AI-Powered Tongue Analysis Shows Promise in Disease Detection

New Technology Boasts 98% Accuracy in Diagnosing Various Illnesses

A recent article published on dentistry.co.uk reports on a groundbreaking development in medical diagnostics: an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm capable of detecting various diseases by analysing the colour of a patient’s tongue. This innovative approach, which combines cutting-edge technology with traditional Chinese medicine practices, has shown remarkable accuracy in initial tests.

The Science Behind Tongue Diagnosis

The AI system, developed by a team of Iraqi and Australian researchers, is based on the premise that the tongue’s appearance can be indicative of various health conditions. According to the research team, the tongue’s colour, shape, and thickness can provide valuable insights into a person’s health status.

Senior author Ali Al-Naji explained the significance of tongue analysis, stating, “The colour, shape and thickness of the tongue can reveal a litany of health conditions.”

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Colour-Coded Health Indicators

The article outlines several examples of how tongue colour correlates with specific health issues:

• Yellow: Indicative of diabetes
• White: Associated with anaemia
• Purple with a greasy coating: Often seen in cancer patients
• Indigo or violet: May suggest vascular or digestive issues, or asthma
• Deep red: Potentially linked to severe COVID-19
• Unusually shaped red tongue: Possible sign of stroke

AI Training and Testing Process

The AI algorithm was trained using a dataset of 5,260 tongue images. To test its efficacy, the researchers used an additional 60 images from patients with various known health conditions. The results were impressive, with the system correctly diagnosing 59 out of 60 cases.

The testing process involved capturing tongue images with a camera placed 20 cm from each patient, allowing the system to predict health conditions in real-time.

Bridging Ancient Wisdom and Modern Technology

Professor Al-Naji noted that this technology essentially digitises and automates a diagnostic method that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for two millennia. This fusion of ancient practices and cutting-edge AI showcases the potential for innovative approaches in healthcare.

Future Applications and Accessibility

The research team suggests that this technology could potentially be integrated into smartphones, making it widely accessible for disease screening. Co-author Javaan Chahl highlighted the advantages of this approach, stating, “These results confirm that computerised tongue analysis is a secure, efficient, user-friendly and affordable method for disease screening that backs up modern methods with a centuries-old practice.”

AI Acceptance in Healthcare

While this specific technology is still in development, the article also touches on the broader acceptance of AI in healthcare settings. A recent survey of NHS staff revealed that three-quarters of respondents favoured using AI for patient care, with even higher support (81%) for its use in administrative tasks.

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Public opinion, while generally positive, showed some reservations. The survey found that 54% of patients supported AI use in care, but 18% believed it might negatively impact care quality. Concerns were raised about AI’s accuracy and its potential effect on the interpersonal aspects of healthcare.

Looking Ahead: AI’s Role in Healthcare

Tim Horton, assistant director of insight and analysis at the Health Foundation, which conducted the survey, offered a balanced perspective on AI’s future in healthcare:

“Interest is growing rapidly in the potential of artificial intelligence to improve health care. While it is not a panacea, it could play a significant role in helping to ease NHS pressures and support the workforce.”

As AI continues to evolve and integrate into various aspects of healthcare, developments like the tongue analysis system demonstrate the potential for innovative diagnostic tools that combine traditional knowledge with modern technology.