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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
3ft9ty | what would've happened if the asteroid didn't greatly affect the dinosaurs and never struck earth? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3ft9ty/eli5_what_wouldve_happened_if_the_asteroid_didnt/ | {
"a_id": [
"ctrqp19"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"Well, it's a pretty safe bet that we wouldn't be here.\n\nBut that meteor was a huge extinction event - thousands of species were wiped out over a very short time, geologically speaking. They would have lived and developed far longer, some going... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
18mvth | why is my pee sometimes white, sometimes yellow and sometimes orange? and what does it mean? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/18mvth/eli5_why_is_my_pee_sometimes_white_sometimes/ | {
"a_id": [
"c8g67za",
"c8g681b",
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"c8g8i34",
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"score": [
5,
3,
3,
5,
2,
2
],
"text": [
"If your pee is white then go to a doctor",
"When you pee you get rid of chemicals that your body doesn't need any more. It's like wi... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
3bvl5f | why can you learn so much after watching youtube videos and khan academy tutorials for just one year, but learn so little after spending 12 years in school and 4 years in college? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3bvl5f/eli5_why_can_you_learn_so_much_after_watching/ | {
"a_id": [
"cspw3j8",
"cspwcv6",
"cspwmuz"
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"score": [
2,
2,
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],
"text": [
"A lot of times people are more motivated to learn when its leadt expected. School and college are many times a burden, you are presured by parent, society etc. To succeed and that makes you rebel or hi... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
83y052 | how is mcafee antivirus still around when pretty much everyone considers it a piece of crap ? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/83y052/eli5how_is_mcafee_antivirus_still_around_when/ | {
"a_id": [
"dvlc0ne"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"McAfee pays Lenovo, etc, to bundle it with their computers. They do this because *some* people get used to it, or assume it's good because they trust Lenovo, and those people later purchase McAfee. The software included is just a trial, and using... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
70cnpk | what exactly is the "95" percent of the ocean we have not explored? | I know the entire seafloor has been mapped at at least 5km, some areas more, but what are the areas we haven't seen? Like, mountains or trenches or just the ocean fllor or what? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/70cnpk/eli5_what_exactly_is_the_95_percent_of_the_ocean/ | {
"a_id": [
"dn25ben",
"dn263fb"
],
"score": [
3,
20
],
"text": [
"Here is a link that may help explain.\n\n_URL_0_\n\nThe cliff notes version is that its the super deep parts that would require a physical craft to navigate and map.\n",
"We've \"mapped\" the ocean floor in the sense th... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://moocs.southampton.ac.uk/oceans/2014/10/04/mapping-the-deep-and-the-real-story-behind-the-95-unexplored-oceans/"
],
[]
] | |
5xf8zc | how does the cia handle hiring people like janitors, maintenance, delivery building workers? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5xf8zc/eli5_how_does_the_cia_handle_hiring_people_like/ | {
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"score": [
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8,
4,
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"text": [
"They just check their credit history and run background checks. If you aren't in a lot of debt or have a history of being sketchy then you aren't a high risk for committing a felo... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"usajobs.gov"
],
[],
[]
] | ||
dfc4lc | what causes random pains that feel like something is biting or pinching you on your skin when nothing is actually causing it? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/dfc4lc/eli5_what_causes_random_pains_that_feel_like/ | {
"a_id": [
"f328ffn",
"f328yec",
"f329d6e",
"f329yq6",
"f32ahy7"
],
"score": [
3,
9,
2,
4,
3
],
"text": [
"Question: are these sensations painful or more like a tingly feeling?",
"I've heard that a varicose capillary breaking can feel like a sting. They look li... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
3qpte5 | why are everyone in '50s & '60s photos so thin? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3qpte5/eli5_why_are_everyone_in_50s_60s_photos_so_thin/ | {
"a_id": [
"cwh95vw",
"cwh96q9",
"cwh9bwf",
"cwh9ut8",
"cwhfa6j"
],
"score": [
14,
14,
3,
4,
72
],
"text": [
"Well adults in the 50's lived through the great depression, WWI and WWII. Food wasn't exactly over-abundant during these times. Also fast food wasn't very ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
7nt7ai | if you're in america and forces to have an ambulance ride, do you have to pay? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7nt7ai/eli5_if_youre_in_america_and_forces_to_have_an/ | {
"a_id": [
"ds4bt2o",
"ds4bub0"
],
"score": [
3,
2
],
"text": [
"Yes. There are people with serious health issues who are forced to wear things which specifically say not to call an ambulance - because they wouldn't be able to afford it. Many people have been using UBER to get to hospital... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
4vj5jp | how are copyrighted albums available for free on youtube? | I’ve seen tons of videos on YouTube which are an album of an artist, lasting for the full length of the actual album. These videos have thousands or even millions of views, and I was wondering why they haven’t been taken down yet.
Doesn’t YouTube’s Content ID system automatically detect copyrighted video, music, or so... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4vj5jp/eli5_how_are_copyrighted_albums_available_for/ | {
"a_id": [
"d5ysed4",
"d5ytehx"
],
"score": [
6,
8
],
"text": [
"Probably because the artist themselves posted it? On YouTube, getting a ton of views will net you ad revenue, so the artists conclude that monetizing like that is worth it.",
"One explanation of possibly many:\n\nSome ar... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
y6pix | the whole dotcom situation | I know they raided his house down and are accusing him of assault but why and what did he do? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/y6pix/eli5_the_whole_dotcom_situation/ | {
"a_id": [
"c5t2p5z"
],
"score": [
5
],
"text": [
"Kim DotCom is the founder and owner of the file sharing site, MegaUpload. The purpose of the site is to help share files (whether it's a photo, document, or video) that are ultimately to big to share through means of email. One can simply upload ... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
2nftfx | why i sometimes get random pangs of pain on my skin | Every once in a while, I'll get random pangs of pain on my skin, comparable to a fire-ant bite. Is there a psychological or physiological reason for this?
