Latest news with #TheOpenUniversity
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Scientists Found 2 Meteorites That Could Be the First Pieces of Mercury Ever Discovered
Here's what you'll learn when you read this story: Meteorites found in the Sahara Desert might be pieces of Mercury that broke off as the result of a collision when the Solar System was still forming. The meteorites had many parallels to the surface of Mercury, but also some noticeable differences, including a mineral not previously detected on Mercury's surface. Whether or not these rocks are from Mercury remains a mystery, but if not, they could still be useful analogs for understanding more about the innermost planet. Though human boots have never set foot on another planet, pieces of Mars have fallen to Earth as meteorites, giving us our only chance to study them up close until NASA's Mars Sample Return Mission drops off the rock cores collected by Perseverance. Meteorites that emerged from the Sahara desert might be from another resident of our solar system, Mercury. To say Mercury is extreme is an understatement— it's hot enough to melt lead, after all. The innermost planet of the solar system is only about 58 million km. (36 million miles) from the Sun, with an average temperature of 167°C (333°F). Few spacecraft have been able to venture anywhere near this scorching clump of iron and silicates without overheating and breaking down. Mariner10 performed the first flyby of Mercury, MESSENGER orbited, and BepiColombo is on its way, but nothing has ever been able to crawl on its surface. If fragments of Mars could have hurtled to Earth after some ancient collision, then why are there none from Mercury? This is the question planetary scientist Ben Rider-Stokes of The Open University in the UK wanted to answer. MESSENGER has been able to collect data about the surface composition of Mercury, but we have yet to figure out how to send something to pick up samples without being blasted by solar radiation. Stokes examined meteorites that had previously been suspected to have come from Mercury and found possible matches. 'The rise in the number of meteorites collected from hot and cold deserts has greatly expanded the range of meteorite compositions and potential parent objects,' Stokes said in a study recently published in Icarus. Meteorites Ksar Ghilane 022, which landed in Tunisia, and Northwest Africa 15915, discovered in Morocco, show a surface composition and mineralogy similar to the Mercurian crust. Whether they are actually from Mercury remains unknown. However, both are achondrites, previously melted meteorites characterized by an absence of chondrules (mineral spheres embedded in the rock) and made mostly of silicates such as olivine and pyroxene, often found in igneous and metamorphic rocks. Plagioclase and oldhamite are also present. They also do not fit in with any other known achondrites. There's just one issue. What is problematic about both specimens is that the iron-free silicates and oxygen isotopes they contain mirror aubrites, made largely of the translucent silicate mineral enstatite (MgSiO3). Aubrites have not been detected on the surface of Mercury. 'It is not believed that the aubrites originated from Mercury, as the planet has an extremely red spectrum which differs from aubrite spectra, but it has been suggested that aubrites represent a proto-Mercury,' said Stokes. Billions of years ago, Mercury might have had a different surface composition before it was pummeled by asteroids, which pockmarked it with craters. Both meteorites are about 4.5 billion years old. This makes them younger than most primitive materials that were swirling around in the solar system, but older than the smooth plains of Mercury, which cover a third of its surface and are around 3.6 billion years old. Even 4-billion-year-old regions of the plains are still no match for the age of the meteorites. It is possible that the meteorites are actually remnants of Mercury's crust before there were enough collisions to obliterate that rock and expose the material beneath it. Remnants of this crust on Mercury might have gone undetected, but that knowledge eludes us. BepiColombo is expected to reach Mercury by the beginning of 2026. The spacecraft may be able to find a source of material that is a match for these mysterious rocks. Even if they aren't from Mercury, Ksar Ghilane 022 and Northwest Africa 15915 could be analogs for the surface of a planet on which we would't be able to take the heat. You Might Also Like The Do's and Don'ts of Using Painter's Tape The Best Portable BBQ Grills for Cooking Anywhere Can a Smart Watch Prolong Your Life?
India Today
30-06-2025
- Science
- India Today
OpenAI co-founder says AI is going to be extremely unpredictable and unimaginable
Artificial intelligence may still be imperfect today, but Ilya Sutskever, co-founder and former chief scientist at OpenAI, believes it is only the beginning of a future that could quickly become unpredictable and unimaginable. Speaking in a recent video interview with The Open University of Israel, Sutskever said that the rapid development of AI systems could lead to a tipping point. Once AI begins to improve itself, the pace of progress might spiral beyond human control or comprehension. 'AI is going to be both extremely unpredictable and unimaginable,' he he acknowledged the risks, Sutskever also expressed optimism about the technology's potential to transform the world. 'If the AI became capable enough, we'll have incredible health care,' he said, adding that diseases could be cured and human lifespans comments came shortly after he accepted an honorary degree from The Open University, where he reflected on his personal journey into artificial intelligence. He described how, as an eighth-grade student, he taught himself advanced topics simply by reading slowly and carefully until he understood relocating to Toronto, Sutskever made an unusual choice: he skipped completing high school and instead transferred directly to the University of Toronto to study under AI pioneer Geoffrey Hinton. 'The place to be,' he recalled. This passion for learning led him to help develop AlexNet, a groundbreaking neural network that reshaped the field of AI. That success caught the attention of major tech companies, eventually leading Sutskever and his collaborators to form a startup, later acquired by Google. His next move was co-founding OpenAI, driven by a desire to build something meaningful 'with all these illustrious people.'Ilya Sutskever says AI could cure disease, extend life, and accelerate science beyond if it can do that, what else can it do?'The problem with AI is that it is so powerful. It can also do everything.'We don't know what's coming. We must prepare, together. vitrupo (@vitrupo) June 28, 2025advertisementIn his recent remarks, Sutskever stressed how AI is already capable of surprising feats, calling its current state 'evocative'. He said that AI is already powerful enough to hint at vast possibilities, but not yet fully realised. He said AI systems would eventually be able to do everything that humans can do, and perhaps laid out his reasoning with a simple comparison: 'We have a brain, the brain is a biological computer, so why can't a digital computer, a digital brain, do the same things?'When pressed on how soon such a future might arrive, Sutskever estimated a breakthrough into true superintelligence could happen in 'three, five, maybe ten years.' What comes after, he said, is unclear. 'The rate of progress will become really extremely fast for some time at least,' he future, he said, is unavoidable. 'Whether you like it or not, your life is going to be affected by AI to a great extent.'Sutskever also shared advice for the graduating class, encouraging them to focus on the present instead of dwelling on past mistakes. 'It's so easy to think, 'Oh, some bad past decision or bad stroke of luck,'' he said. 'It's just so much better and more productive to say, 'Okay, things are the way they are, what's the next best step?''advertisementHis words held deeper meaning given his own role in the surprise ousting of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman in late 2023. Sutskever was part of the board that removed Altman, only to later express deep regret and join the call for his reinstatement. Altman returned within days, and Sutskever left the company six months later to launch a new AI lab focused on building 'safe superintelligence.'Returning to his academic roots, Sutskever told graduates that the age of AI is unlike any other moment in history. 'We all live in the most unusual time ever,' he said. 'And the reason it's true this time is because of AI.'- Ends
Business News Wales
24-06-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Business Barometer Reveals Urgent Need for Skills Planning in Wales
A new report from The Open University reveals a growing disconnect between Welsh employers and the next generation of workers — one that could be preventing employers from addressing the country's persistent skills shortages. The 'Business Barometer: Skills for today and tomorrow: how employers can plan for future skills', is a survey of over 2,000 UK organisation leaders and 1,000 Gen Z adults. In Wales, 139 organisation leaders and 80 Gen Z adults (under the age of 25) were surveyed and reported that more than half (58%) of organisations are currently experiencing a skills shortage, the highest of all UK nations. At the same time, only a third (31%) of those Welsh organisations have specific initiatives in place to recruit, retain or train under-25s. Over half (54%) of Gen Z respondents in Wales are aware of the country's skills challenges and are factoring that into their career thinking — but they may not be receiving the