From silky to spooky, fascinating science you don't want to miss!

Chronic ear infections cause hearing loss, and current treatments don’t work well and cause more damage. Dilendra is creating a special packing material made from silk that helps support ear surgery, prevent damage, and release medicine to help heal. This could help people hear better and make treatments safer and more effective for ear problems, with potential for use in other medical areas too.

Vaccines and diagnostics are arguably the most effective public health measure for the prevention and control of infectious diseases. Unfortunately, the incredible benefits of these tools are often disproportionately experienced in affluent countries, with the requirement of ‘cold chain’ to maintain stability and viability contributing to the prominent issue of inaccessibility in developing nations. To solve this problem, researchers are exploring the use of special materials called metal organic frameworks. These materials, consisting of metal ions and organic ligands, can help protect vaccine and diagnostic materials from thermal stress, making them more stable and easier to transport and store in hot climates.

After the commission of a homicide, the perpetrator may try to "get rid of the evidence". One of the ways to do this is to bury their victim in a covert grave. Unfortunately, graves, by nature, are difficult to find. This talk will look at the different techniques, some using technology and some using theory, available to help search for graves.