AI Tool Can Detect Biological Age and Cancer Survival From Face Photos
· Technology · The Independent, Business Standard
Researchers have developed an artificial intelligence tool that can detect a person's biological age and cancer survival likelihood from a single facial photograph. Developed by experts at Mass General Brigham in Massachusetts, the model was trained on more than 40 million pictures to identify key health indicators and was subsequently verified against real patient data. The study, published in Lancet Digital Health, revealed that lifestyle factors such as smoking, heavy alcohol use, and drug consumption are strongly associated with looking biologically older. The researchers were surprised to find the tool's predictions remained consistent across real-world photo variations including pose, lighting, and makeup. The team aims to use the scalable technology to support personalized medical treatment decisions rather than replace physician judgment.
Why it matters
The breakthrough provides oncologists and healthcare providers with a non-invasive, scalable method to assess patient health risks and support treatment decisions.
Read the original report — The Independent
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