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3dhdai
hat happens to the body fat when you are losing it due to diet or sports?
I mean, the fat can't just disappear, or can it? :D
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3dhdai/eli5_hat_happens_to_the_body_fat_when_you_are/
{ "a_id": [ "ct556nf", "ct557te" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Your body breaks it down and converts it into energy, water and CO*_2_*. You expel the water by sweating and breathing, and the CO*_2_* by breathing as well.", "You are breathing it out. Your body gets energy from burnin...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
360fkn
why does it seem more offensive to mimic a chinese accent rather than a british accent?
I see people doing british accents all the time but no chinese accents.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/360fkn/eli5why_does_it_seem_more_offensive_to_mimic_a/
{ "a_id": [ "cr9julo", "cr9l5bi", "cr9pk6e" ], "score": [ 8, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "I'd say it's for a couple of reasons:\n\n1) Chinese accents very often accompany racism and racist remarks, especially in the past (picture the kind of early 20th century Vaudeville rice-hat-and-slanty-...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
cv1n27
why do humans instinctively react to objects moving quickly towards them by closing their eyes or looking away?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cv1n27/eli5_why_do_humans_instinctively_react_to_objects/
{ "a_id": [ "ey1aaqq", "ey1aflx", "ey1ayaf" ], "score": [ 3, 6, 2 ], "text": [ "We instinctively duck if it's a large object, but close our eyes if it looks smaller, because that would be an insect or some dust.", "It’s mainly about protecting your eyes. Pretty much any other p...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
5s0whp
why is a terrorist organization like isis so difficult to defeat? with so many powerful nations actively fighting them, how do they still have a leg to stand on?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5s0whp/eli5_why_is_a_terrorist_organization_like_isis_so/
{ "a_id": [ "ddblky3", "ddblrgg", "ddboo5y", "ddbplrr", "ddbr5bk", "ddbre40", "ddbrq7c", "ddbrxg5", "ddbs5c3", "ddbtf3t", "ddbun9m", "ddbuqw1", "ddburre", "ddbv5kk", "ddbv80n", "ddbvg9h", "ddbvhfe", "ddbvkbj", "ddbvuvb", "ddbvz2q", "d...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "http://deadstate.org/u-s-airstrikes-drive-isis-recruitment-down-to-just-200-new-fighters-a-month/" ], [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2016-12-14/congresswoman-says-us-arming-isis-introduces-bill-stop-it" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], ...
atkh1r
muscle atrophy
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/atkh1r/eli5_muscle_atrophy/
{ "a_id": [ "eh1l4sw", "eh1nmh7", "eh1rs7i" ], "score": [ 2, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "A decrease in muscle mass. Commonly seen in sick/elderly people (who are bed ridden). Not using the muscles shrinks them.", "Muscles take a huge amount of resources to maintain. If it isn't being u...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
e6c8j1
why does food soften when heated?
I don't mean melting things like cheese or butter, but like a tortilla that is more rigid at room temperature, and then fluppy when heated (before crisping up when heated more).
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/e6c8j1/eli5_why_does_food_soften_when_heated/
{ "a_id": [ "f9p6qhr" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "There are a couple reasons. In some cases there are components that become less rigid when warmed. In tortillas there is often some fat that will heat up and become softer.\n\nAnother reason is that any existing water will turn to steam and make ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2c2dyx
after being hit with tranquilizer darts, is the target ever at risk of seriously injuring themselves by collapsing onto the dart with it pushing into them?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2c2dyx/eli5_after_being_hit_with_tranquilizer_darts_is/
{ "a_id": [ "cjb9hyk" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "This is also minimized since the dart has small needle for a nose but then is fairly large and flat to stop it from going too deep. Most likely if someone were to fall on it it would just break off the needle rather than going any deeper. " ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
9sg3s5
how do belly buttons form?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9sg3s5/eli5_how_do_belly_buttons_form/
{ "a_id": [ "e8ohgfu", "e8otblp" ], "score": [ 2, 5 ], "text": [ "It's the place where your umbilical cord was attached to you in utero. It was used to bring oxygen and nutrients to you as a fetus. Once cut after birth it heals into the belly button ", "Yeah the umbilical cord just dri...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
v8bqb
air mile/frequent flyer credit cards
Hi, I just turned 20 and am looking into applying for a credit card. I have saved all the money that hasn't gone directly to rent, living expenses, or tuition since I was 16, and fully intend to pay off the balance in full every month. That being said, I have no idea what in the world an Air Mile/Frequent flyer cre...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/v8bqb/eli5_air_milefrequent_flyer_credit_cards/
{ "a_id": [ "c527whq", "c5296br", "c53e2v2" ], "score": [ 5, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Any sort of \"rewards\" credit card works the same as a regular credit card. The only difference is that the issuer will offer an incentive for you to use the card, in the form of \"rewards.\"\n\nBasica...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine-archive/2011/december/money/credit-card-deals/compare-credit-cards/index.htm" ], [ "http://www.creditkarma.com/", "http://www.creditsesame.com/" ] ]
4ieo4m
here in the uk we are one of the windiest countries in the world, but also very northerly with quite weak sunlight, so why is there such a big push here for solar power as opposed to wind?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4ieo4m/eli5_here_in_the_uk_we_are_one_of_the_windiest/
{ "a_id": [ "d2xf9qw", "d2xfd5x" ], "score": [ 2, 5 ], "text": [ "I'm no expert, but as far as I know it's because:\n\na) Solar panels can be fitted on your house personally, whereas wind farms need to be done on an industrial scale, and there needs to be new groundwork set out (i.e. To ge...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2pdbf9
why build streetcars/trolleys when busses work fine?
