
ELI5 Explain Like I'm 5: Bite sized answers to stuff you should know about - in a mini podcast
363 episodes — Page 2 of 8
S1 Ep 316ELI5 Fish Oil - if it’s so good for you, why not use it more for cooking?
Does fish oil actually help? What makes it help? What are the specific types of Omega-3 that are good for you? If it’s so good for us why not use it more for cooking? Why are there some eggs that have Omega-3 on the label? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: adapid, baggier, dvlpr404, ridcullylivces, siznit, mandolele and scarydare5. To the community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: [email protected]
S1 Ep 152ELI5 Traffic Lights - why not use pressure sensors?
How intelligent are traffic light systems? What sensors are used? Why not use pressure sensors under the pavement? How do traffic systems coordinate across intersections in a city? Do emergency services like fire trucks and ambulances have the ability to control traffic signals? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: anthonypalumbo, blipsman, powerclean, nagisan and bigredinmass. To the ELI5 community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: [email protected]
ELI5 GPUs - why are they better than CPUs for artificial intelligence?
What distinguishes CPUs from GPUs in architecture, and how does this impact their performance in computing tasks? Why are GPUs considered better at handling tasks like graphics rendering compared to CPUs? How do different rendering techniques in games versus offline programs affect the processing demands on CPUs and GPUs? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: insane_eraser, popejustice, warlocktx, pourliver, dmartis, and arentol. To the community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: [email protected]
ELI5 Sunrise - why do sunrise and sunset look different?
What makes sunrises and sunsets visually unique experiences despite being technically the same phenomenon? Why do atmospheric conditions lead to warmer reds during sunsets and cooler blues during sunrises? How do variations in dust, humidity, and pollution change the colors we perceive at sunrise versus sunset? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: username1, username2, username3, username4, username5, and username6. To the community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: [email protected]
ELI5 Sliced Bread - why is it the greatest thing since…
What makes sliced bread the “greatest thing since” anything? How did the invention of sliced bread in 1928 change consumer habits? Why do traditional French and Italian breads mold faster than commercially sliced bread? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: zeusthunder369, fallenjoe, much-apricot, de-bunker, lyd_euh, glm409, lordginger_, immortal_azrael. To the community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: [email protected]
S1 Ep 309ELI5 Nautical Miles - why are they different from the regular mile?
We explain the fascinating concept of nautical miles, an essential unit for navigating our oceans. What exactly is a nautical mile, and how does it relate to the way we navigate? How does a nautical mile differ from the standard road mile we’re used to, and why does this difference matter for sailors and pilots? What practical advantages does using nautical miles provide in terms of ease of navigation, especially when using coordinates and charts? Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: throwawayoregon12, nephroidofdoom, asscrap69, carlfazu, kalyugikangaroo, and keizzer. To the community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: [email protected]
S1 Ep 311ELI5 AA Batteries - how did AA type batteries become standard and what about the A battery?
What makes AA batteries the go-to choice for so many devices when alternatives exist? Why do we have so many different battery sizes like AA, AAA, C, and D? What led to the standardization of battery sizes in the 1920s? Why do some devices require two AA batteries instead of just one? What factors contribute to the performance difference between name-brand and generic batteries? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: tmahfan117, twotall88, brianbell_, ccsica, jwink3101, reddit1651, wrsaunders, santhonyh To the community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: [email protected]
S1 Ep 310ELI5 Meditation - Can meditation really change your brain?
How does meditation physically alter our brain’s grey matter? Is it true that the amygdala shrinks after mindfulness meditation? How do Tibetan monks increase body temperature through meditation? What training techniques enhance focus and mental stamina through meditation? How does meditation compare to other stress-relief practices, like exercise or art? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: klockwerk, historical_elf, dim7altone, prieztiano, towerss, kotama, ozy193, force3vo To the community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: [email protected]
S1 Ep 310ELI5 Wolves - why are there big cats but not big dogs in the wild?
