Can a simple photo of your face reveal how ill you are?
Researchers have developed an AI tool that analyzes facial photographs to estimate biological age and predict cancer survival outcomes. The tool identifies specific facial features near the eyes and nose that correlate with physical health and prognosis.
Why it matters
This technology could provide doctors with a non-invasive, rapid method to assess patient frailty and tailor treatment plans, though it is currently in the preliminary research phase.
Image source, Getty Images By Michelle Roberts Digital health editor Published 46 minutes ago An AI tool may be able to help doctors judge how ill a patient is using a single photograph of their face, say US researchers.
Trained on millions of healthy faces, and 35,000 photos of cancer patients, the tool can make estimates on survival by looking closely at features near the eyes, the scientists say.
While it's a long way from being suitable for use in hospitals, the researchers say their goal is to help doctors recommend the right treatments for their patients.
The preliminary findings are published in the Lancet Digital Health , external journal.
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