I have a hard time understanding what benefits do streetcars have over busses as a form of public transportation in cities. Streetcars need to stop at traffic light, just like busses and they move at similar speeds. If you need a form of public transit that isn't inhibited by traffic lights, light rail and subways sh...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2pdbf9/eli5why_build_streetcarstrolleys_when_busses_work/
{ "a_id": [ "cmvllrb", "cmvmtw4", "cmvmuq1", "cmvoqhe" ], "score": [ 8, 5, 8, 2 ], "text": [ "Streetcars have higher capacity than buses, and are cheaper to operate. So, yes, there's a larger investment up front, and you can't easily or cheaply change their route. But over ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
4izjmn
why haven't holograms, similar in design to that of the tupac one, been used in more everyday scenarios such as advertising or display cases etc?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4izjmn/eli5_why_havent_holograms_similar_in_design_to/
{ "a_id": [ "d32fibp", "d32gf5w", "d32gs0e", "d32kudf" ], "score": [ 7, 9, 22, 4 ], "text": [ "Money. That hologram was estimated to cost somewhere between $100 000 and $400 000. Also known as most products' entire advertising budget, and your average billboard doesn't have...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://science.howstuffworks.com/hologram2.htm" ], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pepper%27s_ghost#Concerts" ], [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkLXJwCm2Lg" ] ]
7s8fbo
why are animals seemingly terrible about judging when to cross the road? fov issue?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7s8fbo/eli5_why_are_animals_seemingly_terrible_about/
{ "a_id": [ "dt2rguj", "dt2ri4v" ], "score": [ 2, 3 ], "text": [ "A lot of animals actually have a much better FOV than humans. I think the explanation to this is that they don't just cross when a car is coming, but the only time we really notice an animal crossing is when they jump in fro...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
98yd83
hearing aids
How do hearing aids improve one’s poor sense of sound?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/98yd83/eli5_hearing_aids/
{ "a_id": [ "e4jn60f" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "They are custom programmed to amplify the frequencies of sound (usually high pitch) in which the wearer has lost. If the hearing loss is too profound, bone anchored hearing aids or cochlear implants transmit the auditory vibrations without using ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
5rwxu4
how do they determine that a country lost/gained x thousand job at a specific point in time or for a specific reason? isn't the number constantly changing?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5rwxu4/eli5_how_do_they_determine_that_a_country/
{ "a_id": [ "ddayde6" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ " > How do they determine that a country lost/gained x thousand job at a specific point in time\n\nSurveys mainly. In the US, the agency in control of this is the BLS:\n\n_URL_0_\n\nTheir website goes into more detail, but basically they survey co...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://www.bls.gov/" ] ]
bids1a
when people say that they called “their lawyer” when they need assistance with random legal matters or even after getting arrested, do they have someone hired beforehand? does the average person need a general attorney ready to call at all times?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bids1a/eli5_when_people_say_that_they_called_their/
{ "a_id": [ "elzvcgd", "elzvp73", "elzvtiv", "elzvukw", "elzw78f", "elzxuu8", "elzypnr", "elzzbdy", "elzziqs", "elzzm2r", "elzzo5n", "elzzpez", "elzztru", "elzzxwz", "em004up", "em009cj", "em00evs", "em0140l", "em01gbf" ], "score": [ ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
5j5scw
why is the deposit 10 cents in michigan, while it's 5 cents on other states?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5j5scw/eli5_why_is_the_deposit_10_cents_in_michigan/
{ "a_id": [ "dbdw084" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "States do what they want. Some states set a deposit at 10 cents, some 5 cents, while others have none. " ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
7cvd2h
why does moss/algae podaminantly grow on the north side of trees, houses etc.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7cvd2h/eli5_why_does_mossalgae_podaminantly_grow_on_the/
{ "a_id": [ "dpswj1j" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "The sun rises in the east and sets in the West and Generally in the northern hemisphere the Sun comes out of the South so the north side of buildings, trees, etc. Is the only side that doesn't receive direct sunlight and is thus the most likel...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
4ddnt7
why do so many houses have basements? isn't it cheaper to build another level than to dig?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4ddnt7/eli5_why_do_so_many_houses_have_basements_isnt_it/
{ "a_id": [ "d1pze9s", "d1pzg7h", "d1q0c0f", "d1q14tu", "d1q1nyv", "d1q1r02", "d1q48ky", "d1q7hvn", "d1q8scf", "d1qa5ok", "d1qaxvk", "d1qbmz8", "d1qcpma", "d1qdvrn" ], "score": [ 115, 88, 7, 14, 2, 5, 3, 4, 2, 4, 3...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
4o7t8c
why the us president can only serve a set amount of terms in office when compared to australia where the pm can serve as many terms as they are voted in for.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4o7t8c/eli5_why_the_us_president_can_only_serve_a_set/
{ "a_id": [ "d4a9j5y", "d4aaebo" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "In the beginning of America we didn't have election limits on the office of the president. However it had been tradition that no one served more than two terms because that is how many our first president George Washington s...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
atwrnl
why is palm oil in everything? what is it's purpose?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/atwrnl/eli5_why_is_palm_oil_in_everything_what_is_its/
{ "a_id": [ "eh3xlt4", "eh3ymc2", "eh3you7" ], "score": [ 6, 4, 3 ], "text": [ "It extends the expiration time. It's used a lot in cosmetics for that,but you should avoid it in foods.", "Palm oil is a type of vegetable fat that is semisolid at room temperature, you can compare ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
2xys1a
why some people in us have a problem with our government's relations with israel?
I recently got stationed in DC and every time I go downtown I see people protesting against the Israeli government or our government's relationship with Israel. For example a guy holding a sign that said I pledge allegiance to America or Israel?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2xys1a/eli5_why_some_people_in_us_have_a_problem_with/
{ "a_id": [ "cp4n1t7", "cp4n3fh", "cp4nfx2", "cp4ogxb", "cp4wpvk" ], "score": [ 26, 3, 43, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "There's a lot of nuance to U.S.-Israeli relations, but the gist of it is that the American government often seems to have unconditional support for everythi...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
24339m
why can't we mass produce super microbes to decompose plastic at faster rates?
After watching a documentary (Plastic Paradise) on plastic and its damaging effects on the environment, I googled around and ended up finding a few articles on people (one of them being a teenager named Daniel Burd if that matters) isolating microbes that sped up the degradation process of plastic drastically. However,...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/24339m/eli5why_cant_we_mass_produce_super_microbes_to/
{ "a_id": [ "ch34a7j", "ch34b8p" ], "score": [ 2, 3 ], "text": [ "Lobbyists for the plastics/petroleum industry?", "We can - in fact, I wouldn't be surprised if it's already been done. The problem is that, once the bacteria is released into the wild, we no longer control it. So it coul...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
cv8as5
i’ve heard that the american economy post world war ii is unsustainable, why is this?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cv8as5/eli5_ive_heard_that_the_american_economy_post/
{ "a_id": [ "ey2hbio", "ey2hxvl", "ey3dzcd" ], "score": [ 2, 5, 3 ], "text": [ "An extremely large portion of our economy was actually involved with rebuilding Europe and Japan after the war. After their infrastructures were rebuilt, and economies had started to recover (which took...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
1r6ccx
how animals stay warm...i mean i know they have fur etc, but even with a coat on / gloves on and the rest, i feel freezing after long periods of time outside?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1r6ccx/eli5_how_animals_stay_warmi_mean_i_know_they_have/
{ "a_id": [ "cdk574s" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "It all depends on the animal. Some animals live in groups and huddle up together. Many animals have dens and that helps keep their sleeping place a steady temperature in the same way a properly-made igloo can keep humans warm. Some animals hav...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
4va4zx
do additives in gasoline from petroleum companies such as invigorate or triclean actually do anything? or are they just a gimic to attract unaware customers? or maybe they do a little but are essentially negligible. please explain what they are and if they are worth a damn.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4va4zx/eli5_do_additives_in_gasoline_from_petroleum/
{ "a_id": [ "d5wrhed" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Ok you have 2 blends of gas, summer and winter, each blends has additives required from your country mandated as law, these are mainly detergents to keep your fuel system clean and THEY WORK GREAT! Every gas station has the minimum guaranteed. \...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
7ab1rx
how marijuana gets you "high"
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7ab1rx/eli5_how_marijuana_gets_you_high/
{ "a_id": [ "dp8i3nq", "dp8lids", "dp8wtqv", "dp8ynwe" ], "score": [ 25, 794, 9, 20 ], "text": [ "It contains a chemical (called Tetrahydrocannabinol aka THC, the white dusty crystals). When that is inhaled or ingested, the chemical gets into your blood stream. \n \nTHC i...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/addiction/mouse/" ], [ "https://www.youtube.com/oeF6rFN9org" ] ]
1vdhe5
proper use of i.e), eg), and ex).
