3,766 search results

The science of chocolate
Health, Sports & Psychology

The science of chocolate

...opening) your blood vessels. This is due to compounds in dark chocolate called flavanols, which act by increasing the production of a gas called nitric oxide – it is this gas which this causes blood vessels to dilate. This effect was small but appeared to be borne out by a statistical analysis. However, it only happened during the first two weeks of dark chocolate...
Explainer: how hostile is space?
Science, Maths & Technology

Explainer: how hostile is space?

...Open University, explains more...Space may seem calm, but it is a more hostile environment than that on Earth. Invisible radiation is a big problem for space enthusiasts and scientific instruments. Substituting electronic devices to do human tasks reduces risk, but it doesn’t eliminate all risk. Every active device in space is dealing with such risks right now – be it...
Iron from the sky: Meteors, meteorites and ancient culture
Science, Maths & Technology

Iron from the sky: Meteors, meteorites and ancient culture

...Open University to visualise what remained of the bead microstructure and measuring the chemistry of any preserved metal fragments. At The University of Manchester in the x-ray imaging facility, we produced an x-ray CT model of the bead which illustrated the variations in its structure and composition in three dimensions. The results indicated the bead micro-structures...
‘It’s Just Banter’: Women and Sexual Harassment in the Hospitality Industry
Society, Politics & Law

‘It’s Just Banter’: Women and Sexual Harassment in the Hospitality Industry

...Open University's History and Social Sciences qualifications. Setting the Scene Two old guys at the bar where I was working: “Whaur’s ma New Year’s kiss then?” “Aye, and whaur’s mine?” “No thank you,” I said. “Aw, come on! Ye’ve got tae gie me a New Year’s kiss!” “No thank you,” I repeated and went to get on with cleaning glasses. Their tone...
Sniffing out signs of life
Science, Maths & Technology

Sniffing out signs of life

...Open University field trip to Iceland under a Europlanet grant. Copyright: Claire Batty Researching VOCs at AstrobiologyOU In AstrobiologyOU, we are studying VOCs in ‘analogue environments’. An analogue environment is a location or situation that resembles the geological or biological conditions of another planetary body. Some analogues are laboratory simulations,...
What is a confidence and supply government?
Society, Politics & Law

What is a confidence and supply government?

...opening of parliament. This may be a specific policy or simply evidence of influence on an existing policy. As with a full coalition, minor parties need to be wary in their negotiating strategy. Ask too little and be viewed by their supporters of selling themselves too cheaply. Demand too much and it may prevent a deal, destabilise the agreement and prove undeliverable....
How does COVID-19 affect cancer treatment?
Science, Maths & Technology

How does COVID-19 affect cancer treatment?

...Open University answer cancer-related questions about the new coronavirus in this series of articles...Who are we? We are cancer researchers working at The Open University. Our daily job involves identifying and testing new therapies and new diagnostic technologies for cancers. For this reason, we are regularly in contact with cancer charities and patient support groups....
Why Design Education needs Black and Women of Colour Feminist Thinking
Education & Development

Why Design Education needs Black and Women of Colour Feminist Thinking

...Open University, I have been exploring ways to teach anti-racist forms of fashion design. In my research many lessons can be learned from the seminal 1971 book Design for the Real World by designer and educator Victor Papanek, which argues that designers must think about their moral responsibilities and the ‘real world’ to design in more equitable ways. Exactly fifty...