Edit: thank yall for all of the responses, TIL! | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2nftfx/eli5_why_i_sometimes_get_random_pangs_of_pain_on/ | {
"a_id": [
"cmde5u7",
"cmdfc77",
"cmdgz40"
],
"score": [
6,
11,
2
],
"text": [
"I get those too! im curious as to what is happening there.",
"I always assumed it was just a basic nerve/muscle spasm. As far as I know they're called 'Fasiculations' and the causes behind them are... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
3a86fi | why is there an increase in the number of insects and other critters in my home in the summer, vs in the winter, shouldn't it be the other way around? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3a86fi/eli5_why_is_there_an_increase_in_the_number_of/ | {
"a_id": [
"csa5s9u"
],
"score": [
5
],
"text": [
"Because there are more insects. Most insects will hibernate or simply allow most of the species to die off in the winter and let eggs hatch in the spring.\n\nIn the summer you have all those insects able to live easily and therefore they are grow... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
59l2nd | this joke from a tweet. it was very popular but i just don't get it. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/59l2nd/eli5_this_joke_from_a_tweet_it_was_very_popular/ | {
"a_id": [
"d99b14w"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"The point is that the guy lied to his date by saying Bon Jovi was his cousin, presumably because he's otherwise not interesting enough to warrant going out with."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
f19k4i | what is water weight? | What does it mean when you lose or gain “water weight”. Is it as simple as you’ve drank a lot of water, then pee it out? Does that count as weight? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/f19k4i/eli5_what_is_water_weight/ | {
"a_id": [
"fh2rbvm",
"fh2scjf",
"fh2stt0",
"fh2tczu",
"fh2thkk",
"fh2tw11",
"fh6zsp1"
],
"score": [
12,
3,
2,
2,
2,
3,
2
],
"text": [
"I have lost 3 pounds in one workout before. There's no way I lost 3 pounds in fat; it was primarily sweat",
... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
6yr5tq | how do large sea animals leap so high out of water? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6yr5tq/eli5_how_do_large_sea_animals_leap_so_high_out_of/ | {
"a_id": [
"dmpiqle",
"dmpj35f",
"dmq2s7h"
],
"score": [
5,
10,
2
],
"text": [
"They don't leap so high really. At least not to them on their scale.\n\nThe beastie begins the jump deep under water where you can't see. It has plenty of time to do a full-on sprinting swim straight... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
29efa5 | if an alcubierre drive requires nonexistent exotic matter, why is nasa pursuing it? | Recently there was talk in /r/science about the Alcubierre Drive and somebody brought up the exotic matter problem. What is the purpose of spending time/money deciding on how to build a drive when you are missing one of the primary components is not known to exist? Shouldn't the priority be to determine whether or no... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/29efa5/eli5_if_an_alcubierre_drive_requires_nonexistent/ | {
"a_id": [
"cik3m0s",
"cik7js6",
"cil6fwq"
],
"score": [
2,
3,
2
],
"text": [
"Alcubierre proposed using the [Casmir Vacuum](_URL_0_) between parallel plates to produce the needed effect of the exotic matter. So they have at least a theoretical idea of how they could do it.\n\nTh... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casimir_effect",
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alcubierre_drive"
],
[],
[]
] | |
1enxau | why do other subreddits get in huge trouble for voting brigades but the admins do nothing about srs? | Honest question. Are admins involved in SRS, are they scared of SRS? I do not understand | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1enxau/eli5_why_do_other_subreddits_get_in_huge_trouble/ | {
"a_id": [
"ca21o04"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"Because the SRS moderators explicitly say not to do voting brigades.\n\nIt's also not clear that individual members of SRS do voting brigades. Most linked comments don't end up dropping below the vote total from when they were submitted."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
1ltbne | why is gmail (or most email service) free? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1ltbne/eli5_why_is_gmail_or_most_email_service_free/ | {
"a_id": [
"cc2inpr",
"cc2isli",
"cc2lk3a"
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"score": [
4,
13,
2
],
"text": [
"When an internet service is free, *you* are the product. Email providers give you email service in return for information about you so they can sell targeted ads. Google is an ad company. Something lik... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
ec9paz | why does australia experience extreme weather conditions? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ec9paz/eli5_why_does_australia_experience_extreme/ | {
"a_id": [
"fba00j1"
],
"score": [
4
],
"text": [
"It’s in the middle of the ocean. Nothing else around it really influences the weather patterns. Despite being so far south, the Southern regions experience some really high temperatures, like 44+ (in new money) every year."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
f9b9nq | what's the difference between mastering and engineering music? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/f9b9nq/eli5_whats_the_difference_between_mastering_and/ | {
"a_id": [
"fiqeij1",
"fiqeiyi",
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"score": [
19,
2,
4
],
"text": [
"* Mastering is the process of taking a finished recording and tweaking it so that it sounds best on a specific format.\n* When an artist finishes a song, it will get mastered differently for CD than it... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
4xpnh1 | how can a flood rise as high as a house? what prevents the water from just draining? | If I pour water on the floor it instantly flows off in all directions. Why doesn't this just happen in a larger scale during a flood? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4xpnh1/eli5_how_can_a_flood_rise_as_high_as_a_house_what/ | {
"a_id": [
"d6hfach",
"d6hm416"
],
"score": [
2,
3
],
"text": [
"Because your floor is flat and smooth, and the ground isn't.\n\nRivers tend to be in depressions or valleys that they carve for themselves over thousands/millions of years. When the river overflows its banks it flows into it... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
9t31sj | die randomness affected by number placement? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9t31sj/eli5_die_randomness_affected_by_number_placement/ | {
"a_id": [
"e8tao3o",
"e8tauez"
],
"score": [
4,
2
],
"text": [
"Technically speaking it's still 'random', but the real reason you want to use an evenly distributed d20 is that it becomes easy to manipulate rolls with careful rolling of a spindown d20. With a bit of practice you can roll ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
4qfrkm | if i put an incredibly powerful electromagnet next to someone, could the magnetism move all their blood over? | If blood contains iron, and iron is magnetic, if I placed an incredibly powerful magnet next to that person, could I move their blood over, or even cause serious health problems? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4qfrkm/eli5if_i_put_an_incredibly_powerful_electromagnet/ | {
"a_id": [
"d4skn2l",
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"score": [
5,
4
],
"text": [
" > If blood contains iron, and iron is magnetic, if I placed an incredibly powerful magnet next to that person, could I move their blood over, or even cause serious health problems?\n\nConceptually, yes. But then water is a... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
25dqes | why is matter defined as it is? | The textbook school definition says that matter is anything that takes space and has mass. Why does the definition need both? Is there some random material that has mass but not space, or vice versa? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/25dqes/eli5_why_is_matter_defined_as_it_is/ | {
"a_id": [
"chg5ygi",
"chg7uh5"
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"score": [
4,
2
],
"text": [
"Technically speaking that'd make antimatter matter.\n\nWikipedia says that\n\n > ...matter does not have a universal definition, nor is it a fundamental concept, in physics today.",
"Cold vacuum consists of space contain... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
5xain2 | help calculating interest rates | Hi, im a little embarrased to ask this since i had finance training, like a gillion years ago.
the thing is: i have a set of investments that once finished, had a IRR (% of return) of x%. the investment lasted 138 days.
i want to normalize this tax to an anual and mensual rate.
