Anja Lok (AMC)
Stanley Brul (FNWI)
Microbiome research has reshaped our understanding of health, particularly the gut-brain connection, linking microbial imbalances to conditions like depression. The microbiome's role in mood and behavior is influenced by diet, with modern, processed foods potentially disrupting gut bacteria. This growing field promises to transform medical and nutritional practices by rethinking humans as "holobionts," organisms that are part human and part microbe.
The interdisciplinary project INSIDE OUT combines microbiome science with Art through immersive experiences designed by Polymorf to engage the public. Using virtual reality (VR), sensory devices, and interactive dining, the project highlights how gut bacteria impact mental health. Experiences like Dinner for Two, Haute Cuisine, and Drinkable Memories offer unique ways to explore this relationship, creating deeper public awareness.
Supported by experts from microbiology and psychiatry, INSIDE OUT aims to make complex research tangible, fostering dialogue on the microbiome’s crucial role in well-being. The project will be showcased at museums, festivals, and public places, including Amsterdam UMC.
Anja Lok & Stanley Brul
Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Science
Amsterdam Microbiome Expertise Center
Polymorf
[granted October 2024]