Beyond Death by Anubix®

This episode, hosts Mark Viner and Lindsay Batty-Smith speak with William (Bill) Edwards, Curator of the Gordon Museum of Pathology. Bill takes us behind the scenes of one of the largest medical museums in the UK, sharing how the museum's vast collection—from 17th-century specimens to contemporary forensic materials—serves a vital educational purpose. From mummification experiments to advising on...

This month, we present the following article: Woliński F, Sado J, Kraśnik K, et al. Fatal Free Falls: A Clinical and Forensic Analysis of Skeletal Injury Patterns Using PMCT and Autopsy. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2025;14:7912. doi:10.3390/jcm14227912. This study examines skeletal injury patterns in fatal free falls using post-mortem CT alongside autopsy, highlighting how fracture distribution...

This episode, hosts Mark Viner and Lindsay Batty-Smith sit down with Katherine Bryan-Merrett, a portrait and mural artist whose evocative work delves into grief, memory, and the emotional resonance of those we’ve lost. From posthumous portraits to coffin painting, Kat shares how art can become a vital, healing space for families navigating bereavement and the complexities of death.   Kat is workin...

This month, we present the following article: Simon G, Tóth D, Heckmann V, Poór VS. The use of 3D-printed replicas of homicide weapons during autopsy. International Journal of Legal Medicine. 2025. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00414-025-03691-z . This case series explores how 3D-printed replicas of sharp and blunt weapons can be safely used during autopsy to reconstruct wound direction, force, and mec...

Global burden of 292 causes of death in 204 countries and territories and 660 subnational locations, 1990-2023: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023. Lancet. 2025 Oct 18;406(10513):1811-1872.    This global analysis estimates cause-specific mortality for 292 causes across 204 countries (plus 660 subnational locations) from 1990–2023, adding two policy-useful metrics—pr...

This episode, Anubix co-founders Dr Susie Shelmerdine and Dr Natasha Davendralingam talk about the Death Cafe - a place where people connect, and share their views, thoughts and experiences about death - an often taboo topic. We talk about the importance of open and frank conversation, how we welcome different perspectives and points of view and how to get involved in Death Cafe meet ups and other...

This episode, Anubix co-founders Dr Susie Shelmerdine and Dr Natasha Davendralingam talk about a unique and innovative service - The After-Life Imaging Clinic. This is a place for the bereaved to talk to a radiologist about their relative / loved one's postmortem imaging, have someone explain what the cause of death means and ask the questions they've always wanted to ask but have no idea who to t...

Vanhaebost J, Scholzen T, Coche E, Grabherr S. Postmortem CT Angiography of Fetuses, Infants and Children up to 12 Years Old: A Systematic Review and Conceptual Decision Tree. International Journal of Legal Medicine. 2025. doi: 10.1007/s00414-025-03556-5. This systematic review explores the current landscape of postmortem CT angiography (PMCTA) in young decedents, highlighting significant variabil...

This episode, hosts Mark Viner and Lindsay Batty-Smith explore the often-overlooked world of estate planning through the eyes of James Emsley, founder of ELM Legal Services. From his personal journey growing up in care to building a leading UK estate planning firm, Emsley offers candid insights into wills, probate, and why so many families fall into turmoil without clear legal preparation.   -----...

This month, we present the following article: Fragkou, K.; Ketsekioulafis, I.; Tousia, A.; Piagkou, M.; Bacopoulou, F.; Ferentinos, P.; Peyron, P.-A.; Baccino, E.; Martrille, L.; Papadodima, S. From Fragile Lives to Forensic Truth: Multimodal Forensic Approaches to Pediatric Homicide and Suspect Death. Diagnostics 2025, 15, 1383. https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15111383   In this episode we del...

In this episode hosts Mark and Lindsay have a wide-ranging conversation with Professor Jason Payne-James where they explore his career in forensic and legal medicine, from his early surgical training to his pivotal role as a medical examiner. He discusses the importance of post-mortem CT, tackling miscarriages of justice, and the emotional and ethical challenges of working in the "death space."  ...

This month, we present the following article: Alafer F. Emerging Imaging Technologies in Forensic Medicine: A Systematic Review of Innovations, Ethical Challenges, and Future Directions. Diagnostics. 2025;15(11):1410. doi: 10.3390/diagnostics15111410. This systematic review explores how cutting-edge imaging modalities—such as virtual autopsies and AI-powered diagnostics—are reshaping forensic medi...

In this episode of Beyond Death, host Dr Susie Shelmerdine speaks with Jessica Eaton, a children’s radiographer and PhD researcher, about the hidden world of forensic imaging in living children. Jess shares her experiences balancing paediatric radiography with complex safeguarding cases, the emotional toll on staff, and her pioneering research into how caregivers and radiographers experience this...

This month, we present the following article: Mittendorf AF et al. Fatal and nonfatal sharp force injuries to the limbs: a study of forensic autopsies in Sweden (2010-2019) International Journal of Legal Medicine 2025. doi:10.1007/s00414-025-03554-7 This study analysed over 800 forensic autopsy cases involving sharp force trauma to the arms and legs. The research sheds light on how injury patterns...

In this episode of Beyond Death, hosts Mark and Lindsay talk with Dr. Athanasia "Nancy" Vargiamidou, consultant histopathologist, about her lifelong dedication to pathology and post-mortem medicine. Nancy shares her journey from medical student to specialist in autopsy services, reflecting on the critical balance between scientific rigor and empathetic care when uncovering causes of death. ---- At...

This month, we present the following article: A study of the added value of combining PMCT and PMMR of the head. Forensic Imaging. 2024; 33: 200022. doi: 10.1016/j.fri.2024.200022Ingrid I.H. Haest a This retrospective study evaluates the impact of combining postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) and postmortem magnetic resonance imaging (PMMR) of the head in forensic investigations. The findings su...

In this episode of Beyond Death, hosts Mark and Lindsay speak with Danielle Sharp, founder of the Centre for Safer Society, about her groundbreaking work leading domestic abuse-related death reviews. Danielle shares how these reviews uncover vital lessons from tragic cases, the evolving scope beyond homicides to include suicides and unexplained deaths, and the emotional toll on professionals invol...

This month, we present the following article: Solomon N, Gascho D, Adolphi NL, Filograna L, Sanchez H, Gill JR, Elifritz J. The evolution of postmortem investigation: a historical perspective on autopsy’s decline and imaging’s role in its revival. Frontiers in Radiology. 2025;5:1565012. doi: 10.3389/fradi.2025.1565012. This episode delves into the decline of traditional autopsy and the growing rol...

To mark 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫 🎂 of the #BeyondDeath podcast, we’re celebrating with a special compilation episode: 𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐞𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐬 & 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲.   Every guest this year has answered the same final question: 👉 “𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐫 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐣𝐨𝐛, 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲, 𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧?” 👈 Their answers have been thought-provoking, surprising, and sometime...

In this episode of Beyond Death, Prof Susie Shelmerdine speaks with Dr. Natasha Davendralingham about the path to specialising in post-mortem imaging. Natasha shares her journey from medical student to expert radiologist, the challenges of training in this niche field, and the importance of hands-on experience. She also discusses the growing demand for post-mortem imaging, the need for structured...

This month, we present the following article: De-Giorgio F, Benedetti B, Mancino M, Sala E, Pascali VL. Post-Mortem Imaging Biobanks: Building Data for Reproducibility, Standardization, and AI Integration. European Journal of Radiology. 2025;185:112011. doi: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2025.112011 .   The discussion explores the role of post-mortem imaging biobanks in forensic and clinical research, emphasisi...

In this episode of Beyond Death, Dr. Natasha Davendralingham sits down with Professor Susie Shelmerdine, academic radiologist, AI thought leader, and co-founder of Anubix. Susie shares her journey into post-mortem imaging, how a personal experience shaped her career, and the creation of the world’s first post-mortem imaging education platform. She also discusses the evolving role of AI in death ca...

In this episode of Beyond Death, Dr. Susie Shelmerdine sits down with Dr. Natasha Davendralingham, co-founder of Anubix and post-mortem radiologist, to discuss the journey of building a pioneering post-mortem imaging service. Natasha shares her path from medicine to entrepreneurship, the challenges of launching a business in the death care sector, and the passion that drives her work. She also ope...

This month, we present the following article: Loughnan SA, Wojcieszek AM, Singline L, et al. Post-Mortem Imaging to Investigate the Causes of Stillbirth in Australia: Views of Parents, Midwives and Obstetricians. Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Oncology. 2025;0:1–10. doi: 10.1111/1754-9485.13828 .   The discussion explores the role of post-mortem imaging (PMI) in stillbirth investigations...

In this episode of Beyond Death, hosts Dr. Mark Viner and Lindsay Batty-Smith sit down with Rachel Duncan, a Metropolitan Police Coroner’s Officer, to explore the vital but often misunderstood role of coroner’s officers in death investigations. Rachel shares her journey from forensic science student and special constable to her current role, where she supports bereaved families, gathers critical i...