The Open University

Tiny blue salt crystals from space reveal a big surprise

10 January 2018

In 1998 two meteorites fell to earth, and on them were minuscule sapphire-coloured salt crystals. Now, 20 years on, science lab equipment is finally powerful enough to analyse these crystals – and the results have been startling. Organic compounds and liquid water have been found together for the first time on these 4.5 billion year […]

A trans review of 2017: the year of transgender moral panic

3 January 2018

Three years ago, 2014 was hailed as “the transgender tipping point” – a year when trans people became more visible and better understood. Sadly, looking back on 2017, it seems it was the year of a transgender moral panic. In the first half of the year, every few weeks seemed to bring another news story […]

Hugh’s Wild West: new BBC wildlife programme explores the West Country

3 January 2018

Lifelong nature-lover Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall pursues his fascination with the wildlife of the West Country as he teams up with the region’s most dedicated nature lovers for a new series, produced in partnership with The Open University. Hugh’s Wild West begins on Saturday 6 January at 6.15pm on BBC Two and runs for twelve episodes. Amateurs are contributing […]

Predicting volcanic eruptions – new technique developed by scientists

1 January 2018

Scientists have developed a new method for forecasting the probability of an active volcano erupting. Scientists from The Open University (OU) have developed a new technique to help predict when a volcano is most likely to erupt based on measurements of how much nearby ground swells. The ‘inflation’, or gradual swelling, of the ground that […]

Five ways students can enjoy a guilt-free Christmas

21 December 2017

Studying with The Open University can be a real juggling act, particularly at Christmas time when you want to relax and enjoy time with your family but still have that looming assignment on your mind. Karen Foley is an OU Lecturer and presenter on the OU’s Student Hub Live. She’s knows that OU students are […]

2017: an award-winning year of inspiring BBC TV and radio

20 December 2017

2017 has been the most successful year to date for The Open University and BBC partnership. Our TV and radio programmes reached more people than ever before and have won an unprecedented number of awards, including a BAFTA and a Grierson. Everything we produce creates unique resources for our teaching and learning. Exploring the planet, […]

7 gifts an OU student might love

20 December 2017

This one’s for all OU students. Something to casually link to; share on Facebook with an *ahem*; or go old school and print out and highlight for your nearest and dearest. Or just place near a chimney and hope! We know how hard our students work. You’re awesome, and you deserve an awesome Christmas too. […]

Three tales of Christmas music through time

19 December 2017

Music is such an integral part of the Christmas season, and has been for centuries. Here senior lecturer in music, Elaine Moohan, shares some of the accounts of Christmas music captured by the OU’s research project – the Listening Experience Database. Memories of music at Christmas In the weeks leading up to Christmas we seem […]

Fitness trends for 2018: stretching classes, eco-friendly treadmills and gym psychologists

19 December 2017

In 2017 we saw the continued popularity of high intensity interval training (HIIT), strength training and group training. The success of parkrun, free 5 km running events held in over 500 parks, showed that people are interested in coming together in shared exercise experiences. Parkrun now has over 120,000 participants supported by 10,000 volunteers and […]

House prices in 2018: steady despite the hints of demolition

18 December 2017

Lecturer in Economics, Alan Shipman, offers his view on what the next year has in store for the UK housing market… Judged by what they announced, UK policymakers moved decisively in 2017 to arrest the long rise in house prices , as part of a broader strategy to cut living costs and assist first-time buyers. But […]

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