The increasing atmospheric ionisation caused by extra-terrestrial radiation (cosmic rays and solar UV radiation) boosted by anthropogenic emissions can significantly affect the Earth biosphere by depleting the ozone layer. This leads to an increase of the biologically active UV radiation flux, with significant implication for ecosystems, plants and human health, like cancers and cellular dysfunctions.
In October 2022 begins the new 3-year EURAMET’s European Partnership on Metrology (EPM) project BIOSPHERE including a consortium of no less than 22 international scientific institutions. The project 21GRD02 BIOSPHERE receives funding from the EPM, co-financed by the European Union’s Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme and by the Participating States.
- Combining satellite observations and ground-based monitoring systems with scientific expertise
The project plans to combine observations by modern satellite technologies and ground-based monitoring systems with scientific expertise in biology, chemistry, environment, and radiation protection to study how increased atmospheric ionization affects the evolution of the biosphere and impacts our health status. The scientists will collaborate to identify and quantify the relationship between cosmic rays, solar radiation and atmospheric composition, by conducting measurement campaigns of UV and atmospheric properties, simultaneously at different places in Europe. - A very useful database for understanding the development of chronic diseases and cancer
EURAMET’s EPM project BIOSPHERE will create for the first time a comprehensive database of collision cross sections for natural atmospheric and anthropogenic gases. Traceable data and simulations will help investigate the contribution of combined CR and UV radiation fields in the risk for developing chronic diseases and cancer. Radiobiology/radio-oncology researchers, health groups and regulatory bodies will profit from the research data.
See the flyer here.
