A new artificial intelligence (AI) system can now diagnose various diseases, such as diabetes and asthma, by simply analyzing the tongue. Inspired by Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which has used the tongue as a diagnostic tool for over 2,000 years, researchers at the University of South Australia have developed a high-accuracy AI model. This system examines the tongue’s characteristics to detect health conditions, offering a modern twist on ancient practices.
By Sadie Watkins
Tongue as a Diagnostic Indicator
In TCM, the shape, color, and texture of the tongue have long been considered key indicators of a person’s health. Researchers leveraged this traditional knowledge to create an AI that can assess the tongue’s appearance and link it to underlying health issues. For instance, anemia may cause a pale tongue, while a bright red tongue could indicate a severe COVID-19 infection. Conditions like diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, and cancer also show distinct tongue changes that the AI can detect with high accuracy.
Extensive Training for Precision
To develop this AI, scientists trained the system using 5,260 images showing various diseases and health problems. The AI was tasked with identifying issues like diabetes, strokes, asthma, anemia, liver disorders, and COVID-19. The system achieved an impressive 98% accuracy rate when analyzing these images. This success demonstrates the potential of AI to assist in early detection of serious health conditions by focusing on subtle changes in the tongue’s appearance.
Webcam Integration Expands Potential
Researchers also tested the AI’s ability to analyze tongue images captured with standard webcams. Using 60 images from hospitals, taken from 8 inches away, the AI accurately identified health conditions in 96.67% of cases. This level of accuracy suggests that the AI could be used in telemedicine, offering patients a simple and non-invasive way to assess their health remotely, with only a webcam and internet connection.
A New Era for Health Diagnostics
This AI-powered tongue scanner could revolutionize medical diagnostics by providing an affordable, user-friendly tool to detect various diseases. Combining traditional diagnostic methods with modern technology, this system has the potential to improve access to healthcare, particularly for those in remote areas. The researchers believe that such AI innovations could complement current medical practices and offer more people timely health assessments.
This AI tongue scanner could significantly enhance early disease detection, offering a cost-effective and accessible diagnostic tool. By combining ancient medical practices with cutting-edge technology, it has the potential to transform healthcare. As AI continues to evolve, it may become an essential part of modern diagnostic methods.
Based on information from www.forschung-und-wissen.de and own research.