The mathematics of tomography has revolutionised modern medicine by allowing us to see inside a person's body and saved countless lives. Now new mathematics is being developed to give us an even better view.

Inverse problems are mathematical detective problems. They can help solve crimes, are used in medical imaging, and much more.

The mathematics of tomography has revolutionised modern medicine by allowing us to see inside a person's body and saved countless lives. Now new mathematics is being developed to give us an even better view.

Inverse problems are mathematical detective problems. They can help solve crimes, are used in medical imaging, and much more.

Maths is not the first thing that springs to mind when you think about fighting crime. But a closer look reveals that it is behind many of the techniques that modern detectives rely on. Chris Budd investigates.