I'm five and what is this?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1vdhe5/eli5_proper_use_of_ie_eg_and_ex/
{ "a_id": [ "cer53px", "cer55gv", "cer5zc0", "cer62ws", "cer9wfx" ], "score": [ 2, 6, 50, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "i.e. - essentially means \"in other words\"\ne.g. - essentially means \"for example\"\n\nAnd ex, is just an abbreviation of the word example. ", "They're...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
12zlob
; why do macintosh screens produce more vivid color? how is it that their colors pop so much?
I'm a PC fan, but I can't help but notice how smooth and "poppy" everything looks on a newer mac. What do they do different computationally to make everything look so nice and smooth?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/12zlob/eli5_why_do_macintosh_screens_produce_more_vivid/
{ "a_id": [ "c6zhsiv", "c6zhsyl", "c6zjpag", "c6zn7h1" ], "score": [ 14, 5, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "You're probably comparing run of the mill PC monitors with the more expensive apples ones. I'm sure you can find PC monitors of a similar color quality if you look around.", "...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
2dm8uk
how people can get so connected to an actor (or other pop culture figure that they have not met and do not truly know) that they cry or feel deep despair upon death.
I am not trying to be disrespectful, I just truly do not understand it. Of course the loss of life, especially the case of suicide, is a sad occasion. But with Robin Williams, Paul Walker, Michael Jackson, etc. I see people write online how a particular death has just crushed their life and how they have been so emotio...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2dm8uk/eli5_how_people_can_get_so_connected_to_an_actor/
{ "a_id": [ "cjqudbw", "cjquetc", "cjqut5q", "cjqv2s0", "cjqv3ey", "cjqv3lu" ], "score": [ 3, 5, 2, 8, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Actors are easy for people for form imaginary bounds with because you see the world through their eyes, and get to know their friends an...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
28kx6r
why do soldiers in corrupt dictatorships support those in charge?
In places like North Korea and many African nations, the people are suffering on a daily basis because of poverty, crime, and by being screwed over by the government. Why do the soldiers who protect those in charge allow it to, and even make it happen?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/28kx6r/eli5_why_do_soldiers_in_corrupt_dictatorships/
{ "a_id": [ "cibvzv8", "cibw0a3", "cibw0wy" ], "score": [ 4, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "The military in those areas is often supportive of the regime because the military either *is* the regime, or receives significant support from it. This is a big part of North Korea, for instance -- the...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
299h0t
why are bluetooth speakers so expensive?
I don't really understand why they're so expensive after all this time... An example would be the Beats Pill speaker that's like $200 currently.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/299h0t/eli5_why_are_bluetooth_speakers_so_expensive/
{ "a_id": [ "ciipq1u", "ciipsqv", "ciiq1ha", "ciir0bn", "ciixe4x" ], "score": [ 4, 13, 11, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "Because people are willing to pay the premium for the technology. Just like why people pay so much for Apple products.", "Beats are known for being ove...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_sacat=0&_from=R40&_sop=15&LH_FS=1&LH_BIN=1&_nkw=bluetooth%20speaker&_pgn=3&_skc=100&rt=nc&_udlo=10&_udhi=20" ] ]
31ig7d
why is the sun orange when it's low on the horizon (dawn/dusk), then turn a more blinding white color the higher it moves into the sky?
Just driving from work this morning and realized I've never thought about that. My guess: the angle the light travels through the atmosphere, relative to the viewers point-of-view?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/31ig7d/eli5_why_is_the_sun_orange_when_its_low_on_the/
{ "a_id": [ "cq1um0q" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "you are correct\nWhen the Sun is close to the horizon, you’re seeing it distorted by more of the Earth’s atmosphere, scattering away the bluer photons and making it appear red.\nWhen there’s smoke and pollution in the air, it enhances the effect ...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.universetoday.com/18689/color-of-the-sun/" ] ]
ayq7x7
why is it that smartphone batteries are said to deteriorate if used while charging, but the same is not true for laptop batteries and laptops are encouraged to be plugged in most of the time?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ayq7x7/eli5_why_is_it_that_smartphone_batteries_are_said/
{ "a_id": [ "ei2g7z0", "ei2j5po", "ei2mtlz", "ei34utc", "ei3ez82", "ei5e6j2" ], "score": [ 28, 4, 6, 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "I have not heard this specific phrase often, but this mainly has to do with heat generation.\n\nSmartphones, as they are so small, deve...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
1sa2uk
the number system of graphics cards
tried google and only got charts - couldn't find an explanation to the system. repost from two years ago cheers
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1sa2uk/eli5_the_number_system_of_graphics_cards/
{ "a_id": [ "cdvg6w5" ], "score": [ 10 ], "text": [ "There essentially isn't one. Within an individual product line from a given manufacturer the numbers may mean something, but mostly they are just the name the manufacturer gave to that video card. It's all about marketing.\n\nThe first number ...
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[]
[ [] ]
2qnfic
why did so many men volunteer to join ww1/2?
Was just reading here, _URL_0_ and it seems a lot of men volunteered to fight, despite many probably having no experience /previous training, would mean the almost certain demise of them? Did people value their lives less than today or was just too determined to fight?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2qnfic/eli5why_did_so_many_men_volunteer_to_join_ww12/
{ "a_id": [ "cn7plmp", "cn7plni", "cn7qd3r" ], "score": [ 11, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "when your country and your entire way of life is threatened it tends to spur you to action. you could join, or you could sit around until you became a subject of a foreign government.", "Today, ou...
[]
[ "http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recruitment_to_the_British_Army_during_the_First_World_War" ]
[ [], [], [] ]
3i4gee
why are there us military bases in different countries like japan. is there japanese military bases in the us?
