Revolutionary First AI Model Instantly Diagnoses Diseases with Just a Tongue Photo

New Delhi: Researchers from Iraq and Australia have developed a cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) model that can diagnose diseases by analyzing images of a person’s tongue. This breakthrough technology, created through a partnership between Middle Technical University (MTU) in Baghdad and the University of South Australia (UniSA), has demonstrated a 98% accuracy rate in trials by evaluating tongue color and texture.

The Science Behind Tongue Diagnosis

The practice of diagnosing health conditions through tongue examination is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, where specific tongue colors and textures are linked to various ailments. For example, a yellow tongue may indicate diabetes, while a purple tongue could suggest cancer. Severe COVID-19 cases have been associated with a deep red tongue, and a white tongue may point to anemia.

Training and Accuracy

The AI model was trained on a dataset of 5,260 tongue images, each labeled with related medical conditions. This training enabled the AI to learn how to detect subtle differences in tongue characteristics that correspond to specific health issues. To further confirm its accuracy, the model was tested on 60 tongue images from patients in the Middle East, successfully diagnosing most cases.

Future Applications and Challenges

Published in the journal Technologies, the study proposes that this advanced tongue analysis could become a secure, efficient, and user-friendly method for disease screening. Researchers foresee integrating this technology into smartphone apps for instant health assessments. However, challenges remain, such as ensuring data privacy and addressing potential issues with camera reflections.

Conclusion

This AI-driven approach to disease diagnosis offers a modern interpretation of an ancient practice, potentially transforming how health screenings are performed. As the technology progresses, it could complement existing medical practices, providing a quick and accessible diagnostic tool.