BT Young Scientist Competition- Would you like to go out with a bang?

'Would you like to go out with a bang?' is one of the SHSS groups competing in this year’s BT Young Scientist Competition. The members of the group include TY students Téa Cronin, Alanah O'Donovan and Jane Beechinor. The girls investigated the physiological effects of caffeine and energy drinks by measuring the heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature of a participant before and after consumption of the drinks.

They carried out this experiment by testing female students between the ages of 16-17 for a total of 3 weeks. Their hypothesis was that a tester's vitals (their heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature) should increase as a direct effect after consuming an energy drink. Contrary to their hypothesis, the blood pressure of the majority of the participant’s decreased throughout the experiment. The heart rate of the candidates mostly decreased while only approximately 3％ of participants experienced an increase of pulse. The participants drinking coffee resulted in the largest percentage of people whose heart rate increased. The majority of them experienced an increase in body temperature. However, with all of the drinks, there was very little change in the participants' temperature.

Well done to all involved. Huge thanks to Ms Holland.