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News from The Open University

Music in a virtual fashion is just as ‘good for the soul’

Music in a virtual fashion is just as ‘good for the soul’

As the pandemic controls mean a necessary shutdown of live music events, artists and venues around the world have been finding alternative, virtual ways to entertain and uplift their audiences. Which is hugely positive, says  Dr Rosemary Golding, Senior Lecturer in Music, because music is important for our wellbeing. Residents around the world, including Italy, […]

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OU partners with Brook to deliver online course to support abortion education in schools

OU partners with Brook to deliver online course to support abortion education in schools

The Open University (OU) has partnered with sexual health and wellbeing experts, Brook to deliver an online course to support teachers in providing abortion education in schools. Designed to improve the knowledge and confidence of those teaching about pregnancy decision-making and abortion to young people aged 13+, the free course has been shaped by research […]

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Image of meteorite and Mars

OU researchers discover ancient water reservoirs inside Mars

A team of researchers, including scientists from The Open University (OU), have discovered ancient water reservoirs inside the mantle of Mars. OU researchers Professor Mahesh Anand, Dr Ian Franchi, Dr Susanne Schwenzer and Dr Jessica Barnes, a former student at the OU and an Assistant Professor at the University of Arizona, worked as part of […]

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Love in a time of Covid-19: families and couple relationships

Love in a time of Covid-19: families and couple relationships

The necessary restrictions imposed during the Coronavirus pandemic are likely to put pressure on our relationships and family life. Professor Jacqui Gabb, who has researched and written extensively on relationships, discusses some of the issues and offers practical thoughts on what is important. Professor Gabb is co-author of Enduring Love. Her research centres on intimacy […]

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Image of planets in the Solar System

OU awarded £2.5 million to further success in planetary sciences

The Open University (OU) has received £2.5 million from the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) to fund research in planetary sciences, building on the university’s 50 years in space science. Scientists from the School of Physical Sciences have been awarded the grant to further their research in the origin and evolution of the Solar […]

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Men in bar

Why misogyny and hate crime reforms need more than slick campaigns

Wolf-whistling, catcalling and groping make up just some of the intimidating behaviour that women experience every day from men. But there is an attempt underway in the UK parliament that seeks to protect women from this kind of “acceptable” misogyny. On March 9, Wera Hobhouse, the MP for Bath in south-west England, presented her Hate […]

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A bottle of hand sanitiser

OU scientists make hand sanitiser to support frontline professionals in Milton Keynes

The Open University (OU) is supporting local efforts to stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) by producing much-needed hand sanitiser for healthcare professionals in Milton Keynes. With the outbreak of COVID-19, there has been unprecedented demand for hand sanitiser from the public and across the healthcare landscape, which has caused a national shortage. Scientists from […]

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Elderly mother and daughter use computer

How to use technology to combat social isolation in older people

Shailey Minocha, Professor of Learning Technologies and Social Computing at The Open University, writes about how the use of technology and coping strategies can combat social isolation in people over 70. The world has changed since coronavirus (COVID-19) surfaced. Although the situation may be temporary, we realise that things will be different from now on. […]

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Advice on supporting your child during self-isolation

Advice on supporting your child during self-isolation

John Oates, Professor of Developmental Psychology at The Open University, writes about how to cope with children being at home during this period of self-isolation, with advice and helpful suggestions on supporting them through this difficult and confusing time. It probably came as a shock hearing that schools will be closing, on top of all […]

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Pregnant woman, holding in hands bouquet of daisy. Image credit: Thinkstock

Perinatal anxiety: one in five women experience it – but many still suffer alone before or after childbirth

Becoming a parent is usually celebrated as a happy time. But it can often be stressful and overwhelming, too. While some anxiety at this time is normal, around one in five women may experience something called perinatal anxiety during their pregnancy through the first year after giving birth. This condition is characterised by high levels […]

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