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The Internet at 40
Science, Maths & Technology

The Internet at 40

...opens with a specially recorded interview with John Naughton, Professor of the Public Understanding of Technology at The Open University and author of 'A brief history of the future - the origins of the internet'. He explores some of the key moments in the short but spectacular history of an extraordinary phenomenon, the people who made them happen, and some of the...
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Audio 1 hr 33 mins
The interplay of language and culture in times of crisis: COVID-19 and beyond
Languages

The interplay of language and culture in times of crisis: COVID-19 and beyond

...Open University's Language courses and qualifications. [Cumbre Vieja, La Palma, Spain, erupting in 2021]Cumbre Vieja erupting in 2021During the eruption of Cumbre Vieja (a volcano on the Spanish Island of La Palma) in 2021 and its aftermath, the public were given a crash course on scientific terminology. However, a more colloquial word from the Canary Islands proved to be...
View article The interplay of language and culture in times of crisis: COVID-19 and beyond
Article 5 mins
From the Sumerians to Shakespeare to Twain: why fart jokes never get old
History & The Arts

From the Sumerians to Shakespeare to Twain: why fart jokes never get old

...source of discomfort and embarrassment, so why do they double as an inspiration for humor, even literary beauty? Literary giants let it rip Every culture in recorded history has had its preferred forms of humor relating to bodily functions, but none have been more reliable in stirring a reaction than fart jokes. In fact, according to British academic and poet Paul...
View article From the Sumerians to Shakespeare to Twain: why fart jokes never get old
Article 10 mins
How does earthquake science help us track North Korea's nuclear tests?
Science, Maths & Technology

How does earthquake science help us track North Korea's nuclear tests?

...source than a single seismometer, and can also be used to work out with greater accuracy where the waves originally come from. In 1996, the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) was opened for signatures, aiming to ban all nuclear explosions. To enforce this treaty, the Vienna-based CTBT Organisation is establishing an International Monitoring System with over 50 seismic...
View article How does earthquake science help us track North Korea's nuclear tests?
Article 5 mins
Mugabexit: an opportunity for Zimbabwe to build resilient systems from resilient people
Society, Politics & Law

Mugabexit: an opportunity for Zimbabwe to build resilient systems from resilient people

...sources of leverage for the country, not least the resilience, innovativeness and resourcefulness that the Zimbabwean people have shown over the years. In the past week world attention was drawn sharply to Zimbabwean people that have, for a long time, yearned for transparent and inclusive economic and political systems that give everyone a fair chance in life. Against all...
View article Mugabexit: an opportunity for Zimbabwe to build resilient systems from resilient people
Article 10 mins
Lighting the Industrial Revolution
History & The Arts

Lighting the Industrial Revolution

...source of illumination for millennia, up until the late Victorian era. It was many years before electricity was harnessed to provide a new form of lighting both homes and businesses. Why did it take so long to develop the humble light bulb (1879), if electricity had been discovered and studied for more than a century before that date? It was the invention of the battery...
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Article 5 mins
Care before profit: working as a cleaner in a care home during the Covid-19 pandemic
Society, Politics & Law

Care before profit: working as a cleaner in a care home during the Covid-19 pandemic

...Open University's Social Sciences courses Background[GMB scotland banner stating fair pay for covid heroes]Working in already incredibly difficult circumstances, the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing issues around chronic low pay, poor terms and conditions, cost-cutting, and increasing privatisation in the care sector. This has been well documented by the Scottish...
View article Care before profit: working as a cleaner in a care home during the Covid-19 pandemic
Article 5 mins
60 Second Adventures In Astronomy: Life on Mars
Science, Maths & Technology

60 Second Adventures In Astronomy: Life on Mars

Discover how asteroids and microbes flying through space could hold the secret to life on Earth - and maybe even Mars...Find out about The Open University's Natural Sciences courses. Transcript Read Dave Rothery's exploration of what might happen if we found life on Mars Discover more about studying physics and astronomy with The Open University
View video 60 Second Adventures In Astronomy: Life on Mars
Video 5 mins