TL;DR:
- AI algorithm achieves 98% accuracy in diagnosing diseases by analysing tongue colour.
- Developed by researchers from Iraq and Australia, the system can detect conditions like diabetes, stroke, and COVID-19.
- The technology combines traditional Chinese medicine with modern AI, offering a glimpse into the future of healthcare.
Imagine a world where a simple scan of your tongue could reveal a myriad of health conditions with near-perfect accuracy. This futuristic scenario is now a reality, thanks to a groundbreaking AI-powered algorithm developed by researchers from Iraq and Australia. This innovative imaging system has achieved an impressive 98% accuracy in predicting various diseases by analysing the colour of the human tongue.
The Breakthrough in AI Diagnostics
A collaborative effort between Middle Technical University (MTU) and the University of South Australia (UniSA) has resulted in a revolutionary AI model that can diagnose conditions such as diabetes, stroke, anemia, asthma, liver and gallbladder issues, COVID-19, and a range of vascular and gastrointestinal problems. The system was trained using 5,260 images, with data gathered from two teaching hospitals in the Middle East, which provided 60 tongue images from patients with various health conditions.
How It Works
The AI model analyses the colour, shape, and thickness of the tongue to deliver instant diagnoses. This approach is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, which has used tongue examination for over 2,000 years to detect signs of disease. Ali Al-Naji, the senior author of the study and an Adjunct Associate Professor at both MTU and UniSA, explains:
“The color, shape, and thickness of the tongue can reveal a wide range of health conditions. For instance, people with diabetes often have a yellow tongue, cancer patients might show a purple tongue with a thick greasy coating, and those who have suffered an acute stroke typically present with an unusually shaped red tongue.”
Real-Time Diagnostics
During the study, researchers positioned cameras 20 centimeters from patients’ tongues to capture their colour, allowing the imaging system to predict health conditions in real time. This approach provided immediate results, confirming the potential for AI to revolutionise diagnostics.
Future Applications
Looking forward, UniSA’s Professor Javaan Chahl, a co-author of the study, envisions even greater accessibility:
“In the future, we believe a smartphone could be used to diagnose diseases in this way. These findings confirm that computerized tongue analysis is a secure, efficient, user-friendly, and affordable method for disease screening, combining the reliability of modern technology with the wisdom of an ancient practice.”
The Impact on Healthcare
This research underscores the growing importance of AI in healthcare, offering a glimpse into how technology might soon enable quicker, more accessible diagnostics. As the technology continues to develop, it may not be long before a simple glance at your smartphone could help identify serious health issues, providing a crucial tool for early intervention and treatment.
The Role of Traditional Medicine
The integration of traditional Chinese medicine with modern AI highlights the potential for combining ancient wisdom with cutting-edge technology. By leveraging the insights of traditional practices, AI can enhance diagnostic accuracy and efficiency, making healthcare more accessible and effective.
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