Blood is a vitally important part of the body. It provides the oxygen our organs need to survive, carries platelets that clot when we cut ourselves, and prevents us from getting infections. But it is also immensely complex. In this episode, we meet researchers investigating the effects of COVID-19 on platelets' ability to clot and discuss the impact of Long COVID.And while we use animal blood in products such as blood pudding or as a protein source in animal feed, some components of blood are still largely seen as an animal waste product, with millions of tons of requiring safe disposal every year. The program introduces scientists who are turning low value waste into a high value by-product by creating biodegradable plastics from pig's blood.In the final segment, "Curious Chronicles," the program reveals the fascinating connection between Bram Stoker's Dracula and the modern day blood transfusion.

Originally released by Network Ireland Television, 2021. Streaming video file encoded with permission for digital streaming by Infobase on June 15, 2023.