guidance or support they need to become truly work-ready: 73% are considering careers based on where skills are most needed 66% would stay longer with an employer that offers training and development This gap in expectations is particularly stark at a time when digital, AI and sustainability skills are increasingly essential. While over half of Gen Z (58%) are already working in or interested in AI, 20% of Welsh employers say they're not confident they can deliver their AI strategies due to talent constraints. Dr Scott McKenzie, Assistant Director, Learning, Skills and Innovation at The Open University in Wales, said: 'The data is clear: there's a mismatch between employer intentions and practical action. But there's also a real opportunity here. Welsh employers can start by building structured skills plans, work with education providers invest in flexible training, and opening up opportunities to more diverse talent. The organisations who act now — who take learning seriously, at every level — will be the ones who will thrive in the years ahead.' Baroness Martha Lane Fox CBE, Chancellor at The Open University added: 'Employers have an incredible opportunity — and responsibility — to shape the future workforce. The talent is out there. Young people are motivated, they're digitally savvy, and they want to contribute. But they need clear training pathways, practical support, and employers willing to invest. 'While there are economic challenges at this moment for employers, the smartest organisations won't just wait for skills to arrive — they'll build them, inclusively and proactively, to fuel growth and resilience.' While global headlines have amplified political division over ED&I policies, the report reveals continued support for inclusion in the UK. The data shows that 80% of employers in Wales say ED&I is important to their organisation while 42% believe it will become even more important over the next five years. However, 25% have no initiatives in place for underrepresented or disadvantaged groups, including returners, career changers, and workers with disabilities or neurodiversities. This presents a missed opportunity to widen the talent pipeline and reduce economic inactivity — particularly in sectors and areas facing acute workforce shortages. The Business Barometer has tracked the skills shortage for nearly a decade and while the proportion of employers facing a skills shortage has stabilised since last year, the issue remains widespread across sectors and regions. The skills gap remains one of the most pressing issues for organisations in Wales, with nearly a third (38%) expecting it to worsen over the next five years. Among those currently affected, Welsh organisations report: Recruitment and training is more difficult due to the increase in national insurance (54%), increase in the minimum wage (56%) and economic uncertainty (72%) 60% report increased workload on other staff 43% cite reduced productivity 37% say they've scaled back growth or expansion plans 20% lack confidence in delivering their AI plans over the next five years Despite this, fewer than half of Welsh employers (36%) have a formal skills plan in place and even though the data shows training boosts retention, 30% of organisations say they hesitate to train staff for fear they'll leave. To find out more how employers can address the organisation skills shortage visit The Open University Business Barometer 2025
South Wales Argus
24-06-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Wales facing UK's highest skills shortages, says report
This is according to the latest Open University Business Barometer, which found that 58 per cent of organisations in Wales are struggling to fill roles. Despite this, only 31 per cent have schemes in place to recruit, retain or train workers under 25. Dr Scott McKenzie, assistant director of learning, skills and innovation at The Open University in Wales, said: "The data is clear: there's a mismatch between employer intentions and practical action. "But there's also a real opportunity here. "Welsh employers can start by building structured skills plans, work with education providers, invest in flexible training, and opening up opportunities to more diverse talent. "The organisations who act now – who take learning seriously, at every level – will be the ones who will thrive in the years ahead." The report highlights a generational disconnect, with 54 per cent of Gen Z respondents in Wales aware of the skills gap, but lacking guidance to become work-ready. Baroness Martha Lane Fox, chancellor at The Open University, said: "Employers have an incredible opportunity – and responsibility – to shape the future workforce. "The talent is out there. "Young people are motivated, they're digitally savvy, and they want to contribute. "But they need clear training pathways, practical support, and employers willing to invest." Although 80 per cent of Welsh employers say ED&I is important, a quarter have no initiatives for underrepresented groups. The report underscores the need for better planning and investment in training to address long-term workforce challenges.