Text (optional)
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3i4gee/eli5_why_are_there_us_military_bases_in_different/
{ "a_id": [ "cud7p9m", "cud80gb", "cud8bcu", "cud8lia", "cuddxvq", "cudlk78", "cudpg0q" ], "score": [ 42, 20, 2, 4, 4, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "The US does not allow it. In instances like Japan and Germany part of the agreement at the end of ww2 was that w...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://pgpf.org/Chart-Archive/0053_defense-comparison" ], [], [], [], [] ]
20puoj
igmp, how does it actually work?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/20puoj/eli5_igmp_how_does_it_actually_work/
{ "a_id": [ "cg5li3v" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "It is a local version of the currently unused multicasting protocol. If you understand multicasting, you'll do fine." ] }
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[ [] ]
45dh5s
why are there more carnivores and herbivores than omnivores?
Since omnivores could hunt animals and eat local plants, wouldn't they have a huge advantage in survival and reproduction? Weren't able to kill any animals? Just dig up this plant and eat it.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/45dh5s/eli5_why_are_there_more_carnivores_and_herbivores/
{ "a_id": [ "czx1ug7", "czx27qf" ], "score": [ 3, 7 ], "text": [ "Omnivores get to eat anything, but they do it way less efficiently. Herbivores like cows wind up extracting a ton of the energy from their food and can actually digest cellulose. Humans can't do that. Carnivores like wolves ...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
261q6n
when i drink water, does my body still try to digest it as if it were food?
Taking biochem right now and this thought occurred to me as we got into the molecular pathways
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/261q6n/eli5_when_i_drink_water_does_my_body_still_try_to/
{ "a_id": [ "chmssx6", "chmsu17" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Water goes through your digestive tract with the food. Whereas food is digested and vitamins/nutrients are absorbed in the small intestine, water isn't absorbed until the large intestine, leaving behind solid waste (feces)."...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
5729je
why are people so excited about ken bone?
When I first saw everyone talking about him, I mistook him for Karl Becker. I understand that Ken Bone asked a great question, but I don't understand why he is the one questioner who stands out among all the others. Why do people love him so much, and why all the media attention? I feel like I'm the only person who ...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5729je/eli5_why_are_people_so_excited_about_ken_bone/
{ "a_id": [ "d8p42tr" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "He looks kind of frumpy but he has a name fit for an action movie star. So people think that is funny and they run with it. " ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
8l4skf
if you poke your toe with a needle, how does your brain know exactly where you poked after receiving the signal from the spinal column?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8l4skf/eli5_if_you_poke_your_toe_with_a_needle_how_does/
{ "a_id": [ "dzczyfa" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Signals from different parts of the body each have their own nerves. When travelling up the spinal cord, they are grouped into general tracts, but each part of the body occupies a certain corner/section of the tract. When the nerve reaches the br...
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[]
[ [] ]
1wce0c
why do veins sometimes start pulsing uncontrollably?
Sometimes you will feel a vein start to pulse as if it were being blocked or more blood than usual is rushing through, can anyone explain this simply?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1wce0c/eli5_why_do_veins_sometimes_start_pulsing/
{ "a_id": [ "cf0nv2k" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Are you sure it's a vein? It could be a muscle spasm.. unless you visibly see the vessel pulsate." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
aj8npn
why do our phones get hot/warm when they're charging but the cords/wires themselves don't?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/aj8npn/eli5_why_do_our_phones_get_hotwarm_when_theyre/
{ "a_id": [ "eetl0x9" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "What you are feeling is the chemicals of the battery changing due to the electrical current running through it. As it is absorbing the electricity it is heating up because of these changes. The battery is actually changing size as well, but it's ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3ooawm
why doesn't a store/company hold a black wednesday and let their employees have thursday and friday off?
They'd get all the customers first AND look better for allowing their employees to spend time with family.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3ooawm/eli5_why_doesnt_a_storecompany_hold_a_black/
{ "a_id": [ "cvz0lhx", "cvz0pk6", "cvz1gem", "cvz25z5", "cvz607h", "cvz6f7w" ], "score": [ 30, 8, 3, 2, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving. Everyone has big sales because *shitfucktons* of people have the day off and can go shoppi...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
d7twuq
how does the live translation in forums like the un and other rallies work?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/d7twuq/eli5_how_does_the_live_translation_in_forums_like/
{ "a_id": [ "f14jt9h" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "There are a handful of languages which are official and in which conversations will take place. Then there are translators of which there is at least one that can speak a language of any given delegate, and one of the official languages of the fo...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
5fa3us
why do video game graphics, animation, world size, and gameplay options advance in leaps and bounds, while ai seems to have barely advanced at all?
Title is self explanatory. Games keep getting prettier, bigger, faster, and vaster. But it seems there has been little to no improvement on the AI front. Is there something fundamentally different about programming AI that renders it unable to improve at the same pace?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5fa3us/eli5_why_do_video_game_graphics_animation_world/
{ "a_id": [ "daioo5u", "daiopjb", "daiqoln", "dair4oh", "dajcnp0" ], "score": [ 14, 5, 3, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "Programming an AI is much more difficult than graphics.\nGraphics are just shapes and figures although it is difficult to get proper reflections and fluid mo...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
2zda5v
why is assisted suicide illegal but dnr's are legal?
They are both to end potential suffering and both require you to be mentally capable to choose that option.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2zda5v/eli5_why_is_assisted_suicide_illegal_but_dnrs_are/
{ "a_id": [ "cphtp51", "cphtqbg", "cphtshv", "cphttmd", "cphwufn", "cphy4vb", "cphya47", "cphybu6", "cpi0t1m", "cpi0ymw", "cpi16x8", "cpi1r67", "cpi2n52", "cpi2wzs", "cpi38if", "cpifq5o", "cpiza2t" ], "score": [ 47, 11, 213, 7, ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.polst.org" ], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
8m103t
google's project treble
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8m103t/eli5_googles_project_treble/
{ "a_id": [ "dzjx1hg" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Project Treble is all about faster updates for Android devices. [Their page explains it pretty well](_URL_0_) but i'll expand upon it here\n\nCurrently, when you get a phone it is not running just basic unmodified Android. If you get a Samsung G...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://source.android.com/devices/architecture/treble" ] ]
ajz5m6
why was aristotle's successor, theophrastus, not renowned as his predecessors? aristotle was taught by plato, who learned from socrates
There are major courses for philosophy of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, but few people can name the works of Theophrastus. Why were his works not as intellectually powerful or influential?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ajz5m6/eli5_why_was_aristotles_successor_theophrastus/
{ "a_id": [ "ef00q7e", "ef04lqz", "ef0uusu" ], "score": [ 2, 17, 3 ], "text": [ "Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle are so popular because their ideas piggyback off of each other, I think. Also, they're ideas, methods of learning and sharing ideas have been some of the most effective a...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Lives_of_the_Eminent_Philosophers/Book_V#Theophrastus", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theophrastus", "https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Dictionary_of_Greek_and_Roman_Biography_and_Mythology/Theophrastus" ], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_the_Grea...
