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Science, Maths & Technology
Building the first Thames sewer system
The original Thames sewer system became a pressing need following the clean-up of London streets. But even the stench of the river overpowering the Houses of Parliament couldn't persuade the Board of Works to speed up the building process. This editorial from The Morning Chronicle of 20th July, 1859 explores why the fight against cholera had ...
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Science, Maths & Technology
Can design by committee work? Making a case for open source design
We know what's wrong with design committees: too many cooks; too much spoiled broth; bitter recriminations over who spoiled the broth; broth being launched as a beta while spoiled broth is further spoiled by the same iterative process. By keeping everyone happy, nobody's happy, right? Well... maybe not. Design educator Mushon Zer-Aviv suggests ...
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Science, Maths & Technology
In the night sky - Galaxies
Professor Monica Grady and Philippa Smith, from the Open University's space science team, give you the lowdown on what to look for if you want to take up stargazing. From big bang to black holes; from spotting stars to identifying galaxies this collection is a beginner's guide to astronomy introducing you to the key features at each level of ...
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Science, Maths & Technology
Night sky puts on a meteor shower to celebrate Rosetta’s closest approach to the sun
The Perseids coincide with Rosetta making its closest approach to the Sun, explains Monica Grady.
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Science, Maths & Technology
Meteorite - or Meteor-wrong?
There's a simple test which can tell if you've found a rock - or something extra-terrestrial, explains meteorite hunter Rob Elliott
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Digital & Computing
My digital life
Everything is becoming digital - what does this mean for your life?
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Science, Maths & Technology
What does an engineer look like?
In 2015, some men still struggle with the idea that engineering might not be an exclusively male endeavour. No, they really do.
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Money & Business
Foreign games consoles finally enter the Chinese market
After fifteen years locked out of the largest potential market, non Chinese game consoles are finally being sold in mainland China. But is it too late for Sony and others to build a winning position?
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History & The Arts
The first geological map of the UK
One of the most important maps of the UK ever made – described as the ‘Magna Carta of geology’ – is to go on permanent public display in Cambridge after being restored to its former glory.
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Education & Development
Pathways To Success in Higher Education
For use in conjuction with the 'Pathways to Success' guide created by The Open University in Wales.
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Science, Maths & Technology
Patterns of Life
Everywhere you look in nature you will find patterns. From the seeds in the flower under your nose to the flock of swallows overhead some patterns keep occurring again and again. The essence of mathematics is a series of simple rules that produce complex consequences. And nowhere are these complex consequences more apparent than in the natural ...
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Science, Maths & Technology
Think like a scientist
Learn to think like a scientist. In this collection we demonstrate a series of hands-on experiments that you can carry out in your own kitchen. We'll explore some key aspects of life on Earth such as why water is so important to all living organisms, how matter behaves at different temperatures and what are the best conditions for life to ...