Why are there big cats but not big dogs in the wild while there are lots of big cats? Why are wolves so hard to tame? How were prehistoric men able to domesticate wild wolves? How have wolves been portrayed in different cultures and mythologies throughout history? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: minntyy, avec_serif, fiendishrabbit, logicalbasher, lithuim, agilepersonality2058, copperpoint, mrmikejj, good-mcrn-ing and fimbulwinter91 To the ELI5 community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: [email protected]
S1 Ep 309ELI5 E. Coli - what is it and why isn’t it all bad?
What exactly is E. coli, and why should we care about it? Why is it used a lot in scientific research? What does E. coli pop up often in food contamination cases? What are the symptoms? What are some notable outbreaks? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: pckman, jacksmith8001, coldpizzza4, mistercortez, cutegun, likesmoonpies and ehcksit To the ELI5 community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: [email protected]
S1 Ep 308ELI5 Schrödinger's Cat - is the cat both dead and alive and why does it matter in quantum mechanics?
Explain Schrödinger's Cat in simple terms. Why did Erwin Schrödinger propose this thought experiment in the first place? What was Schrödinger trying to argue against with his cat example? Which other scientist inspired Schrödinger to devise the cat? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: culturedgoat, flurb4, use-paragon, tenor1, hackey_sack, western_ground7478 and burnoutbrigheter6 To the ELI5 community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: [email protected]
S1 Ep 307ELI5 Rare Earth Metals - why they aren’t actually rare?
What makes these metals so special and why are they called ‘rare’? What technologies are they used in? Why are they so hard to substitute? Where are they found geographically? What about unobtanium and adamantium? .. we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: wookiebadass, wrsaunders, commentingrobot, chauncy_prime, undyingcorn and diavolo_rosso_ To the ELI5 community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: [email protected]
S1 Ep 306ELI5 LASIK - how exactly does it fix your vision?
What exactly is LASIK, and how does it differ from other vision correction procedures? Is it painful? How does it differ from PRK as a procedure? How does the cornea heal after a LASIK procedure if there is no blood flow going to the cornea? Which celebrities have famously had LASIK surgery? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: aggressive_elevator, razzbaronz, vladimyrputin, just_a_pyro, lakefargo and iamkeerock To the ELI5 community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail. [email protected]
S1 Ep 305ELI5 Ligers, Lions and Tigers - who would win in a fight?
Why are Ligers larger in size than both Tigers and Lions? Why can only certain species interbreed? Why are Lions and Tigers polar opposites in terms of their character and physical attributes? Lions and tigers have a significant cultural presence in art, literature, and media. How do these representations influence public perception in different countries? Who would win in a 1 on 1 fight between a lion and tiger? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: pigthewise, mistersixfold, sohamp97, culturalappropriator and kingofthekingpeople To the ELI5 community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: [email protected]
S1 Ep 303ELI5 Wasabi - is most wasabi really “fake” outside of Japan?
What exactly is that sensation we feel with wasabi? Is it the same as the heat from chili peppers? Why does it go straight to the nose? How does it differ from similar foods like mustard and horseradish? Is wasabi outside Japan really fake? How do you tell if it’s real? Why is it paired with sushi? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: stuthulhu, followups, suffaluffapussycat, jeffboyardean, infinity__now, reese_tora, abaday789 and mike_zzzzz To the ELI5 community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: [email protected]
S1 Ep 302ELI5 Spicy Food - if water is not a good antidote, what is?
Ever wondered why biting into a chili feels like setting your mouth on fire? Is it a taste or is it something else entirely? Why do some people seek out this fiery sensation? Can you build spicy food tolerance? Does drinking water help deal with the spice? Is there a limit to how spicy food can get? What are the hottest peppers out there? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: racoononbeers, vadered, rapafon, copnonymous, gramoun-kal and mathikaru To the ELI5 community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: [email protected]
S1 Ep 296ELI5 Rubber Bands - why do they become brittle over time?
What are rubber bands actually made of? Why do they become brittle over time? Why is it near impossible to let go of a stretched rubber-band with both hands at the same time? Which drug cartel was spending a reported $2500 per month on rubber bands? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: party-pupper, tdscanuck, jozer99, uhly, carlmmii,readdit___4score, and iklegemma To the ELI5 community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: [email protected]
S1 Ep 300ELI5 Mint - why it became associated with freshness?
How is spearmint and peppermint different? How did mint become associated with freshness and cleanliness in products like toothpaste and gum? Why does mint create that feeling in our mouths? Why do mint and citrus flavors clash? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: much_blank, thectcamp, redcat_51, jellyel88 pinkie3141, kakapo117, ilmt206 and socks405 To the ELI5 community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: [email protected]
S1 Ep 299ELI5 Black Friday - why is it called Black Friday?
Why is it called Black Friday? Why is thanksgiving itself always on a Thursday? Was Macy’s the first American department store to sponsor a parade in celebration of Thanksgiving? How did American football become such a big part of the thanksgiving tradition? Is it true that the day after Thanksgiving is the busiest day for plumbers? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion. To the ELI5 community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: [email protected]
S1 Ep 298ELI5 Myopia - why can’t you buy myopia glasses off the shelf like reading glasses?
How common is myopia around the world? Is it caused by genetics or lifestyle? How has myopia evolved with human activities? In aAmerican drug stores you often see a wide variety of reading glasses. Why are there no pre made options for myopia or near sighted people? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: notofyourworld, forams__galorams, cultish_alibi, pearlsb4pigs, explosivelydehiscent, norrisn and queltis6000 To the ELI5 community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: [email protected]
S1 Ep 297ELI5 Volcanoes - can they be used for dumping trash?
Why can't we just throw our trash into volcanoes to incinerate it? Why do some volcanoes erupt explosively while others have gentle lava flows? Why is Yellowstone National Park considered a super volcano? Which volcano created the loudest sound ever recorded? Can we use volcanos as energy sources? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: notofyourworld, forams__galorams, cultish_alibi, pearlsb4pigs, explosivelydehiscent, norrisn and queltis6000 To the ELI5 community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: [email protected]
S1 Ep 296ELI5 Lab Grown Diamonds - why do they have lower resale values?
How are lab grown diamonds made? Are they exactly the same? Why do they have different prices and resale values? Which is more environmentally friendly? How have cultural and social attitudes evolved? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: pahpichulo, greenstrong, h0ly_s0x, twin_spoons and krimmson_ To the ELI5 community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: [email protected]
S1 Ep 295ELI5 MRIs - how do they work and why are they so noisy?
How do MRIs work? Why are they so expensive? Why are they so noisy? Are MRIs related to other scans like x-rays, CT scans and PET scans? Why aren’t full body MRIs more part of routine checkups? Why are they so expensive? If there is iron in our blood, is this affected by the magnetic fields in an MRI? Why was there controversy with the nobel prize awarded for MRI technology? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: danielaumbrella, superdad0206, duferino, 8daysuntiltheweekend, war-ear, glittering-ocean1, let_me-out, one2manythrees and truguido To the ELI5 community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: [email protected]
Ep 294ELI5 Aircraft Engines - why propellers on military planes vs jet engines?
Why do military planes like the Hercules C-130 and Airbus A400M military transport planes use propellers instead of jet engines? What makes them more versatile for shorter runways? Why is a turboprop engine not the same as regular piston propeller engines? Explain the difference between a turbojet, turbofan and turboprop. ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: elena1995x, dirschau, airbornerodent, frat_guy_pa, arztnur, noxious89123 and kaiisim To the ELI5 community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: [email protected]
S1 Ep 293ELI5 Speed of Light - why can’t we exceed it?
How did we even measure it if it’s so fast? Why can’t anything go faster than the speed of light? If I were to take a really really really (light years) long stick and push something on the end of it, would it happen “instantly”? What are some of the loopholes that would allow us to theoretically exceed the speed of light? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: sometimesokayideas, diogeneskuon, maadmaxx, acrazygerman and tofuattack, thrasher1236969 and javanator999 To the ELI5 community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: [email protected]
S1 Ep 293ELI5 QR Codes - how do they work even with portions covered or obscured?
