The Open University

“Could painkillers increase our risk of a heart attack?” OU academic explains

10 May 2017

Research by the University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre, published in The British Medical Journal (BMJ), suggests that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) painkillers could increase the risk of heart attacks. The study of five NSAID painkillers, including ibuprofen, concluded that the risk of suffering from a heart attack was as much as 50% greater in those […]

Four myths about diabetes debunked

8 May 2017

The World Health Organisation estimates that the number of people with diabetes is 422m, globally. And between 1980 and 2014 the number of people with the condition almost doubled. Despite the high prevalence of the disease, it is often misunderstood. Here are some common misconceptions about diabetes. 1. Diabetes is purely a disorder of the […]

(from left-to-right) Dean of the Faculty of Business and Law, Professor Rebecca Taylor; Cate Turner; Karie Matthews; Sir Nicholas Forwood QC; Head of The Open University Law School, Paul Catley

OU announces Law Students of the Year 2016

5 May 2017

Cate Turner and Karie Matthews were presented with their awards for being the highest achieving students of 2016 by leading EU judge, Sir Nicholas Forwood QC, and Head of The Open University Law School, Paul Catley. The event, hosted recently at Church House Conference Centre, Westminster, provided alumni, students, and their guests the opportunity to hear from Sir Nicholas […]

OU graduate sets sail to raise funds for students

5 May 2017

To mark 50 years since the first solo voyage around the world without modern technology, and 50 years of education open to all through the OU, graduate Antoine Cousot, aims to raise £1 million for more students to share the opportunities he has had. The Antoine Cousot Scholarship Fund aims to provide 50 students with […]

The Open University honours Gaelic football icon, Mickey Harte

3 May 2017

Renowned Gaelic football manager Mickey Harte was honoured by The Open University with the award of Doctor of the University at a ceremony in Croke Park Friday 28th April. Mr Harte had his award conferred alongside 135 graduating students – from all walks of life, of all ages and backgrounds and from a spectrum of […]

Why the pensions ‘triple lock’ has become a key general election issue

2 May 2017

In the last Prime Minister’s Questions before the 2017 general election, Theresa May refused to guarantee the “triple lock” policy that guarantees pensions will rise in line with inflation, earnings or 2.5% – whichever is highest. It’s a contentious issue, as pensions make up a the biggest portion of the nation’s welfare budget. It’s also […]

Could an App replace a trip to the Doctor?

26 April 2017

With news of a healthcare smartphone app which could diagnose medical conditions and aid GP services, expert in digital healthcare Professor Shailey Minocha weighs up the pros and cons of technology becoming an integrated part of our wellbeing: Q. Can we trust our data with Apps such as this? “The app and underlying systems will […]

OU brings ‘Internet of Everything’ to everyone with free online course

26 April 2017

There has been considerable interest in the Internet of Things (IoT) recently, and whether connecting data, people, processes, and things is beneficial or a risk to data protection. Either way, the IoT is here to stay and our society needs to develop the skills to process the vast amounts of data being generated. The OU […]

Why exercise helps with mental health

19 April 2017

What impact does exercise have on mental health? Lecturer in Sport and Fitness at The Open University, Karen Howells, provides expert insight into why exercise could improve your mental health. Mental health isn’t just the absence of illness “We know exercise is good for us; physically it can prevent diseases such as diabetes and keep us […]

Saturn moon Enceladus is able to host life – it’s time for a new mission

13 April 2017

Ever since studies started suggesting that chemical reactions between water and rock on Saturn’s moon Enceladus could provide enough energy in the water to feed microbial life, scientists have been searching for proof that the right sort of reactions really do occur. And during its last dive through the icy plumes that Enceladus erupts into […]

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