Pick 'n' Mix!

Neutrophils are the most common white blood cells. They are our first line of defence against invading microbes, engulfing them & releasing antimicrobial “bombs”! However, neutrophils also have a dark side. They are called kamikaze cells because they can self-destruct & release their DNA to make ‘NETS’, like Spiderman when he throws his webs! These NETs can trap & kill microbes, but they can also damage healthy tissues. This is what happens in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Come hear about some of the research going on to try & reprogram neutrophils & what this could mean for people with RA.

Some healthcare problems are caused by lots of issues, in complicated environments, with very limited resources. So how can research help solve these problems? Usually it takes a long time to find a solution, or there might be a short-term fix, but once the research project is over, this doesn’t last. Join us on our journey to try to find a better way to diagnose & treat people with brain infections around the world, where we aim to solve the issues in a way that would last beyond the study itself. Some call this ambitious (usually a kind way of saying ‘crazy’)! Come & hear how we got on!

Atriums are a popular, but puzzling, architectural element in major cities the world over. Twentieth century atriums were mainly features of skyscrapers, international chain hotels, casinos, and corporate HQs; now they are increasingly found in public buildings – such as hospitals, schools, libraries, and university buildings too. What explains this shift? Seemingly an empty space, its presence in buildings where space is at a premium is perplexing! In this talk, I explore some lines of inquiry from sociology that can help to explain this curious, seemingly contradictory, space.