How are QR Codes better than regular barcodes? How do they work? The fourth corner square is kinda important - what kind of processing is going on for a QR code to be decoded? Why is error correction so important in QR codes? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: puppett_master, berael, middlefingerin, jagedmetalos, superpansy, simbonegtp and jcdu To the ELI5 community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: [email protected]
ELI5 Dyson Sphere - did aliens already build one?
What exactly is a Dyson Sphere? What materials would be required? What is a Dyson Swarm and a Dyson Bubble? Could any other civilizations have built a dyson sphere already? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: apprehensivemedia999, loki-l, kriss3d and joushmark To the ELI5 community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: [email protected]
S1 Ep 290ELI5 Skyscrapers - which NYC skyscraper could have fallen over?
Are the 100+ year old skyscrapers still safe? How do skyscrapers get built straight up without any leaning or imperfections or off angle walls? How does the concrete get poured so perfectly? How have designs changed over the years? What NYC had a 6% chance of falling in any given year? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: troyisawinner, justasking1t, johnproof, monkshabit, torostein, hopefulmonstr, hippityhoppityboop, flannelheart and krisalyssa To the ELI5 community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: [email protected]
S1 Ep 289ELI5 Super Mario Bros - how did it fit into 32KB?
How did Shigeru Miyamoto come up with Mario, and how has this character evolved over the years? How is it that the first Mario Bros. game was about 32kb, but a JPEG of the game is over 300kbs in 2023? What made the game mechanics so special? Why is the first level of Super Mario still studied today? Who is the real-life Mario that the character is named after? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: mrblackops16, sneaky_gopher, displacedpie, grumblyoldman, summerandtinkles and mrdrofficer To the ELI5 community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: [email protected]
S1 Ep 286ELI5 Lie Detector Tests - how do polygraph tests work?
How does a lie detector test work? If people don’t trust their accuracy, why do agencies like the FBI and CIA still use polygraph tests? How is a polygraph test actually conducted? Are there any proven methods or techniques to "beat" a polygraph test? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: amainterrogator, rhomboidus, slightydamp_clothes, jetscootr, happy_bridge, baliflipper,jarljam and antechronos To the ELI5 community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: [email protected]

S1 Ep 285ELI5 Solar Eclipses - how often do they occur?
Why does the moon perfectly cover the sun during a total solar eclipse? What's the difference between total, partial, and annular solar eclipses? It’s dangerous to look at the sun during a solar eclipse without proper protection, but is it more dangerous than staring directly at the sun when there isn’t an eclipse? How frequently do we get solar eclipses?Any tips for those wanting to photograph or view an eclipse? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: nolablue1024, troldann, lowtoiletsitter, antilokhos, thejeeronian, moonlightvenator, markydsade, csklmf86, blakeh95 and transparent_gilas To the ELI5 community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: [email protected]
S1 Ep 286ELI5 Donor Organs - do donor organs age according to the donor’s age or the new host’s age?
If all the cells in a person’s body have their individual DNA imprinted in them, then what happens after an organ transplant? Does the organ eventually adapt the DNA of the recipient or is the donor’s DNA permanently a part of the recipient? Do donated organs age according to the donor´s age or do they adapt to the age of the new body? Why do some countries have much higher percentages of people donating their organs compared to others? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: toitsExersNexqr, myxomatosis8, lazyfiish, lolziminreddit, tampeiter and suckatyourjob To the ELI5 community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: [email protected]
S1 Ep 285ELI5 Prime Numbers - why isn’t 1 a prime number?
What are the two reasons that 1 is not classified as a prime number? How did the definition of prime numbers evolve? What is Euclid’s theorem and how does it relate to prime numbers? Explain the Twin Prime Conjecture. How do prime numbers play a crucial role in encryption methods, especially in securing digital communication? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: hypertinks, jamcdonald120, viskerratio, vladdy-the-impaler, frostyfingertips and functor7 To the ELI5 community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: [email protected]
S1 Ep 284ELI5 Burping - how loud was the world loudest burp?