6k6bn5
what is the puff of air for during eye exams?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6k6bn5/eli5_what_is_the_puff_of_air_for_during_eye_exams/
{ "a_id": [ "djjokpn" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "It's an air puff tonometer, the machine measures how much your cornea bends in response to the pressure from the air puff to estimate the fluid pressure inside the eye to check for potential glaucoma." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
5447dq
why does the groove in the palm of our hands continue onto the next one; and how does it form?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5447dq/eli5_why_does_the_groove_in_the_palm_of_our_hands/
{ "a_id": [ "d7yqesp" ], "score": [ 9 ], "text": [ "the palm is patterned to increase its grip, like the fingertips. the pattern is based in genetics, and more-or-less symetrical (one hand is the mirror of the other)" ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
4v47rx
what is a white noise machine and how does it work?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4v47rx/eli5_what_is_a_white_noise_machine_and_how_does/
{ "a_id": [ "d5vbppn", "d5vbrg3", "d5vgruf" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "It's literally just an electronic device that produces [white noise](_URL_0_) - random sounds that don't have any particular high or low points. The sound of a fan or radio static is a slightly \"softe...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_noise" ], [], [] ]
1drtkc
why don't commercials just say what their product is and what's special about it in a clear and concise manner?
Honestly, no one gives a shit about the "witty" banter (and the people who make commericals should know that by now) and the shorter a commercial break is the more people will actually watch commercial television. Seems like a win-win to me.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1drtkc/why_dont_commercials_just_say_what_their_product/
{ "a_id": [ "c9t86ke", "c9t8p6k" ], "score": [ 3, 3 ], "text": [ "They do it to make them memorable. If you see a commercial that is witty or funny, you are more likely to talk to your friends or coworkers about it and spread the name of the product around. \n\nArt & Copy is a great docu...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
795pdv
how is the crocodile dentist mechanically random?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/795pdv/eli5_how_is_the_crocodile_dentist_mechanically/
{ "a_id": [ "dozciwf" ], "score": [ 10 ], "text": [ "Imagine a disk with holes under the teeth. The teeth aligned with holes go down. The tooth that doesnt align with a hole triggers the mechanism. Resetting the jaw spins the disc (randomly landing on a new sore tooth)" ] }
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[ [] ]
2rqnro
how much electrical power do airplanes have to power all the main pilot systems and passer entertaintment systems?
Every time I'm on a plane, I wonder how much energy the plane needs to power the whole thing with 100~300 ish passengers all using those in flight passenger entertainment systems. Do planes have like a hybrid system to gather energy from engines? How often do they get recharged? How big is the capacity of the battery(s...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2rqnro/eli5how_much_electrical_power_do_airplanes_have/
{ "a_id": [ "cnibv1c", "cnibvu1" ], "score": [ 4, 2 ], "text": [ "Just like your car, the electrics on an aircraft are normally powered by the generators, which run off the engines - not by batteries. Batteries are used for starting, and are then recharged by the generators.\n\nAccording t...
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[]
[ [ "http://www.b747classic.co.uk/electrical" ], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auxiliary_power_unit" ] ]
39erid
do you get tan while wearing sunscreen or do you only start getting tan once the sunscreen wears off?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/39erid/eli5_do_you_get_tan_while_wearing_sunscreen_or_do/
{ "a_id": [ "cs2rpys" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Sunscreen has an SPF number, which is short for sun protection factor. It blocks out most of the UV, but not all. And how much it blocks out depends on its SPF number. So you are still getting tanned when you have the sunblock on, just more slowl...
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[]
[ [] ]
3u6chr
how in the hell were pidgeons trained to fly hundreds of miles and deliver a message?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3u6chr/eli5_how_in_the_hell_were_pidgeons_trained_to_fly/
{ "a_id": [ "cxc9yn0", "cxc9yx8" ], "score": [ 6, 7 ], "text": [ "Pidgeons were trained to return to their training facility from miles away. You put them in a cage, carry them to where you want to send a message, but the message on them, and turn them loose.", "They were raised at th...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
kol5t
tool-assisted speedruns
The wiki article was too confusing for me!
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/kol5t/eli5_toolassisted_speedruns/
{ "a_id": [ "c2lxg6w", "c2lzlah", "c2lxg6w", "c2lzlah" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "A speedrun is an attempt to finish a game as quickly as possible. A famous example is [Quake done Quick](_URL_0_). Each of the maps is completed as quickly as possible, under sever...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://speeddemosarchive.com/quake/qdq/" ], [], [ "http://speeddemosarchive.com/quake/qdq/" ], [] ]
3nztc0
why does ibm watson still sound robotic when it speaks even though it can process natural language?
I just find it very odd that IBM watson still has the typical text to speech type voice that doesn't really fluctuate except for the obvious parts such as questions and pausing for commas/periods. Shouldn't it be able to sound more natural given the amount of computing power it has or was this an intentional choice by ...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3nztc0/eli5_why_does_ibm_watson_still_sound_robotic_when/
{ "a_id": [ "cvsovq8" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "its an intentional choice. Watson's \"voice\" is just a voice program reading whatever text the supercomputer Watson makes. they didn't make a new speech software since its largely unnecessary." ] }
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[]
[ [] ]
2o8smj
why can't i take a photo of a particularly haunting-looking moon? inversely, why can some people do just that?
Yeah, I didn't really do too well in high school science. I have heard that it has something to do with light and distance and such, but why is it that some photographers photograph the moon, but my cell phone can't do it?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2o8smj/eli5_why_cant_i_take_a_photo_of_a_particularly/
{ "a_id": [ "cmksqcs", "cmkv0xf" ], "score": [ 6, 2 ], "text": [ "cell phone camera has digital zoom, not actual (optical) zoom. so your picture looks like crap zoomed in and most likely tiny looking either way, zoomed in or not.\n\nDigital zoom take the center of whatever you are looking ...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moon_illusion" ] ]
2sro31
how do astronauts deal with celibacy?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2sro31/eli5_how_do_astronauts_deal_with_celibacy/
{ "a_id": [ "cns7yai", "cns83j6" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Some people have been celibate for far longer than the 6 months astronauts usually spend up in space. It really isn't that big of a problem.\n\nHowever some probably do masturbate sometimes, they just do it privately and wip...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1k6ybs
what an amp does when i plug in my dvd player or laptop or ipod
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1k6ybs/eli5_what_an_amp_does_when_i_plug_in_my_dvd/
{ "a_id": [ "cblzrlb", "cblzuau", "cbm0fya" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Takes a very small signal from the audio output of your dvd player or your iPod, and cranks it full of energy, and sends it out the other side of the amplifier in an even stronger version of the audio w...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
a41twv
why does pulmonary fibrosis and other lung diseases show up on a chest x-ray?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/a41twv/eli5_why_does_pulmonary_fibrosis_and_other_lung/
{ "a_id": [ "ebatskd", "ebaul6c", "ebaus8w" ], "score": [ 4, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Due to thickening/destruction of certain lung structures that deviates from the norm of how a healthy lung should look like.", "In an X-ray, the greater the density of something, the greater the opa...