so far i'm doing something pretty horri... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5xain2/eli5_help_calculating_interest_rates/ | {
"a_id": [
"degjt20"
],
"score": [
4
],
"text": [
"I think the error is in your division by days. Seeing 10% growth in 100 days isnt the same as .1% each day. (In this case .1% for 100 days is a growth rate of 1.001^100 which is 10.51156% =/= 10%). Instead take (original amount)*(growth over 138 ... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
2wz5bq | why does every youtube channel want me to subscribe? | What do they get? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2wz5bq/eli5_why_does_every_youtube_channel_want_me_to/ | {
"a_id": [
"covf8qz"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"A reasonably good idea of how many people like and will watch their stuff."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
4w4xy3 | why aren't campaign contribution caps a thing so we aren't stuck with crappy choices for the presidency? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4w4xy3/eli5_why_arent_campaign_contribution_caps_a_thing/ | {
"a_id": [
"d64011v",
"d6401oz",
"d6407hi"
],
"score": [
7,
3,
2
],
"text": [
"Individual contributions to candidates are capped at $2,700 per person. The issue is you have people who have their own money (Donald Trump) and Super PACs. Super PACs have to be independent from candid... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
3mvs6a | why do moms who kill their newborns get such reduced sentences compared to your average murderer? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3mvs6a/eli5_why_do_moms_who_kill_their_newborns_get_such/ | {
"a_id": [
"cvik1dk",
"cvik59a"
],
"score": [
5,
4
],
"text": [
"I'm not sure this is true. What does the \"average murderer\" get? What is the \"average murderer\" anyway? Most homicides are committed against people the killer knew (or they're reckless/accidental, like vehicular homic... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
9um52n | what exactly is software maintenance? | As far as i know code does not degrade over time like a car does so what would a maintainer of software be doing? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9um52n/eli5what_exactly_is_software_maintenance/ | {
"a_id": [
"e95aqsx",
"e95aw5g"
],
"score": [
11,
2
],
"text": [
"1. Bug fixes. No software is perfect, and sometimes bugs are only found after the software has already been deployed for years because some user used it in an unexpected way.\n\n2. Adaptation to updating environments. Perha... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
9w8usf | why sugar-free drinks still taste sweet? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9w8usf/eli5_why_sugarfree_drinks_still_taste_sweet/ | {
"a_id": [
"e9isin5"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"ELI20: Sugar-free drinks contain sugar-like molecules, like aspartame, that bind to the same receptors in your taste buds that sugar binds to, causing your brain to think of a sweet taste.\n\nELI5: Calor-free fake-sugar is added to the drink.\n\n... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
b6zfd9 | what happens inside the computer when you, for example save a word document onto the hard drive? | To rephrase it, how does a computer store data? What is the process?? I know the computer reads binary numbers but when you save a document, does the CPU recognize it and then sends the signal to the hard drive?
Thank you reddit | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/b6zfd9/eli5_what_happens_inside_the_computer_when_you/ | {
"a_id": [
"ejo54sk",
"ejo6qz5"
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"score": [
6,
2
],
"text": [
"There's a pretty big difference in recording data on a hard drive and a solid state drive/flash drive. For a hard drive, there are several magnetic platters stacked on top of each other, for maximum data storage. The platter... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
6nvfgr | how come some recycling bins accept different types of material? | Where I'm from we usually have bins for "mixed" trash and for plastic, glass and paper together. Doesn't it defeat the purpose of recycling though, making it mixed anyway? Or is there some simple way they can separate those quickly? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6nvfgr/eli5_how_come_some_recycling_bins_accept/ | {
"a_id": [
"dkchwws",
"dkcjr81"
],
"score": [
2,
2
],
"text": [
"In places that use these bins, the recycling center has machines or employees that sort the materials efficiently. For example, magnets pull out the iron/steel, fans blow much of the paper to one side, etc.\n\nHere's one. _U... | [] | [] | [
[
"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODu2kbpVSXg"
],
[]
] | |
crgwvj | how do s3 buckets work? what’s the purpose? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/crgwvj/eli5_how_do_s3_buckets_work_whats_the_purpose/ | {
"a_id": [
"ex56tmj"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"Oof. Could you clarify what you mean when you ask how they work? They are basically similar to a hard drive in the cloud. \n\nThey have many purposes, honestly. You can use them as a long term backup storage system. You can use them as a static w... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
d2wkzl | why can’t you dispense water out of the fridge while a door is open ? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/d2wkzl/eli5_why_cant_you_dispense_water_out_of_the/ | {
"a_id": [
"ezx8qc4",
"ezxagnx"
],
"score": [
2,
2
],
"text": [
"Its a mechanism built into the fridge to prevent the \nwater button from being push when you open the fridge.",
"The water (and ice) dont cone from the door. They come from hoses inside that are fed to the door. At least... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
2scyfx | why are people recently saying you should be allowed to be offended by someone practising free speech but racism gets prosecuted? | I might be totally misunderstanding what people are saying in recent topics. Basically why is the french magazine allowed to openly offend millions (billions) of people by mocking the prophet but people get prosecuted for mocking (offending) different ethnicities?