What exactly causes a burp, and why does it happen? How do cows and their burps play a role in greenhouse gas emissions? When they say “livestock are responsible for burping the methane equivalent of 3.1 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere annually" what does the methane equivalent of CO2 mean? Where was the world’s loudest burp recorded? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: yeetonem, purehatred89, insane_eraser, shakeshuka, mmmmmmbacon12345, bishopdamage, creasedjaw and rudimentarysasquatch To the ELI5 community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: [email protected]
S1 Ep 283ELI5 Yawning - why is it contagious?
Why do we feel the urge to yawn just by seeing or hearing someone else do it? Do animals yawn? Why do we yawn when bored or tired? Is the oxygen explanation a myth? Why does everything sound muffled when I yawn? Why do I tear up when I yawn? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: rhapsodysparkles, stonefan, fireindeedhot, sleozz, leafmeb, greshirtbrownguy, duzzeno and fendrbud To the ELI5 community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: [email protected]
S1 Ep 282ELI5 Olympics - why the amateur vs professional line blurred?
Why were the Olympics so strict about amateurism in the first place? Why were professionals not allowed initially? Who was disqualified for being a professional? How did the lines between amateur and professional blur? Are there any sports left in the Olympics that still maintain that strict amateur status? ... we explain like I'm five To the ELI5 community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: [email protected]
S1 Ep 279ELI5 USB - is it still wrong to remove a thumb drive without first ‘ejecting’?’
Why should we ‘eject’ before physically removing a USB device? Who came up with the idea of USB in the first place? What is ‘juice jacking’ and why do we need to watch out for it? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: perkovic15, nmxt, admiralakbar1, thezhoumustgoon, dcsantonio, imlagginghelp, tstack123, intanetto, ddbaby, peppercakerinkiki and tbf16 To the ELI5 community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: [email protected]
S1 Ep 280ELI5 Sore Throat - is alcohol or honey a better remedy?
What causes a sore throat? Why is it that alcohol, which is a disinfectant, doesn’t cure a sore throat? Why is honey a popular remedy? Explain the science behind the "lump in your throat" feeling. Did George Washington die of a sore throat? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: perkovic15, nmxt, admiralakbar1, thezhoumustgoon, dcsantonio, imlagginghelp, tstack123, intanetto, ddbaby, peppercakerinkiki and tbf16 To the ELI5 community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: [email protected]
ELI5 Dyson Sphere - what exactly is it?
What exactly is a Dyson Sphere? What materials would be required? What is a Dyson Swarm and a Dyson Bubble? Could any other civilizations have built a dyson sphere already? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: apprehensivemedia999, loki-l, kriss3d and joushmark To the ELI5 community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: [email protected]
S1 Ep 279ELI5 Collagen - what makes it special and important for your skin?
How does collagen differ from other proteins? What are the different types of collagen? Is there a way to slow down collagen loss as we age? What is the relationship between collagen and gelatin? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: leosar, kkl81, leg3ndwaitforitdary, thehealadin, yet_md, diffyqgirl, catortle- and jorhiru To the ELI5 community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: [email protected]
S1 Ep 278ELI5 Mona Lisa - why is it the most famous painting in the world?
Why is the Mona Lisa the most famous painting in the world when many other paintings are technically harder? How was it stolen? Who is Lisa? What is so captivating about her smile? What happened to Louvre visitor numbers after the painting was stolen? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: w00dzy87, idrinkyrmilkshake, denisedenephew, tritter211, sidkkk, bird_thewarbearer, flyingblues and plasma_dan To the ELI5 community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: [email protected]
S1 Ep 277ELI5 Blueberries - what makes them a superfood?
