25-10-2022
The Centre for Physics and Technological Research of NOVA School of Science and Technology is the only Portuguese partner in the European project Biosphere, which intends to study the impact of radiation on environment and health. The main objective is to develop tools to support better climate and health policy decisions at a European Level.
With 22 scientific institutions and funding of 1.85 million euros, the consortium purpose is to study the impact of cosmic and solar (ultraviolet) radiation on the environment and human health and create a database to support research into diseases such as cancer.
The participation of CEFITEC researchers will focus on the study and description of molecular processes that affect the ozone layer of the atmosphere. Filipe Ferreira da Silva, coordinator of the Portuguese team, told Lusa that the project goal is to "develop tools, methodologies and necessary measurement infrastructures, such as measurement sensors and detectors, to evaluate the impact of cosmic radiation and solar radiation in the terrestrial biosphere." In addition, the project will also measure the effects of radiation on diverse types of cells, such as skin cells, allowing the creation of a database with "impact and relevance" for the investigation of diseases caused by radiation, namely cancer.
The first working meeting takes place in November and the project will run for three years.