edit: not racist ha, just confused on the line or by ... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2scyfx/eli5_why_are_people_recently_saying_you_should_be/ | {
"a_id": [
"cnobl4p",
"cnobxac"
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"score": [
2,
5
],
"text": [
"People make fun of and fun from religion all the time. It is not racist. What is happening is extremists are killing people because of radical Islamist getting pissed a about Muhammad. It's as stupid as the fight that ISIS i... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
4zbshf | are you more likely to develop an allergy to nuts if you eat them excessively? | I love nuts and nut butter products. I've always been told that if I eat them in an excessive amount then I'm more likely to develop an allergy to them. Is this true? Why is this? Why does your body suddenly decide it's allergic to something? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4zbshf/elif_are_you_more_likely_to_develop_an_allergy_to/ | {
"a_id": [
"d6upmam"
],
"score": [
9
],
"text": [
"That's not true. In fact the opposite is true. Allergies happen because your body sees something it hasn't seen before, goes \"oh shit. What the fuck is that?\", and goes berserk trying to destroy it. By consuming a lot of nuts, your body is expo... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
25otca | if humans first entered the americas from the bering land bridge, why are the oldest remains found in south america? | Original post was removed for not containing ELI5. Only one person had commented. Saying that for the remains to survive they need to be prepared but we find accidental burials in south america like the 13000 year old skeleton found in mexico recently that arent prepared. Wouldnt it be just as likely for that to occur ... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/25otca/eli5_if_humans_first_entered_the_americas_from/ | {
"a_id": [
"chjalee"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"The Clovis site, which is in northern New Mexico, is considered by many archaeologists to be the oldest site that we have hard evidence for, and it's dated to around 13,000 years ago (older than the Mexican one they recently found). The dating of... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
fjf2eb | how come we almost never see flowers in the forest? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/fjf2eb/elif_how_come_we_almost_never_see_flowers_in_the/ | {
"a_id": [
"fkmnd6f"
],
"score": [
8
],
"text": [
"Flowers take a lot of energy to make. Plants get their energy from sunlight. So in dense forests the trees shade the ground and don't leave enough sunlight for flowering plants to thrive."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
3hu3k9 | what happens if i accidentally put diesel in a gas car, and gas in a diesel car? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3hu3k9/eli5_what_happens_if_i_accidentally_put_diesel_in/ | {
"a_id": [
"cuaj5v0",
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"score": [
5,
8,
2
],
"text": [
"I'd like to know the same thing about the new (high octane?) gas that some newer cars run on but you're not supposed to put in older cars",
"Diesel is a good lubricant. The high pressure fuel pumps ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
5xn3o9 | what is the purpose of the international space station? | And the space program in general for that matter. Like most people reading this right now, I'm a science oriented thinker driven by curiosity and turned on by knowledge. I hear political arguments on the opposing view that (US tax) money is better spent elsewhere. What are the main goals and expectations of the spac... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5xn3o9/eli5_what_is_the_purpose_of_the_international/ | {
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"score": [
76,
37,
65,
4,
3
],
"text": [
"The space station is currently used for conducting experiments in micro gravity. But it can also be used as a checkpoint for longer missions that require h... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"https://www.google.com/amp/www.universetoday.com/37079/benefits-of-space-exploration/amp/"
],
[],
[],
[
"http://www.lettersofnote.com/2012/08/why-explore-space.html"
]
] | |
9afjd6 | why do some brands have different names on east/west coasts? example: rallys/checkers, kroger/ralphs | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9afjd6/eli5_why_do_some_brands_have_different_names_on/ | {
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"e4v0uwn",
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"score": [
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21,
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],
"text": [
"Marketing\n\nMaybe in one region it's called one thing but in another region there's already something called that, or something too similar.\n\nMaybe in one region the name is to... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
3ju350 | the different types of russian federal subjects. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3ju350/eli5the_different_types_of_russian_federal/ | {
"a_id": [
"cusbe3d"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"Republics are places that were traditionally populated by a non-Russian ethnic group. They are given this type to appease/support the minority, to give them quasi-statehood. Republics can adopt their own constitution and state language (which i... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
455teg | what's the difference between delegates/super delegates and how can they vote against the popular vote? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/455teg/eli5_whats_the_difference_between_delegatessuper/ | {
"a_id": [
"czvgxpx",
"czvkp4u"
],
"score": [
12,
3
],
"text": [
"I'll copy/paste what I posted [here](_URL_0_):\n\n > Like the general election, the presidential primaries aren't decided by the popular vote. Instead of an electoral college, though, winners of the parties' primaries are d... | [] | [] | [
[
"https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/455s65/eli5_what_is_the_difference_between_delegates_and/"
],
[]
] | ||
6v1v2h | how did the oceans of our earth get polluted with mercury? | And will it ever automatically disappear or can we do anything about it? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6v1v2h/eli5_how_did_the_oceans_of_our_earth_get_polluted/ | {
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"dlxckxf",
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"score": [
6,
2,
3,
2
],
"text": [
"First, mercury is an important reagent in several heavy chemical industry processes (chorine production, afaik, is the most important). Then waste from such processes is flushed ou... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_pollution_in_the_ocean"
],
[],
[]
] | |
3tcjw0 | why the great nations just don't bomb the islamic state headquarters and kill their leaders and the ayatollahs? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3tcjw0/eli5_why_the_great_nations_just_dont_bomb_the/ | {
"a_id": [
"cx4ztrg",
"cx51loq"
],
"score": [
3,
2
],
"text": [
"Because unfortunately that won't cause all of it's members to unanimously drop their weapons/plans/beliefs and just stop doing what they are doing. The issue with the fanatacism that is so rampant in the Middle East, is that... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
5jwzdu | the "fake news" scandal, in as few words as possible | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5jwzdu/eli5_the_fake_news_scandal_in_as_few_words_as/ | {
"a_id": [
"dbjkyue",
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"dbjslr4",
"dbjsxj2",
"dbjsygo",
"dbjta6u",
"dbjtg0w",
"dbjtuj8",
"d... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[
"http://www.npr.org/sections/money/2016/12/02/504155809/episode-739-finding-the-fake-news-king",
"DenverGuardian.com"
],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[
"https://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/perspectives/PE100/PE198/RAND_PE198.pdf",
"https:... | ||
vlivi | why did people used to think masturbating made you blind? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/vlivi/eli5_why_did_people_used_to_think_masturbating/ | {
"a_id": [
"c55iiq4",
"c55irc9",
"c55iwtv",
"c55lras"
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"score": [
4,
6,
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],
"text": [
