Desert Island Discs Professor Sue Black on the mysteries of the human body
Oct 9, 2025
Professor Dame Sue Black delves into the fascinating world of forensic anthropology. She shares how distinct anatomical features help identify individuals in investigations. Excitingly, she reveals how tattoos can be uncovered from remains through ink migration to lymph nodes. Balancing her intense work life with family, she discusses the challenges of stress and even writing a textbook during a holiday. Join her as she unravels the mysteries of the human body and the stories it can tell.
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Anatomy Reveals Unique Identifiers
- Forensic anatomy reveals individual uniqueness by looking inside the body and comparing differences.
- Those anatomical differences let experts infer identity using science like a daily detective exercise.
Forensics Is Everyday Detective Work
- Sue Black likens forensic work to detective fiction, combining observation with scientific method.
- She frames the job as being 'Taggart' and 'Morse' every day but grounded in anatomy and evidence.
Tattoos Leave Traces In Lymph Nodes
- Tattoo ink can persist in the body even when the skin or limb is gone because of anatomy.
- Large dye molecules become trapped in lymph nodes and can indicate the presence and colours of tattoos.