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[]
[ [], [], [] ]
5hpicv
what are the white bubbles forming whenever i cook something?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5hpicv/eli5_what_are_the_white_bubbles_forming_whenever/
{ "a_id": [ "db1xuh4" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "The water you're boiling the pasta in leaches some of the starches out of the pasta. That's what makes it cloudy and why it forms bubbles." ] }
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[ [] ]
4h6ssu
why is confiscated ivory burned, and not auctioned off to legitimate artists/organizations/museums?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4h6ssu/eli5_why_is_confiscated_ivory_burned_and_not/
{ "a_id": [ "d2nv1ct", "d2nv32v", "d2nv46g", "d2nv4os", "d2nv8i8", "d2nvhi7", "d2nvpr7", "d2nwm7y", "d2ny9hv" ], "score": [ 5, 20, 4, 3, 3, 3, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Do you sell confiscated narcotics? Same logic applies.", "You're ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
21lu6h
what reason would a former employer have for not wanting you to go on unemployment after they terminate you? are there negative repercussions for the company?
I have heard stories of past employers threatening people when they try out claim unemployment, this seems strange to me.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/21lu6h/eli5_what_reason_would_a_former_employer_have_for/
{ "a_id": [ "cge9u80", "cge9x12", "cgea31k" ], "score": [ 3, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "They have to pay for your unemployment. This is one of the reasons that it's sometimes cheaper for them to keep an employee with poor productivity than to fire them.", "My understanding (i am not an...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
3605tm
why do older people in general listen to classic rock or oldies stations, which are just songs they've been listening to for decades?
Obviously, this doesn't include everyone. These days my dad listens some Radiohead and Coldplay but growing up it was always classic rock and a tinge of country. My mom on the other hand put on Merle Haggard, Hank Jr., but also contemporary chrsitan music and my Damian Marley and Nas record when she heard it along with...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3605tm/eli5why_do_older_people_in_general_listen_to/
{ "a_id": [ "cr9gqg7", "cr9gu69" ], "score": [ 4, 2 ], "text": [ "It's the sentimental comfort zone of songs...familiarity as opposed to trying to keep current. Generally, MOST people will stay with whatever was popular in their preferred genre, when they were in their teens and 20's, and...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
bbotkf
why do women need to be awake during childbirth?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bbotkf/eli5_why_do_women_need_to_be_awake_during/
{ "a_id": [ "ekkb527", "ekkbavz" ], "score": [ 18, 3 ], "text": [ "Anesthesiologist here. \n\n1) The pushing for a vaginal delivery, as mentioned previously. \n\n2) Any systemic sedation or anesthetic that the mom gets, the baby gets too. A sedated baby has a higher risk of respiratory com...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
fjjn43
how are coloured shadows formed?
As straight forward as that, how and why are coloured shadows formed?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/fjjn43/eli5_how_are_coloured_shadows_formed/
{ "a_id": [ "fknalei", "fknaz4q", "fknb3ij" ], "score": [ 3, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "All shadows are coloured, but that depends on the lighting source.\n\nNatural shadows appear blueish in tone because the natural light is blocked from the shadow area, leaving only indirect light (refra...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
fwvdd1
what connects intestines to the rest of the body? do they just float around in there?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/fwvdd1/eli5_what_connects_intestines_to_the_rest_of_the/
{ "a_id": [ "fmqstv3", "fmr26jy", "fmqnj0s", "fmqo005" ], "score": [ 5, 5, 13, 87 ], "text": [ "So... on top of what everyone else said. You can have doctors take it out, operate on it, and put it back in - bunching it up as they see fit. Then when you heal your stomach fee...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [ "https://images.app.goo.gl/tyncRUd3tRW5QfEY8", "https://images.app.goo.gl/9rYxUUHAV9THknkz8" ] ]
9r5rh8
if my phone, tv, and pc are all sent the correct time from an accurate central location, how come they don't show the same time?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9r5rh8/eli5_if_my_phone_tv_and_pc_are_all_sent_the/
{ "a_id": [ "e8eg6y8", "e8egz3c" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Those 'time update' messages are only sent periodically. In the meantime, the device must keep track of time on its own.\n\nTo do that, some sort of oscillator (device that makes a signal at a steady rate) is used. Oscillato...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
eruky8
why is the chinese coronavirus such big news with six people dead, when the flu has killed over 6,000 people this season in the us alone?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/eruky8/eli5_why_is_the_chinese_coronavirus_such_big_news/
{ "a_id": [ "ff5xrni", "ff5y1vs", "ff61ntg" ], "score": [ 3, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Well, first off this is a new strain of a coronavirus, and this is an outbreak happening, meaning that number is not accurate and will surely climb. \n\nIt's a big deal because authorities want this out...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
51m78s
why can't you buy a domain directly?
I've never saw the need to learn about domains but something recently crossed my mind. Why do you need to use websites like GoDaddy to buy domains but you can't get them directly? How do websites that sell domains get their own domain?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/51m78s/eli5_why_cant_you_buy_a_domain_directly/
{ "a_id": [ "d7czm0a", "d7czx7d" ], "score": [ 3, 4 ], "text": [ "Only certain companies are authorized to host domain servers. Trust me - this a good thing. When you register a domain, you're paying for them to keep running DNS servers.\n\nAnyone could make up a new top-level domain & ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
4l7sdz
why does one chromosome change genetics so much?
How does one single chromosome have such a huge impact on our genetic makeup?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4l7sdz/eli5_why_does_one_chromosome_change_genetics_so/
{ "a_id": [ "d3l1e74" ], "score": [ 10 ], "text": [ "We each have 23 pairs of chromosomes. All of the instructions to construct a human body from scratch is contained in those. So \"one single chromosome\" is 1/23 of what makes you human!\n\nSuppose you bought a car kit and you had a 23-volume set...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
6ek5sj
how can we split an atom of atoms technically never touch?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6ek5sj/eli5_how_can_we_split_an_atom_of_atoms/
{ "a_id": [ "diax0lt", "diaxsel", "dibj61q" ], "score": [ 2, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Even if atoms (or even the components of atoms) don't physically touch in a strict sense (as in, their spaces directly tangent) they still are connected to each other via forces.\n\nSplitting an atom ev...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radioactive_decay" ] ]
qfbsr
- what are both sides of this birth control debate and congress? i've only heard the rush limbaugh stuff so i'm confused and would like as unbiased an explanation as possible
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/qfbsr/eli5_what_are_both_sides_of_this_birth_control/
{ "a_id": [ "c3x5nz6" ], "score": [ 11 ], "text": [ "So Obama thought that religious affiliated institutions should provide healthcare through their insurance companies to their employees. \n\nThese religious institutions didn't think they should have to provide healthcare options that provided bi...