"I'm pretty sure they just told people that to discourage them from doing it. ",
"These are either urban legends or just discouraging things. This is like how people said mastur... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[
"http://www.happehtheory.com"
],
[]
] | ||
2bu779 | why does everybody think that all other drivers are terrible drivers? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2bu779/eli5_why_does_everybody_think_that_all_other/ | {
"a_id": [
"cj8xny7",
"cj8xogo",
"cj8xpmn",
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"score": [
6,
5,
2,
2
],
"text": [
"Because people have not evolved effectively to control large masses of metal and plastic hurtling 65-90 miles per hour down a stretch of flattened, occasionally curved, ground. \n\... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
6ssd0o | why after you chop some onions the smell in your hand lingers for a century while perfumes fade away? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6ssd0o/eli5why_after_you_chop_some_onions_the_smell_in/ | {
"a_id": [
"dlf5v80",
"dlf5vka",
"dlfzzhl",
"dlg2ax8"
],
"score": [
15,
28,
3,
2
],
"text": [
"Because it soaks into your body. Yer not alone in askin', and kind strangers have explained:\n\n1. [ELI5: why do smells like onions and vinegar linger on your fingers no matter h... | [] | [] | [
[
"https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3muwou/eli5_why_do_smells_like_onions_and_vinegar_linger/",
"https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/395s9s/eli5_why_does_the_smell_of_onions_stay_on_my/",
"https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4c3gl1/eli5_why_do_flavors_l... | ||
6ieq7k | why do blackheads form more often on the nose as opposed to other places? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6ieq7k/eli5_why_do_blackheads_form_more_often_on_the/ | {
"a_id": [
"dj6nqmv",
"dj6qyxp",
"dj6vf3w"
],
"score": [
16,
4,
2
],
"text": [
"Are you sure they're blackheads and not [sebaceous filaments](_URL_0_)?\n\nSebaceous filaments are 100% normal and although their appearance can be reduced (ie. with AHA/BHA), they're a skin feature th... | [] | [] | [
[
"https://www.reddit.com/r/SkincareAddiction/comments/1fmg0t/some_more_information_about_sebaceous_filaments/"
],
[],
[]
] | ||
3a60n3 | what would china have to gain by going to war with the u.s.? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3a60n3/eli5what_would_china_have_to_gain_by_going_to_war/ | {
"a_id": [
"cs9kujr"
],
"score": [
4
],
"text": [
"Not much, which is why they really don't want to.\n\nHowever, they are posturing and saying that, say, interfering with China's actions in the South China Sea could lead to war because their overall goal is to strengthen their position to the poi... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
c3jvqn | why are apple computers used so often with graphics intensive projects, such as photo editing and animation, but are never used for gaming? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/c3jvqn/eli5_why_are_apple_computers_used_so_often_with/ | {
"a_id": [
"errgged",
"errmsa8",
"errql1n"
],
"score": [
19,
2,
2
],
"text": [
"Because of the history of apple computers and a series of very good advertising campaigns.\n\nHistorically, Apple computers were cutting edge as far as graphical applications, so they gained a good rep... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
5uhr0x | why is it appropriate for pg13 movies/shows to display extreme violence (such as mass murder, shootouts), but not appropriate to display any form of sexual affection (nudity, sex etc.)? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5uhr0x/eli5_why_is_it_appropriate_for_pg13_moviesshows/ | {
"a_id": [
"ddu2zxk",
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"ddug4tv",
"ddugbmr",
"ddugdps",
"ddugjn6",
"dduglsf",
"ddugvem",
"d... | [] | [] | [
[
"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KXVizOUQVY&app=desktop",
"https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=uy6MseHSToI"
],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
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[],
[],
[],
[],
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[],
[],
[],
[
"http://www.attaboyclarence.com/the-secret-history-of-hollywood-a-modern-guide-to-the-golden-age-of-ho... | ||
20ug5u | why is the sensation from riding a roller coaster more intense when riding in the back than the front? | I've always loved riding roller coasters and used to think sitting in the front was the best possible seat. Riding the same coasters more than once, I noticed the intensity of the ride was much more noticeable sitting in the very last seat of the train of cars.
Why? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/20ug5u/eli5_why_is_the_sensation_from_riding_a_roller/ | {
"a_id": [
"cg6ticy"
],
"score": [
4
],
"text": [
"Basically what I've found is that when you're going over the first big drop, the car doesn't start to really accelerate downward until the train is part of the way over the top of the hill. So, if you're in the front, you go over the top and kind... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
9pv774 | who is jamal khashoggi and why is his disappearance having such a big effect? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9pv774/eli5_who_is_jamal_khashoggi_and_why_is_his/ | {
"a_id": [
"e84hy79"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"Basically, he was a journalist from Saudi Arabia who criticized the Saudi Royal Family and their policies. Because of this, he had to flee the country and moved to the US, where he worked for the Washington Post as a journalist there. Recently, i... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
2npxgg | why does the exchange rate between countries fluctuate so much? | What causes the rise and fall of exchange rates and why can't we just have a constant rate? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2npxgg/eli5_why_does_the_exchange_rate_between_countries/ | {
"a_id": [
"cmfs0sx",
"cmfsbt3",
"cmft41n"
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"score": [
3,
5,
2
],
"text": [
"It's all about how much people will pay in one currency for another currency.\n\nIn some ways, currencies are like stock shares in the issuing country. You might consider the total amount of money that ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
3rxibr | why do restaurants place lemon slices in water? | I mean I don't mind it but I also don't see why that trend would have started in the first place or what purpose it might have | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3rxibr/eli5_why_do_restaurants_place_lemon_slices_in/ | {
"a_id": [
"cws5wgm",
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"score": [
176,
18,
9,
112,
16,
3,
2
],
"text": [
"To make it taste lemoney?",
"The same reason major brands like Dasani sell lemon flavored water (as well... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scurvy#History"
],
[]
] | |
484n02 | why are rape cases so hard to prosecute? | Is it lack of evidence? victim blaming? one persons word versus another? why is rape harder to prosecute than other crimes? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/484n02/eli5_why_are_rape_cases_so_hard_to_prosecute/ | {
"a_id": [
"d0h4s9h",
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"score": [
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"text": [
"The big problem is a lack of evidence. You ne... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
b7q9za | a year has 365 days because it's the approximate amount of time it takes for the earth to make a full turn around the sun. so how did people in medieval times count the months/years given that they thought the earth was still? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/b7q9za/eli5_a_year_has_365_days_because_its_the/ | {
"a_id": [
"ejtg0ir",
"ejtge89",
"ejthcob"
],
"score": [
7,
4,
4
],
"text": [
"They could look up at the stars and see that they seemed to gradually rotate through a long cycle, regardless of how they thought it happened. When Earth is on one side of the sun the stars seen at nigh... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
13zn36 | the universe | I was pretty baked last night and I watched a Carl Sagan Video on youtube. The video just blew my mind and as I drifted off to sleep, I kept thinking about the universe.
I understand it's a lot to comprehend and most people won't get it but could someone attempt to explain a few things for me?
