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Ever sat on a plane and wondered about the dangers of Deep Vein Thrombosis?

Also known as economy class syndrome, DVT has often made the headlines.

Now there is a chance to find out the facts of the condition which occurs when a blood clot forms in the vein.

Professor Mike Greaves, a ºÚÁÏÍø expert in blood conditions and disorders, is giving a talk at 12.30pm next Wednesday (September 17) at Satrosphere Science Centre as part of TechFest In September – the city's festival of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Economy Class Syndrome: Should I Be Worried? - part of the KCA Deutag Discovery Series of events - will explore who is at risk and the level of risk. It will also offer helpful tips for avoiding DVT during travel.

Professor Greaves is just one of a number of ºÚÁÏÍø scientists who are taking part in TechFest in September.

Dr Andy Schofield, Academic Coordinator - Promoting Science, is another Aberdeen academic involved.

The Senior Lecturer is visiting secondary schools across the North and North East with his talk When I Grow Up I Want To Be a Cancer Cell – an interactive exploration of the causes of cancer and the journey of a cell from normal to cancerous.

Some of the other University scientists involved in Techfest in September include:

In the public programme:

·         Dr Ken Skeldon, Arcs and Sparks (Sept 22)

·         Professor Nigel Trewin, Fossils alive – Scotland's fossils and ancient environments (Sept 16)

·         Professor Blair Smith, Generation Scotland (Sept 18)

As part of the Family Activity Weekend:

·         Natural History Centre, Insect Inspectors, (Sept 13, 14)

·         The Clinical Skills Centre at Foresterhill (Sept 13, 14)

Technology at Work Tours:

·         Oceanlab, 10 km under the sea

·         Aberdeen Fertility Centre, Assisted reproduction at Aberdeen fertility centre

·         Institute of Medical Sciences, Electron microscope facility

Primary Schools Programme:

·         ºÚÁÏÍø Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, Rational food

·         Natural History Centre, Insect Inspectors

·         School of Geosciences, Life's a Beach

Secondary Schools Outreach Programme:

·         Dr Fraser Coxon, A microscopic journey through bone

·         Dr Ian Stansfield, Yeast and biotechnology – from bread to BSE

·         Professor Marcel Jaspars, Drugs from the deep

·         Professor Gabrielle Hawksworth, Plants as drugs

·         Professor Neil Gow, The magnificent mould, the frightening fungus

·         The Clinical Skills Centre at Foresterhill

·         Professor Donald Macphee and Dr Richard Wells, Flashing and Banging Chemistry Show

Dr Schofield said: "The ºÚÁÏÍø is absolutely delighted to be playing such a prominent role in TechFest In September, which is a really fantastic science festival.

"This year I believe it's fair to say that we are delivering a series of fascinating and topical talks and events that ensure there really is something to interest everyone."

Liz Hodge, Managing Director of TechFest, added: "The ºÚÁÏÍø is traditionally a great supporter of Techfest. The involvement of staff is very much appreciated as their input  is hugely important to the success of our festival."

For more information about TechFest in September, which runs from September  5 to 22, please see: