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Science, Maths & Technology
The science behind sunblocks, tanning and sunburn
As parts of the UK reach the hottest temperature on record, a scorching 41C, we look at what the sun does to our skin.
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Health, Sports & Psychology
Get outdoors and get active
Designed to inspire outdoors activity while you carry on learning, our fun ideas cover a range of subjects from nature, psychology and astronomy, to health and wellbeing. Take a digital detox from screens and notifications with OpenLearn.
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Science, Maths & Technology
Manupedia
A collection of information about some of the processes used to convert materials into useful objects.
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Science, Maths & Technology
Environment, Earth and Ecosystem Sciences: PhD Projects 101
Ever wondered what our research students from the school of Environment, Earth and Ecosystem Sciences do? Some of them work while being outdoors and some in the labs. Check out these explainers of their projects...
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Science, Maths & Technology
The Borders of Astrobiology
Ethical questions in space exploration, issues of ethical engagement and knowledge production in astrobiology, and extending concepts of environmental ethics to outer space are explored in this article.
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Nature & Environment
Can microplastics find their way onto your plate?
What harm can microplastics cause to human health and can they get into our food? Joanna Jesionkowska, a research student at The Open University, looks into this here.
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Science, Maths & Technology
Light: Wave-particle duality
One of the most confusing concepts in physics, wave-particle duality is unlike anything we see in the ordinary world.
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Science, Maths & Technology
Supporting sustainable and responsible space exploration
Silvio Sinibaldi explores some of the current challenges and opportunities in planetary protection.
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Science, Maths & Technology
Do Christmas lights interfere with your wifi signal?
Beware: Britain's communication regulator warns that your twinkling festive lights might be blocking your wifi signal. Really? Andrew Smith explains why it shouldn't keep you awake worrying...
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Science, Maths & Technology
How is nylon made?
Find out how nylon is so much more than just a nice pair of stockings in this article on the fascinating chemistry behind them...
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Science, Maths & Technology
Can we be categorised by our DNA?
“Race is just a social construct!” You may have heard experts say this, but what does the science say? Can our DNA group us the way many imagine?
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Nature & Environment
How can nature help us meet the climate challenge in towns and cities?
At COP26 in Glasgow, we saw that scientists, politicians, and environmental activists love their jargon. Everyone who attended came away with a new climate buzzword firmly planted in their minds: nature-based solutions.