Firstly, *most* people... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/13zn36/eli5_the_universe/ | {
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"score": [
4,
2,
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2
],
"text": [
"“Space is big. You just won't believe how vastly, hugely, mind-bogglingly big it is. I mean, you may think it's a long way down the road to the chemist's, but that's just peanuts t... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
7dyy65 | how does modern recycling work? how are containers filled with food handled? what percentage of recyclables are actually thrown out? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7dyy65/eli5_how_does_modern_recycling_work_how_are/ | {
"a_id": [
"dq1bw2u",
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"dq1hq03",
"dq1jno7",
"dq1pawo"
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"score": [
12,
11,
3,
6,
2
],
"text": [
"This really depends where you are. Most food is collected, piled, composted and reused as fertilizer. As for recyclables, how much is thrown out depends on ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
5k3e1z | why do we like to bother our siblings much more than other human beings around us ? | I have two brothers, and I can't help but notice how much I like "fighting" with them, much more than anybody else, even the people I don't like and would love to see sad. Is it just the bond between brothers, does it affect all siblings, or is there any logical explanation behind this ? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5k3e1z/eli5_why_do_we_like_to_bother_our_siblings_much/ | {
"a_id": [
"dbl3p9y",
"dbl96d2"
],
"score": [
20,
5
],
"text": [
"* familiarity - you know your sibling, what to expect from them in a way you don't with others\n* family bond - you are stuck with your siblings for the most part...friends might drift away, but you almost always will maint... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
2jc93x | do you actually get oxygen from drinking water? | Since water is H2O it means its made up of both water and oxygen. Does the oxygen actually get used in your body or it is there specifically combined to make water? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2jc93x/eli5_do_you_actually_get_oxygen_from_drinking/ | {
"a_id": [
"clac0g4",
"clacxgn"
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"score": [
6,
2
],
"text": [
"No. The hydrogen and oxygen are quite firmly bound together. You can separate them via electrolysis or a few other techniques, which would create oxygen and hydrogen gases.\n\nHow much energy would it take to unbind them? ... | [] | [] | [
[
"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOTgeeTB_kA"
],
[]
] | |
5va29y | why are there many conditions that prevent one from being able to see or hear but none really that affects someones sense of smell? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5va29y/eli5_why_are_there_many_conditions_that_prevent/ | {
"a_id": [
"de0fpjl",
"de0hlpw",
"de0hpmp",
"de0jxzv"
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"score": [
6,
5,
2,
2
],
"text": [
"There's actually [quite a few](_URL_0_) out there. People don't focus on it as much as sight and hearing because we use those to orient ourselves in the world a lot more, but there... | [] | [] | [
[
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anosmia#List_of_causes"
],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
bzl5fl | what are the effects of salty ocean water on wounds? is it ok to swim with open wounds, or should you cover them? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bzl5fl/eli5_what_are_the_effects_of_salty_ocean_water_on/ | {
"a_id": [
"eqt7duc",
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"eqtbmhy",
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"score": [
44,
12,
29,
18,
3,
5
],
"text": [
"It's not so much the salt that would cause problems. It's the other things in the water that could. \n\nIt depends how healed it is ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
3e07ta | why haven't animals learnt to stay the fuck away from humans considering how often we kill them? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3e07ta/eli5_why_havent_animals_learnt_to_stay_the_fuck/ | {
"a_id": [
"cta9wdj",
"cta9xe1",
"ctaa071"
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"score": [
3,
4,
2
],
"text": [
"Some of them do already, but for others it is more advantageous to stay near us because the reward of food/shelter is greater than the risk of dying. Rats and cockroaches for example.",
"Those anima... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
4a6m2c | why does ball sweat smell different than pit sweat? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4a6m2c/eli5_why_does_ball_sweat_smell_different_than_pit/ | {
"a_id": [
"d0xtahj"
],
"score": [
21
],
"text": [
"Hormones around the area. Just like how a musky animal, skunk mink ferrets must ox, smell only near the area that the glands are. You might notice it on farm animals too, or your dog. \n"
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
4c0uh5 | why do we hate our own voices? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4c0uh5/eli5_why_do_we_hate_our_own_voices/ | {
"a_id": [
"d1e30oa",
"d1e311b",
"d1e66t0"
],
"score": [
32,
4,
2
],
"text": [
"We don't actually hate them. Our voice \"Spreads\" to our whole body through our bones. This means that when we talk, part of what we said goes to our ears through the bones and makes us believe that o... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
3kl2e2 | how is social security suffering when (really wonky estimates incoming) $83 comes out of my biweekly paycheck and multiplying that by 100 million in the workforce which equals $8300000000. i don't get it. | [deleted] | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3kl2e2/eli5_how_is_social_security_suffering_when_really/ | {
"a_id": [
"cuyas8n",
"cuyayin"
],
"score": [
2,
7
],
"text": [
"just for clarification, its percentage, not a flat amount, so its most certainly not 83 times anything",
"You're neglecting to consider the other side of the equation. For simplicity's sake, let's set it up like this. \n... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
7w72r9 | why are full blown trailers being called “teaser” trailers all of a sudden? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7w72r9/eli5_why_are_full_blown_trailers_being_called/ | {
"a_id": [
"dty0thh"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"There is a rule, enforced by the MPAA, that \"trailers\" must be less than 2 minutes 30 seconds. There was a convention, enforced by nobody, that \"teasers\" must be less than 60 seconds. However, the Internet made this whole convention semi-me... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
4glsld | what's the 'point of no return' for regenerating muscles and bones? if you loose a finger, that's it, but if you get a really nasty cut, most will heal. | Same thing with some organs. People get very deep wounds sometimes, but they eventually heal almost completely (you regain most of the functionality, but may loose you chance for the olympics), yet when you lose, say, the tip of your finger, you know it won't grow back.
Is there a point between losing something for g... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4glsld/eli5whats_the_point_of_no_return_for_regenerating/ | {
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"d2iq769",
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"d2jc62v",
"d2jck2v",
"d2jedk9",
"d2jform",
"d... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2013/06/10/190385484/chopped-how-amputated-fingertips-sometimes-grow-back"
],
[
"http://imgur.com/a/kCw5H",
"http://imgur.com/a/3RQmU"
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[],
[],
[],
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... | |
4upvi1 | why is the letter c sometimes pronounced like and s and sometimes like a k? | Is the letter C even a necessary letter? Could we change words like City to Sity and Concrete to Konkrete and get rid of the letter entirely?
I've seen a few similar posts, but couldn't find this exact question, if it's a repost, let me know and I'll change the flair! Thanks! | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4upvi1/eli5why_is_the_letter_c_sometimes_pronounced_like/ | {
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"score": [
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],
"text": [
"You could. Just convince majority of 7 billion people to do it as well.\n\nBenjamin Franklin proposed it alnost 240 years ago and got no traction.",
"You will soon get some... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
5mhqq9 | why is california such a magnet for people? | Since the 1850s, California has been a magnet for people.
1850s: Gold Rush
Dust Bowl: Okies, Arkies move to CA (See "The Grapes of Wrath")
Mid to Late 1900s: Hollywood
Modern: Silicon Valley.
To my knowledge, no other state has such a long running legend of being "where dreams are made" so to speak, and attracting s... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5mhqq9/eli5_why_is_california_such_a_magnet_for_people/ | {
"a_id": [
"dc3qq44",
"dc3rsch"
],
"score": [
3,
6
],
"text": [
"Because people always move to coastal areas. Land-locked regions (AKA flyover states) have a much harder time importing and exporting goods. Coastal regions have ports and become natural centers for commerce and industry. ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
9scnsi | why does shock override pain? | A few years ago, I tripped when walking down the stairs with high heels, and broke my kneecap. Looking down at the injury, I went into shock.
