Crimson Clues: microscopic art, forensics and platelets

Not many people are fortunate enough to see how wonderful the cells that make up the human body look, but that’s exactly what histology shows us. Histology is the study of how diseases present themselves in tissues, creating a microscopic art gallery of slides behind every diagnosis. In this talk we will discover what happens to a biopsy once it’s been taken, and how we create art with science.

Platelets are important and unique cells of the blood that become sticky and clump together to form blood clots to stop us from bleeding after injury. However, during cardiovascular disease, unwanted clots can form and block blood vessels leading to heart attacks, strokes, and thrombosis. In some cases, these heart attacks and strokes can become fatal so it’s important to understand why and how these platelets become stickier and whether we can do anything to prevent this or treat this.

DNA profiling has revolutionised the way we investigate crimes, from identifying perpetrators of crimes, to resolving paternity disputes. Forensic DNA testing is also a powerful tool for proving innocence. According to the National Registry of Exonerations, since 1989, DNA evidence has overturned 570+ wrongful convictions.
Forensic methods have progressed rapidly in the last 2 decades. This talk highlights the history of DNA profiling: from inception, to its widespread use and future directions. A story of scientific innovation and how DNA has solved some of the most unsolvable crimes.