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Nature & Environment
How do microplastics make their way into our food?
We know that microplastics have found their way into our food chain. Understanding the sources of microplastics, their journey to our plates, and what we can do to reduce the risks is essential for tackling this pressing issue.
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Science, Maths & Technology
The role sustainable chemistry plays in shaping the planet's future
Discover why research into sustainable chemistry is vital to reduce both the use of resources and the environmental impact of society on the planet.
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Health, Sports & Psychology
Is being a student good for your mental health?
Why do students suffer from higher levels of depression and anxiety when compared to those who are not at university? Dr Jonathan Leach investigates...
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Health, Sports & Psychology
Are you a focused driver?
Take our interactive test and find out if you’re alert when behind the wheel. Your attention will be put to the test.
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Science, Maths & Technology
A new mission to the icy moons of Jupiter
In April 2023, the European Space Agency launched the JUICE (JUpiter ICy Moons Explorer) mission. JUICE will explore the environment around Jupiter and study its three icy moons (Ganymede, Europa and Callisto). Could moons like these, orbiting giant gas planets, be habitable?
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Science, Maths & Technology
Between humanity and space
Dr Natalie Trevino recently joined AstrobiologyOU at the Open University as a post-doctoral researcher in space ethics. Her research considers the future of space exploration and the relationship of humans and space. She reflected on how she came to AstrobiologyOU and her plans for future work, in conversation with Ann Grand, a fellow member of ...
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Science, Maths & Technology
How our brain changes as we grow old: the Blood Brain Barrier breakdown
What's the Blood Brain Barrier and how does studying this help us to find out more about diseases associated with ageing such as Alzheimer’s? OU research student, Eduardo Frias-Anaya explains:
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Miscellaneous
Northern Ireland Science Festival 2022: The Power of Plants
Join us for a recording of an Open University virtual event discussing the BBC / Open University co-production, Green Planet.
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Science, Maths & Technology
From Astrobiology to Parliament
Devyani Gajjar is a PhD student with AstrobiologyOU. Her research focuses on how space technologies could be used to support social justice and inclusive innovation. However, in spring 2022, she put her PhD on pause while she undertook a three-month-long fellowship with the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST). In this article, ...
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Health, Sports & Psychology
Is your social media use impacting your future?
Are you aware of how your use of social media could impact your future? Dr Gemma Ryan-Blackwell highlights the importance of being mindful of your digital footprint.
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Science, Maths & Technology
Modelling the planets
Dr Julia Semprich is a Research Fellow with AstrobiologyOU. She is interested in the processes that occur deep below the surface of planets and how the interactions of fluids and rocks might create habitable environments. She talked with Dr Ann Grand, Senior Lecturer in Astrobiology Education, about her route to astrobiology, her current ...
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Science, Maths & Technology
Sniffing out signs of life
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which are produced through industrial processes and by living things, are found everywhere in our daily lives. Could the presence of VOCs be used to show where life might exist, or might have existed, on Earth and other planetary bodies?