STV News
24-06-2025
- Business
- STV News
Businesses urged to help ‘shape future workforce' by investing in young people
Experts have urged Scottish businesses to help 'shape the future workforce' by investing in upskilling young people, as a survey suggests the next generation of workers is not being given the support it needs to plug the nation's skills gaps. According to the Open University business barometer survey, more than half (56%) of Scottish businesses are currently experiencing a skills shortage but only about a third (35%) have specific initiatives in place to recruit, retain or train under-25s. The survey, of more than 2,000 UK organisations and 1,000 'Gen Z' adults, also found that while the majority of Gen Z respondents are aware that Scotland has a skills gap, two-thirds (66%) have never been told they lack specific skills. Meanwhile, 71% of Gen Z respondents said they would stay longer with an employer that offers training and development while 72% said they are considering careers based on where skills are most needed in the UK. Researchers said the 'disconnect' between employers and young people is particularly stark in the field of AI. According to the survey, just under half (47%) of Gen Z in Scotland say they are already working in, or interested in working in, AI, but a fifth (20%) of Scottish employers say they lack the confidence to deliver their AI strategies because of a skills deficit. Baroness Martha Lane Fox, chancellor at The Open University, said: 'Employers have an incredible opportunity – and responsibility – to shape the future workforce. 'The talent is out there. Young people are motivated, they're digitally savvy and they want to contribute. But they need clear training pathways, practical support and employers willing to invest. 'While there are economic challenges at this moment for employers, the smartest organisations won't just wait for skills to arrive – they'll build them, inclusively and proactively, to fuel growth and resilience.' The survey found many businesses in Scotland were finding it difficult to recruit and train staff because of the increase in national insurance rates (58%), an increase in the minimum wage (51%) and economic uncertainty (70%). However, the results also made clear the impact the skills shortage is having, with 44% of respondents saying it is increasing the workload for other staff, 39% pointing to reduced productivity and 35% saying they have scaled back growth or expansion plans. David Allen, senior partnerships manager at The Open University in Scotland, said: 'Scotland's skills gap is one of the biggest long-term challenges facing our economy – but it's also one of our greatest opportunities. 'With 56% of employers who offer apprenticeships set to hire or train more apprentices and 51% recognising they have a responsibility to fund staff training, there is real momentum building. 'However, with a third of employers citing funding as a barrier and many still without a formal skills plan, action is urgently needed. 'Flexible, inclusive training delivered in partnership with tertiary education providers can help employers retain talent, address skills shortages before they escalate and help support long-term succession planning within the business. 'We need to meet learners where they are, equip them for the future and make development a shared priority. 'The organisations that do will be the ones shaping Scotland's growth and resilience for years to come.' The survey also indicated continuing support for equality, diversity and inclusion (ED&I) initiatives among Scottish businesses, with 87% of firms saying ED&I was important to them, and 56% saying it will become even more important over the next five years. However, the data shows a quarter (24%) of employers currently have no initiatives in place for underrepresented or disadvantaged groups, including returners, career changers and workers with disabilities or neurodiversities. The researchers said this was a 'missed opportunity' to broaden the talent pipeline and reduce economic inactivity, particularly in sectors facing acute workforce shortages. A Scottish Government spokesperson said: 'We welcome this report which affirms what we already know – that Scotland's young people have talent, knowledge and enthusiasm that we want and need in our economy. 'That is why we are already undertaking a major programme of reform of the skills system to ensure that it meets Scotland's needs and we are providing £185 million this year to deliver 25,500 new modern apprentices, 5,000 foundation apprentices and 1,200 graduate apprentices. 'We will also continue to provide support for 38,500 apprentices already in training.' The spokesperson added: 'A major driver of the skills shortages which are holding Scotland back is Brexit and UK immigration policy, and the Scottish Government has put forward proposals for a Scottish Graduate Visa to ensure we can benefit from the skills of people who want to live and work here.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