The weird thing is, I never felt any pain. Just shock! Only felt pain a few hours later in the hospital bed. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9scnsi/eli5_why_does_shock_override_pain/ | {
"a_id": [
"e8nqoee",
"e8nqw95",
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],
"score": [
14,
3,
3
],
"text": [
"In a fight flight freeze situation adrenaline is pumping and your body is preparing you to fight or run for your life. Pain would only discourage you from running or fighting and probably weaken you. I... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
693ycc | sometimes when i'm falling asleep i'll jolt myself awake and feel like i tripped over my feet and was falling, my co-workers say they experience this also. is there any explanation? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/693ycc/eli5_sometimes_when_im_falling_asleep_ill_jolt/ | {
"a_id": [
"dh3jk40"
],
"score": [
4
],
"text": [
"It's called a [hypnic jerk](_URL_0_) and apparently happens to lots of people.\n\nI like the possible explanation that the primate part of your brain thinks you're about to fall out of your tree. "
]
} | [] | [] | [
[
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypnic_jerk"
]
] | ||
6o9kqz | how does cryogenic sleep work? does a person in cryogenic sleep age? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6o9kqz/eli5_how_does_cryogenic_sleep_work_does_a_person/ | {
"a_id": [
"dkfm1wy",
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"dkfm957"
],
"score": [
4,
9,
7
],
"text": [
"It doesn't. Cryogenic is science fiction and does not exist in reality. In specific works of fiction, it works however the author wants it to.",
"cryogenic sleep is science fiction, so you can write... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
b1e4ya | how do potholes form? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/b1e4ya/eli5_how_do_potholes_form/ | {
"a_id": [
"eikzi3o",
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"eildm3o",
"eildv74"
],
"score": [
87,
420,
32,
44,
17,
2
],
"text": [
"Potholes form when water gets into cracks in the road surface and freezes at night. When water freezes, it expands. This pushes th... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
n06jr | why eric clapton is considered such a great guitarist | I'll start by saying that I really like Eric Clapton's music. However, while I understand some of the history (and even physics!) behind why Jimmy Hendrix is considered such a guitar god, I can't seem to find any good reasons behind Eric Clapton's status as same. He's an excellent player, of course, but so are many who... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/n06jr/eli5_why_eric_clapton_is_considered_such_a_great/ | {
"a_id": [
"c3593hl",
"c3593hl"
],
"score": [
6,
6
],
"text": [
"because he is really good at playing guitar",
"because he is really good at playing guitar"
]
} | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
9rhkhw | how do topical steroids work when dealing with problems with the skin | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9rhkhw/eli5_how_do_topical_steroids_work_when_dealing/ | {
"a_id": [
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"score": [
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2
],
"text": [
"The steroids we use for skin problems are known as glucocorticosteroids. These are also produced naturally by your body, the most famous of which is cortisol, the stress hormone. \... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
dgr8kh | how can a smaller engine (e.g., hennessey venom v8) make more horsepower than a larger engine (e.g., bugatti chiron w16)? | Just saw a video about the Hennessey Venom F5 engine, which apparently makes 1817BHP, which is significantly more than the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ and its W16 (1578BHP). I'm guessing it has something to do with capacity and RPM, but if that's the case...why not stick with the simpler V8? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/dgr8kh/eli5_how_can_a_smaller_engine_eg_hennessey_venom/ | {
"a_id": [
"f3e87s8",
"f3efi5v",
"f3ehouh"
],
"score": [
15,
3,
2
],
"text": [
"Horsepower isn't a static measurement of the engine's power, and it changes at different RPMs. Every engine has a different HP curve across its rev range. Take a look at the torque for each engine th... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
4kahxn | in bad weather directv losses signal but in the same storms sxm radio works fine | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4kahxn/eli5in_bad_weather_directv_losses_signal_but_in/ | {
"a_id": [
"d3dgpzo",
"d3dzxzz",
"d3e2iu7"
],
"score": [
2,
3,
3
],
"text": [
"They're probably different types of radio waves. I know satellite TV uses helical waves which are just weird.",
"The waves that satellite tv uses are \"K\" and \"K2\" waves. Those waves lose a lot o... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
9qxmiu | can we make the switch to 100% sustainable alternative energy sources without nuclear power? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9qxmiu/eli5_can_we_make_the_switch_to_100_sustainable/ | {
"a_id": [
"e8cjvjd",
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],
"score": [
12,
2,
2
],
"text": [
"The main problem with solar, wind, and tidal is that the energy is not always available exactly when you need it, which is quite a big problem. Hydro is much more stable, but environmental agencies pre... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
64ahfq | is there a way to argue that a person who buys two lottery tickets does not have twice as good a chance of winning as a person who only buys one? | I was thinking about how some values (or difference in values) are considered negligible in many situations (like the mass of an electron for example) and if lottery odds apply to that regard.
Thank you!
| explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/64ahfq/eli5is_there_a_way_to_argue_that_a_person_who/ | {
"a_id": [
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2,
2,
3,
2,
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... | [] | [] | [
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[],
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] | |
aefv61 | why does a glass leave a ring of liquid on a table when no liquid has spilled? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/aefv61/eli5_why_does_a_glass_leave_a_ring_of_liquid_on_a/ | {
"a_id": [
"edownnz",
"edowod8",
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"edowp8w",
"edowpl3",
"edoww7x"
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"score": [
9,
5,
2,
2,
2,
2
],
"text": [
"I stole this from google. \n\n“When water vapor in the air comes into contact with something cool, such as the outside of a cold glass o... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
2a8uq2 | what happens when a loud noise makes my body "jump" ? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2a8uq2/eli5_what_happens_when_a_loud_noise_makes_my_body/ | {
"a_id": [
"cislm2b",
"ciso4cq"
],
"score": [
2,
2
],
"text": [
"there was a radiolab episode on this; hearing is our fastest sense\n\n_URL_0_",
"It's a response that likely any animals who are (or were once) prey would have; it's instantaneously setting your body in motion so you'll ... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://www.radiolab.org/story/257870-ears-dont-lie/"
],
[]
] | ||
7bpb8o | what happens when dc current is applied to an ac induction motor? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7bpb8o/eli5_what_happens_when_dc_current_is_applied_to/ | {
"a_id": [
"dpjqpkv"
],
"score": [
7
],
"text": [
"If you have a big DC source supplying the power that can supply enough power then your AC motor will suffer a \"thermal event\"\n\nWithout the changing of the AC signal then the motor won't spin, if the motor isn't spinning then it doesn't push b... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
1qhoxi | why is third party software "locked" to certain operating systems? | Software has always had to cater to the operating system, for PCs and mobile devices alike. A program designed for Macs generally has difficulty running on a Windows OS. An app from the Play Store can't run on iOS. Linux has some problems running software designed for Windows, and Firefox OS doesn't have an extensiv... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1qhoxi/eli5_why_is_third_party_software_locked_to/ | {
"a_id": [
"cdcw3ju"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"The operating system, among other things, provides an interface for programs to the hardware and usually other stuff like the means to make a window, put buttons in it, render things, etc. There's no cross-platform interface for all this that exi... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
3g8wz3 | the (~) on some commenter's amount of points. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3g8wz3/eli5_the_on_some_commenters_amount_of_points/ | {
"a_id": [
"ctvxo6f"
],
"score": [
5
],
"text": [
"Karma is hidden for a set period of time most subreddits have no control over this. I think it becomes visible street a certain amount of time."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
5pe61h | why do media companies still allow nielsens ratings system to determine actual ratings when it doesn't include anything seen online? | It seems very anachronistic and stupid today that advertising revenue and TV shows live or die based only on the Nielsens system which ignores all online viewings. How can anyone know anything about real viewership then? Are networks angry about this or is everyone ok?
| explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5pe61h/eli5_why_do_media_companies_still_allow_nielsens/ | {
"a_id": [
"dcqgvsl",
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"score": [
3,
2
],
"text": [
"There are a variety of different media companies and analytics systems out there. Some of them include a variety of online metrics and such for viewership, even Nielsen does this.\n\nBut these are not public info, you have ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"http://www.nielsen.com/us/en/solutions/measurement/television.html"
]
] | |
48qx91 | can someone inelegible to become president be elected vice president? if so, what happens if/when the president dies? | Edit: Just noticed my spelling. No need to tell me. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/48qx91/eli5_can_someone_inelegible_to_become_president/ | {
"a_id": [
"d0lrzp9"
],
"score": [
5
],
"text": [
"The vice President must be eligible for the Presidency as well, per the twelfth amendment.\n\nIf for some reason it became apparent he wasn't, the ~~secretary of state~~ speaker of the house would most likely become President instead, as he's nex... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
5kgslu | where does the term "meme" derive/originate from? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5kgslu/eli5_where_does_the_term_meme_deriveoriginate_from/ | {
"a_id": [
"dbntcsl",
"dbnxm4m"
],
"score": [
25,
5
],
"text": [
"Richard Dawkins. He coined it as a counterpart to a gene in his book *The Selfish Gene*. \n\nWhere a gene is (or results in) a hereditary physical characteristic, a meme is a cultural characteristic passed from one individu... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
10e5qv | what is down syndrome? | What are the triggers for the condition? Would there ever be a treatment for it? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/10e5qv/eli5_what_is_down_syndrome/ | {
"a_id": [
"c6cojvd"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"Down Syndrome is a chromosomal condition. Meaning that the problem arises from our chromosomes. Humans normally have 23 pairs of chromosomes, people with down syndrome have either a complete copy or partial copy of the 21st chromosome. This resul... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
x6qs2 | why is my memory selective about names? | I'm one of those people that can only remember faces, not names. It took me months to find out the names of some of my coworkers at my new job, and even now I can't recall about half of them. In fact, I know some of my friends better by their online names than by their real ones.
What the hell, brain. You make social... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/x6qs2/why_is_my_memory_selective_about_names/ | {
"a_id": [
"c5jonmd",
"c5jpmn5"
],
"score": [
5,
3
],
"text": [
"(Simple Version) I think your thinking of the brian's memory working like a computers. It does not store data that way rather its memories are strengthend by the circumstances that create them and your experiences surounding... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
g23zdw | how is the usps losing money if amazon sales only continue to grow? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/g23zdw/eli5_how_is_the_usps_losing_money_if_amazon_sales/ | {
"a_id": [
"fnjc1b7"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"Amazon gets to choose how and when they deliver. If you live in a location that’s too remote then Amazon can’t say they won’t deliver or that you will have to wait awhile. The USPS does not have this luxury. You know how sometimes Amazon will cha... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
745i7c | unsolved math problems. | Wikipedia has a long list of unsolved math problem in fields of Algebra, Geometry, etc. Why do we still have these kinds of unsolved math problems in the era of supercomputers?
Follow up: can you give an ELI5 example of a famous unsolved problem? Most of the descriptions are too complicated to understand. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/745i7c/eli5_unsolved_math_problems/ | {
"a_id": [
"dnvop65",
"dnvp6ou",
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"dnw24es",
"dnwftuy"
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"score": [
8,
20,
5,
3,
3,
15,
3
],
"text": [
"It would be pretty cool if you could just ask a computer whether a mathematical statement is true and the comput... | [] | [] | [
[
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goldbach%27s_conjecture"
],
[
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fermat%27s_Last_Theorem"
],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
1029z2 | what is honda vtech and how is it different from a regular engine? | I'm saving up for a car and am wondering how VTech is different from a regular engine. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1029z2/what_is_honda_vtech_and_how_is_it_different_from/ | {
"a_id": [
"c69rh71",
"c69u3wb"
],
"score": [
2,
7
],
"text": [
"\n\nVTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) is a valvetrain system developed by Honda to improve the volumetric efficiency of a four-stroke internal combustion engine. The VTEC system uses two camshaft profi... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VTEC"
],
[
"http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/41/Nockenwelle_ani.gif",
"http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/44/Nockenwelle_2005.jpg",
"http://www.team-integra.net/images/BAEC1978-D3A7-4405-AB2D-2761DC15A96D/articles/tuan/SpoonvsJun3a.jpg"... | |
4hl744 | how can petroleum jelly not be bad for you? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4hl744/eli5how_can_petroleum_jelly_not_be_bad_for_you/ | {
"a_id": [
"d2qj21q"
],
"score": [
6
],
"text": [
"That's a scary word! It must be bad for you because chemicals are bad!\n\nIt's a mixture of hydrocarbons with carbon number higher than 25. Your body is already full of hydrocarbons in the form of lipids, cholesterol, fats, oils, waxes, etc "
]... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
2eipoh | why does it take millions/billions and many years to develop a drug or vaccine? | With access to an army of grads and post grad students who can be made to do grunt work for poor pay (no offence intended), why does it still cost cost millions or billions for a pharma company to develop a drug? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2eipoh/eli5_why_does_it_take_millionsbillions_and_many/ | {
"a_id": [
"cjzuz1a",
"cjzv9nv",
"cjzw3zx"
],
"score": [
3,
6,
2
],
"text": [
"Because the wrong turn through that process can result in HORRIBLE things to humans. An example is [thalidomide](_URL_0_), a widely used sedative that was sold over the counter to thousands of pregnant ... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thalidomide"
],
[],
[]
] | |
4lid2r | how does the air force practice target shooting/live rounds from a plane? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4lid2r/eli5_how_does_the_air_force_practice_target/ | {
"a_id": [
"d3nj9x0",
"d3njnbe"
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"score": [
5,
2
],
"text": [
"They load live ammunition into the belt or a missile with the explody bit in it. The pilot gets in the plane, flies it out the the target range and pulls the trigger. The missile is launched from the plane and speeds towards... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/uploads//monthly_02_2011/post-2677-1298343320.jpg"
]
] |
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