In January 2025, a new international project called DTRIP4H was launched, involving the RECETOX center. This project, utilizing digital twin (DT) technology for sophisticated simulations and analyses of biological processes, has the potential to contribute to a revolution in predictive, preventive, personalized, and participatory health paradigms in the EU. The RECETOX center will focus on creating a case study aimed at improving the assessment of exposure to airborne dust in Brno. Initial testing will take place on a small scale in the Lužánky park area. Students from the sports gymnasium will assist scientists with data collection.
The digital twin (DT) technology introduced by the project will enable more accurate and sophisticated simulations and analyses of complex biological processes. By using digital twins, the project implementers aim to address challenges related to data harmonization, equal access, and strict privacy principles. The incorporated technologies include machine learning, generative AI, and virtual reality (VR).
The project’s goal is to create seven case studies that reflect the needs of scientists and end-users, particularly in areas related to cancer treatment, drug development, human environmental exposome, precise treatment of schizophrenia, and personalized medicine through artificial intelligence (AI).
RECETOX is responsible for one of the mentioned case studies, specifically aimed at improving the assessment of exposure to airborne dust PM10 and PM2.5. The research procedure includes the use of sensor technology for data collection, which will significantly expand the current measurement network. Based on this data, a model will be created to significantly improve the estimation of possible human exposure. This will result in an interactive map that can be used by other stakeholders, such as politicians or private companies.
The case study in Brno will first be tested on a small scale in the Lužánky park area by the RECETOX research team. For this purpose, scientists initially placed three solar air quality sensors and a meteorological station in the park. These will provide continuous data until June. Students from the Ludvík Daněk Sports Gymnasium will participate in the pilot measurement, having received small mobile sensors for this purpose. The students will thus be an important part of the research, and whenever they go to Lužánky to exercise, they will serve as agents, and the data from their devices will be used to refine the measurements of the entire park.
On Thursday, February 20th, the head of this study, Ondřej Mikeš, along with researcher Simona Šatková, visited the students and explained the basic concepts and principles of air quality through a lecture, as well as how the students can help with this research in Lužánky park. The scientists will also use data from reference monitoring stations to control the quality of the sensor data and ensure the best possible interpretation of these innovative approaches in air quality monitoring.
In our daily lives, we are exposed to many chemicals that can have a negative impact on our health. Cars are unique indoor spaces that are often overlooked in terms of their contribution to human exposure to chemicals, and a recent RECETOX study published in Environmental Monitoring and Assessment has found very high levels of flame retardants in Czech vehicles.
The Soil Blitz sampling campaign, organized by the Soil Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology Research Group at RECETOX in September 2024, has already produced results. During the campaign, members of the public in Brno carried out soil health surveys on their properties in the city. Participants were trained to become citizen scientists.