Is there a nutritional difference between frozen and fresh blueberries? Why do some blueberries taste sweet while others are tart? How are blueberries cultivated, and what are the different types? Does the "blue raspberry" exist? What is Bluetooth’s connection to blueberries? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: patricide, dawsomeofthat, krystar78, svarogteuse, bleach_on_a_turtle, fogobum, arpressah and maver456 To the ELI5 community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: [email protected]
S1 Ep 276ELI5 Three Body Problem - what makes it so intriguing?
Why has the three body problem been puzzling mathematicians for centuries? What is a real world example? What is its connection to chaos theory? Who wrote the famous fiction novel? Is there really any solar system out there like described in the book and Netflix series? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: takenorinvalid, jonboy82, afcagroo, emyrssentry, koooooj, hasenpfeffer_, ankhcinammon and rainerng. To the ELI5 community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: [email protected]
S1 Ep 273ELI5 Two Factor Authentication - how are authenticator apps more secure than SMS?
How did we go from secret handshakes to digital codes? Explain “something you know, something you have, and something you are”. Where was the first computer password invented? Why are SMS codes considered not that secure? Which former CIA director had their phone compromised via a teenage phone hack? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: aschentei, nottherealslash, elskerelks, mazaru , dissentologist and trueeyes To the ELI5 community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: [email protected]
S1 Ep 274ELI5 Starlink - what makes it possible and how does it work?
What is low earth orbit and how does it enable Starlink to deliver high quality internet? Do they need regulatory approval to operate in each country? With so many satellites, space debris and the risk of collisions must be a major concern - how does SpaceX manage these risks? Weren’t there some near misses early on? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: thaw4188, dkf295, makeitfermi, mfb-, darkalman, celem83, skrillex_wtf and cyanclam To the ELI5 community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: [email protected]
S1 Ep 273ELI5 Bubble Tea - how did it become a global sensation?
Who invented boba? Are bubble tea, pearl milk tea and boba all the same thing? Where is Tapioca originally from? If many people in Taiwan are lactose intolerant, how is it that milk tea would be invented there? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: thedarkabys, bazinga-5713, h1deki, fiercelyfuzzy, jordans_channel_, aeolianbroadsword and llanite To the ELI5 community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: [email protected]
S1 Ep 272ELI5 Higgs Boson - how it was named the God Particle?
What exactly is the Higgs boson and why is it often referred to as the 'God Particle'? What is the significance of its discovery? What is a Boson? How does the Higgs Boson relate to the Big Bang Theory and the formation of the universe? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: aschentei, nottherealslash, elskerelks, mazaru , dissentologist and trueeyes To the ELI5 community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: [email protected]
S1 Ep 271ELI5 Life Insurance - why the astronauts of Apollo 11 couldn’t buy life insurance?
How does life insurance actually work? What is the difference between term and whole life insurance? How do life insurance companies make money if everyone already dies? How do my lifestyle and health affect my premiums? How did a horror movie use life insurance to sell movie tickets? What happened when the astronauts of Apollo 11 tried to buy life insurance? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: querycrook, lord_probability, andrewtyne, demanbmore, babybunnybelly, longhorninnebraska, upset_force66 and blipsman To the ELI5 community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: [email protected]
S1 Ep 270ELI5 El Niño and La Niña - what exactly are they?
When did people start noticing El Niño and La Niña? What exactly are they? Where does the name come from? How do they affect global weather patterns? Do they really affect the Earth’s rotation? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: impar-exspiravit, thefiercedeity, nianp, colin52 and genxcub To the ELI5 community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: [email protected]
S1 Ep 269ELI5 Horse Racing - what’s the role of the jockey?
Can you explain the role of a jockey during a horse race? Why do horses start side by side in a race instead of a staggered start like in human races? How does horse racing differ from dog racing, and why is the latter often frowned upon? How betting odds work in horse racing? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: k0fi96, anecdotallyextant, alienfreaks04, the_camperdave, gameofchat, theicklestone, sceneofshadows, rsdancey and yourdadsbff To the ELI5 community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: [email protected]