The Future is Fluid: From Pee to Progeny

Dr Barbara Guinn will talk about her research groups work investigating biomarkers in urine that indicate the presence of disease in patients. To date her group have identified biomarkers for endometriosis and ovarian cancer but will they be sensitive enough to predict disease development before you have symptoms? Can they help clinicians choose the right treatment for their patients or let you know when your medication is working? Barbara will be talking about the state-of-the-art of urine analysis to help clinicians understand the disease process, the best next tests and the right choice treatments moving forward.

This talk explores the fascinating world of embryos and embryo models, shedding light on how life begins and develops. We’ll discuss how embryos form, the key stages of early development, and the latest breakthroughs in embryo models—lab-grown structures that mimic early human development. These models help scientists understand fertility, lifelong health, and even the ethics of studying early development. By the end of the talk, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation of the intricate processes that shape every living being, from a single cell to a complex organism.