Ask HN: What scientific phenomenon do you wish someone would explain better?

Article summary

The article discusses the blurry line between viruses, exosomes, and self, and how most articles on the subject are not written with an overview in mind. The author is studying viruses and finds the topic complex and not well-explained. The article asks what scientific phenomena readers wish someone would explain better. Readers share their own examples of complex scientific topics they struggle to understand.

Main themes

• scientific explanations
• complexity of biology
• quantum mechanics
• immunology
• recyclability of plastics
• Coriolis force
• heredity and genetics
• protein folding

What commenters say

• Some commenters believe that heredity can be influenced by non-genetic factors, such as cultural changes or physical use cases.
• Others argue that genetic basis is still a key factor in heredity, even if environmental factors can influence gene expression.
• The explanation of quantum mechanics and its interpretations is a topic of ongoing debate and confusion among commenters.
• Some readers think that protein folding is a complex and fascinating topic that is not well-understood, even by experts.
• The distinction between self and non-self is a crucial aspect of immunology that is not yet fully understood.
• Thermoset polymers are considered non-recyclable due to their irreversible chemical bonding during curing, while thermoplastic polymers are considered recyclable.
• The immune system is a complex and multi-faceted system that is still not fully understood, with both innate and adaptive components.
• The Coriolis force is a phenomenon that is often misunderstood or poorly explained, but can be illustrated through simple examples such as a spinning disk.
• The importance of sub-atomic phenomena and their impact on our daily lives is a topic of discussion among commenters, with some arguing that it has significant implications for our understanding of the world.