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News from The Open University

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Blood will have blood – why Macbeth still inspires artists

Stunningly cinematic and vehemently Scottish, the latest version of Macbeth has opened in UK cinemas. Directed by Justin Kurzel, it’s a post-Braveheart affair, heavy on the mud and gore. In the title role Michael Fassbender exudes intensity and desperation, fuelled by the death of his young son. Marion Cotillard is wraith-like as his broken-hearted wife. […]

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New biodegradable materials could replace plastic bags

While shoppers in England face a 5p charge for each plastic carrier bag they use from today (5th October 2015), OU research highlights work into alternative and more environmentally friendly materials that could potentially replace them. The OU’s Integrated Waste Systems (IWS) research group is working on an ambitious partnership worth around £250,000 with a […]

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London housing protests echo Glasgow rent strikes of 100 years ago

Anger over government housing policy is undoubtedly one of the running themes of the 2010s. Most recently we have seen anti-gentrification protests in east London over people being pushed out due to huge increases in private rent costs and a lack of social housing, which made headlines for targeting the hipster Cereal Killer Cafe in […]

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Free online course looks at the business of film-making

The Open University Business School and Pinewood Studios have launched a free online course considering the business side of film-making. Available on the online social learning platform FutureLearn as a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC), ‘The Business of Film’ course coincides with the opening of the 59th British Film Institute (BFI) London Film Festival. It explores the key […]

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Water on Mars: evidence of glaciers similar to Earth’s

Researchers at University College Dublin (UCD) and The OU have found new evidence that liquid water flowed beneath a glacier on Mars, suggesting it had glaciers more like Earth’s than currently thought . The finding fuels the debate concerning Mars’ habitability and the burning question of whether other planets can sustain life. Dr Colman Gallagher […]

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Online affairs can be addictive, OU study finds

Online affairs can be addictive, OU study finds

The internet has made affairs easier to conduct, with a gender divide on what is considered acceptable behaviour online, new research by psychologists at The OU has found. The study of people who have experienced internet infidelity – either having taken part in it themselves or finding out their partner had – revealed: Grey areas […]

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The Open University appoints new University Secretary

The Open University appoints new University Secretary

Keith Zimmerman will be The OU’s new University Secretary. Currently Director, Students, Mr Zimmerman will be the fourth holder of the role since The OU was established and will replace Fraser Woodburn who is retiring. As University Secretary Mr Zimmerman will be responsible for the University’s governance, administration and operational management. He said: “I am […]

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Oblique view of Phlegra Montes region of Mars showing remnant glacier and eskers. Credit: NASA

NASA: streaks of salt on Mars mean flowing water, and raise new hopes of finding life

Salty streaks have been discovered on Mars, which could be a sign that salt water seeps to the surface in the summers. Scientists have previously observed dark streaks (see image above) on the planet’s slopes which are thought to have resulted from seeps of water wetting surface dust. Evidence of salts left behind in these […]

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Siblings in the scrum: long history of brothers makes rugby a family affair

It’s well known that family plays a key role in a child’s initial socialisation into sport and his or her continued participation. This family involvement is certainly evident on a Sunday morning at my local rugby club where siblings of both genders and all ages participate in a range of activities. Add to this the […]

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Hackers have finally breached Apple’s security but your iPhone’s probably safe (for now)

Cyber security experts recently discovered that the almost impenetrable Apple App Store had been hacked. While cyber break-ins have become routine news for many companies, Apple has long prided itself on providing technology for its phones and tablets that was incredibly secure. This was done by controlling how developers – the people who create your […]

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