Radboudumc at Lowlands Science with caffeine and menstrual pain

Do you sleep like a baby after a double espresso? Apparently, that depends on your DNA. Radboudumc and Radboud University are teaming up at Lowlands Science to measure whether you are a true caffeine crusher. Radboudumc is also investigating whether there is a link between menstrual symptoms and the vaginal microbiome.

Radboudumc is participating in Lowlands Science this year with two research projects, one of which is in collaboration with Radboud University.

Pink Coffee Club

Some people lie awake after three sips of coffee, while others can easily drink a double espresso before going to bed. How is that possible? Slight differences in your DNA influence how quickly you break down caffeine. In the pop-up lab, visitors to Lowlands can discover whether they break down caffeine like a hare or a tortoise. The researchers combine a DNA profile with various tests, including reaction times in an old Dutch stick game, to establish links between caffeine intake, reaction times, alcohol breakdown, and more.

A MENstrual Experience

About half of Lowlands visitors experience menstruation, which is often accompanied by unpleasant symptoms. Researchers from Radboudumc are investigating whether these symptoms are related to the vaginal microbiome. To this end, they are collecting vaginal swabs and asking visitors to fill out a questionnaire about their menstrual symptoms. It is essential to pay attention to menstrual pain, as there may sometimes be an underlying cause, such as endometriosis. The aim is to raise awareness of menstrual symptoms and conditions such as endometriosis. The researchers also want to learn more about the causes of menstrual pain. There is something for men too: they can experience menstruation in the menstruation simulator.

Lowlands Science

Lowlands Science is a popular feature of Lowlands, where scientific research is conducted during the festival. Every year, Lowlands, BKB, New Scientist, and the National Science Agenda invite scientists to submit a research proposal. In recent years, Radboudumc has conducted research into, among other things, resuscitation using VR glasses, the influence of alcohol on surgical skills, and the attractiveness of people to mosquitoes.