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[ [] ]
aansol
how is water ( h2o ) able to dissapate heat so quickly and efficiently?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/aansol/eli5_how_is_water_h2o_able_to_dissapate_heat_so/
{ "a_id": [ "ectjgzd" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Heat is quickly transferred through contact, water is a liquid and gets in small spaces that solids otherwise wouldn’t.\n\nIt then evaporates away from the heated object which works in the same way as sweat, and takes heat with it, cooling the ob...
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[ [] ]
37zvuy
what caused the switch from doctors doing home visits to the modern doctors office?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/37zvuy/eli5_what_caused_the_switch_from_doctors_doing/
{ "a_id": [ "crr4u5o", "crr6qhh", "crr7ndq", "crrfkgs" ], "score": [ 6, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "If you keep the doctor in one place, he can spend more of his valuable time actually seeing patients rather than driving between potentially distant patient houses. Having patients...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
1wv4hw
why are the coldest days in the winter when there is no cloud cover?
I think it's something to do with clouds being able to reflect heat, but I can't be sure. Thanks!
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1wv4hw/eli5_why_are_the_coldest_days_in_the_winter_when/
{ "a_id": [ "cf5nnzl", "cf5oqb5" ], "score": [ 8, 4 ], "text": [ "Clouds are like a blanket, trapping heat. When there are no clouds, the heat from the earth has a freer path to space.", "That's pretty much it. It's because heat radiates from everything on Earth. When it's a clear nigh...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
acmhwr
is person mind really divided to conscious and subconscious or is this division made for convenience to discrube some psychological phenomena ?is there other psychologicsl model which does not make this division?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/acmhwr/eli5is_person_mind_really_divided_to_conscious/
{ "a_id": [ "ed945b3" ], "score": [ 8 ], "text": [ "Part of your mind controls your heart beat. But your are not consciously aware of it.\n\nPart of you mind also controls your breathing. You probably were not consciously aware of your breathing, although reading this you might be now. In 10 mi...
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[ [] ]
35fnh7
if going limp increases your odds of survival from an impact such as a fall or a car crash, then why is it instinct to go rigid instead?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/35fnh7/eli5if_going_limp_increases_your_odds_of_survival/
{ "a_id": [ "cr3yiwc", "cr3yws7", "cr3z5td" ], "score": [ 14, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Because your instincts aren't honed for car crashes or falls. Humans evolved in the plains of Africa and didn't drive cars until pretty recently :P", "The human body and reflexes are designed to im...
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[ [], [], [] ]
1rzvay
in tv/movies we always see stand-offs between guys with guns. in reality shouldn't you just shoot as soon as possible?
**Scenario:** two men, each with guns, are standing roughly five feet from each other. Each gun is aimed at the other person's head. From this distance we are assuming neither person would miss. They sit and talk until they agree to not shoot, or they both winding up shooting at the same time. **Reality:** Shouldn't y...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1rzvay/eli5_in_tvmovies_we_always_see_standoffs_between/
{ "a_id": [ "cdsj7lc", "cdsjy29" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ "If both of you have the trigger, there is an equal chance either person might squeeze off a shot. Furthermore, if you don't get a killing shot (and sometimes even if you do), the opponent might still be able to pull the trig...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
1vojve
why does cereal have double packaging?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1vojve/eli5why_does_cereal_have_double_packaging/
{ "a_id": [ "ceua5fa", "ceuarhy" ], "score": [ 6, 2 ], "text": [ "Advertisement, the cardboard box has all the information, it also protects the cereal from being crushed and allows for it to be packed neatly and efficiently in the square container.\n\nThe plastic bag inside ensures freshn...
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[ [], [] ]
3uhycp
serving "25-to-life" in prison
Does that mean they have to serve a minimum of 25 years, but whoever is capable of making the decision can extend it to life for whatever reason? What reasons would extend it to a life sentence if they just finished 25 years for that crime? Do they just say "You need to serve more time." so they extend it without oth...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3uhycp/eli5_serving_25tolife_in_prison/
{ "a_id": [ "cxeyxs7", "cxez6im" ], "score": [ 16, 9 ], "text": [ "Parole available at 25. If not paroled, serve life in prison.\n\nA parole board determines if a prisoner has reformed enough to re-enter society.", "Usually if someone is facing a sentence with a range like \"25 to life...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
554l4n
why do police, firefighters, and ambulence not have different sirens?
Is it for convenience? Edit: I live in America.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/554l4n/eli5_why_do_police_firefighters_and_ambulence_not/
{ "a_id": [ "d87h4x7", "d87hzt3", "d87iozk" ], "score": [ 3, 9, 3 ], "text": [ "I suppose it depends on where you live but I can tell the difference between the 3 when I hear them from afar. I also grew up with a firefighter, paramedic, LEO father and spent a lot of time at the fir...
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[]
[ [], [], [] ]
au9lc8
what happens to my data if google went under/stopped existing?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/au9lc8/eli5_what_happens_to_my_data_if_google_went/
{ "a_id": [ "eh6kg6h" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "**If everything catastrophically failed at the infrastructure level (like a majority of their hardware just totally buggered off):** You'd likely lose everything, or most of everything you had on Google.\n\n**If the company went under (like a li...
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[]
[ [ "https://takeout.google.com/" ] ]
3ocg9r
when a new word evolves (eg iphone, google, autotune) how are its properties in other languages decided?
For example, in languages like French or Italian, who decides whether it is masculine or feminine? Or whether or not to alter it to make it fit in better with existing words? Is there a council that makes an executive decision or do they just let it develop organically?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3ocg9r/eli5_when_a_new_word_evolves_eg_iphone_google/
{ "a_id": [ "cvvxdng", "cvvxr9e", "cvvy3w7", "cvvynmm", "cvvzqnn", "cvw25jn", "cvw5lw9", "cvw5tlf", "cvw68fk", "cvwa3e3", "cvwesnx", "cvwfgez", "cvwhqd4", "cvwoabj", "cvwoaq3", "cvwocjm", "cvwpijw", "cvwqmf8", "cvwtuss", "cvwxm32", "c...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acad%C3%A9mie_fran%C3%A7aise" ], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Académie_française", "http://www.antarestech.com" ], [], [], [ "http://www.dict.cc/?s=herunterladen" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "s....
ef3bhr
why does choosing the frequency band of wifi (2.4 ghz and 5 ghz) affect the speed of wifi, but for mobile frequencies (e.g. 3g and 4g), it doesn't matter?
From the articles I've read (and from personal experience), I understand that a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi signal provides internet to a larger area but sacrifices speed, while the 5GHz band provides faster speeds to a smaller area. However, when I look at the frequency bands used in 3G mobile (_URL_0_) and 4G mobile (_URL_1_), the...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ef3bhr/eli5_why_does_choosing_the_frequency_band_of_wifi/
{ "a_id": [ "fby0gda" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "The band you see (like 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz) is the carrier frequency, it determines how well the wave travels and what it can go through/around\n\nThe carrier frequency doesn't determine how much data you can fit into it, that is determined by the *...
[]
[ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UMTS_frequency_bands", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LTE_frequency_bands" ]
[ [] ]
c7j5jm
why does back pain, especially lower back, hurt more than other common strains/sprains?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/c7j5jm/elif_why_does_back_pain_especially_lower_back/
{ "a_id": [ "esfkuk4", "esfos48", "esfwgci" ], "score": [ 7, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "My understanding is that there are more major nerve clusters involved, so more pain to be had.\nFor example, I have a bulging disc (L5) and it pushes on nerves, causing sciatic pain and generalised loca...
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[]
[ [], [], [] ]
1g5mb7
latour's actor network theory
Hi ELI5! I'm wondering if any of you could explain Bruno Latour's Actor Network theory to me in simple terms. Thanks in advance!
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1g5mb7/eli5_latours_actor_network_theory/
{ "a_id": [ "cah5j64" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "Actor-Network Theory, or ANT for short, treats objects as if they were active participants in a social network. One way of thinking about this would be your apartment. Yes you live with your two roommates and might think there were three people i...
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[ [] ]
83ysyk
how do doctors/scientists determine if a tumor is benign or malignant?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/83ysyk/eli5_how_do_doctorsscientists_determine_if_a/
{ "a_id": [ "dvli897", "dvlie2d", "dvlzzgs" ], "score": [ 17, 26, 2 ], "text": [ "A malignant tumor's cells are actively trying to escape the tumor and spread throughout the body, growing new tumors elsewhere. A benign tumor's cells are content to stay where they are, and aren't th...
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[]
[ [], [], [] ]
1nb6o9
why does the smell of someone's skin become attractive to us the more we spend time with them/like them?
...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1nb6o9/why_does_the_smell_of_someones_skin_become/
{ "a_id": [ "cch154f", "cch91sa" ], "score": [ 12, 2 ], "text": [ "You start to become familiar with their scent, and associate it with them. It's more psychological than anything else. ", "If it's someone you're sexually attracted to, it could be hormonal. Pheromones, specifically. " ...
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[ [], [] ]
1oh0c0
of what consequence would it be to mcdonalds as a company if they began paying their american workers $15 an hour?
I assume that only a small fraction of their income goes towards covering their lowest-paid workers' salary. So how bad for the company as a whole would this be?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1oh0c0/eli5_of_what_consequence_would_it_be_to_mcdonalds/
{ "a_id": [ "ccruu5u", "ccruw4p", "ccruyvd", "ccrv38m", "ccrvc6h", "ccrvyn3", "ccryajb", "ccryod7", "ccrzi4d", "ccrzk31", "ccrzy02" ], "score": [ 14, 5, 10, 20, 3, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "People with bachelors d...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.gizmag.com/hamburger-machine/25159/", "http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/29/mcdonalds-salaries_n_3672006.html" ], [], [], [ "http://finance.yahoo.com/blogs/talking-numbers/15-hour-wage-mean-mcdonald-170436977.html" ], [], [] ]
3nwvlw
why does shaking a liquid mix everything together and not separate it?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3nwvlw/eli5_why_does_shaking_a_liquid_mix_everything/
{ "a_id": [ "cvrz3x8", "cvs9i73", "cvshi85" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "It's called agitation if you were to spin it with screens finer and finer toward the outside you would then separate it,but thats only part of it the lighter material will go to the top so you could act...
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[ [], [], [] ]
48zn1x
the concept of 'hyperreality'
Met this concept in photography and philosophy as well. I just don't happen to wrap my face around it.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/48zn1x/eli5_the_concept_of_hyperreality/
{ "a_id": [ "d0nx8k1" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "In art it usually refers more to paintings than photography. Hyperrealist painters seek to paint pictures that are so accurate to real life that they could be mistaken for photographs. [Chuck Close](_URL_0_) is a famous example.\n\nIn postmoderni...
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[ [ "https://s3.amazonaws.com/vice_asset_uploader/files/1413992853Self_Portrait__with_Cigarette_______Chuck_Close__hi_res___250_000.jpg" ] ]
4jsuhb
why would president obama want to veto the bill that would give u.s. citizens the ability to sue the saudi government for damages relating to the 9/11 attacks?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4jsuhb/eli5_why_would_president_obama_want_to_veto_the/
{ "a_id": [ "d39akxz", "d39bnyg", "d39cko1", "d39gd0y" ], "score": [ 10, 46, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "The right to sue is not the right to win. There is no chance that the burden of proof could be met for such a suit. However, there would be real public relations damage done. ...
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[]
[ [], [], [ "http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2016/04/obama-veto-saudi-terrorism/479112/" ], [] ]
6can8h
why are humans and other animals' feet angled instead of parallel when naturally walking or standing?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6can8h/eli5_why_are_humans_and_other_animals_feet_angled/
{ "a_id": [ "dht7s5k" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "For humans, it's a result of bipedalism. Locked ankles and loose wrists also were a result. The slight angle you mention is more that the muscles that support walking, are weaker in some places. If you, or anyone else, force their feet a bit more...
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[ [] ]
2t3dn4
if the body's immune system is geared to cleanse foreign bodies that invade, how do tattoos stay in the skin and not get flushed out?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2t3dn4/eli5if_the_bodys_immune_system_is_geared_to/
{ "a_id": [ "cnvbmii", "cnvd834", "cnvdo8p" ], "score": [ 2, 4, 3 ], "text": [ "They do over time. That is why old tattoos are faded and blurred. You might find this interested _URL_0_", "I believe the ELI5 version is that the ink particles from the tattoo are larger than what ...
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[]
[ [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0B7F5UbTOQ" ], [], [] ]
l6807
why are egrets white?
As in, what evolutionary advantage does being white give them?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/l6807/eli5_why_are_egrets_white/
{ "a_id": [ "c2q62y9", "c2q62y9" ], "score": [ 3, 3 ], "text": [ "Egrets are fishing birds. When the sky is viewed from underwater it appears to take on a very bright white. You will have noticed this if you have ever looked up while swimming underwater. Egrets get an advantage from being ...
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[ [], [] ]