by New research using artificial intelligence (AI) and 3D images of the human tongue has discovered that the surface of the tongue is unique to each individual. This groundbreaking study sheds light on the intricate biological composition of the tongue’s surface and how our sense of taste and touch vary from person to person. The findings, published in the journal Scientific Reports, have significant implications for uncovering personal food preferences, developing healthier food alternatives, and enabling early detection of oral cancers in the future.
The human tongue is an incredibly sophisticated and complex organ, composed of hundreds of small buds called papillae. These papillae play a crucial role in taste, speech, and swallowing. Among these numerous projections, the mushroom-shaped fungiform papillae contain our taste buds, while the crown-shaped filiform papillae give the tongue its texture and sense of touch.
While the taste function of fungiform papillae has been extensively studied, little is known about the differences in shape, size, and pattern between these two types of papillae among individuals. To bridge this knowledge gap, a team of researchers led by the University of Edinburgh’s School of Informatics, in collaboration with the University of Leeds, used AI computer models trained on three-dimensional microscopic scans of the human tongue. These scans showcased the distinctive features of the papillae.
The researchers inputted data from over 2,000 detailed scans of individual papillae, obtained from silicone molds of 15 participants’ tongues, into the AI tool. The AI models were designed to analyze the unique characteristics of each person’s papillae and make predictions about their age and gender. The researchers utilized a small volume of data to train the AI models to recognize the different features of the papillae, along with topology—a field of mathematics that examines the structure and connectivity of certain spaces.
The AI tool demonstrated an impressive ability to predict the type of papillae with an 85% accuracy and map the location of filiform and fungiform papillae on the surface of the tongue. Furthermore, the papillae were found to be distinct for all 15 participants, and individuals could be identified with 48% accuracy based on a single papilla.
This study brings us closer to unraveling the intricate architecture of tongue surfaces. We were astounded by the uniqueness of these micron-sized features in each individual. Imagine the possibility of customizing personalized food to cater to specific individuals and vulnerable populations, ensuring they receive proper nutrition while enjoying their meals.
The research team plans to expand this technique, combining AI with geometry and topology, to identify micron-sized features in other biological surfaces. This breakthrough approach could aid in the early detection and diagnosis of abnormal growths in human tissues. “It was remarkable that the features based on topology worked so well for most types of analysis, and they were the most distinctive across individuals. This warrants further investigation not only for papillae but also for other biological surfaces and medical conditions,” explains lead author Rayna Andreeva.
In conclusion, this AI study and the utilization of 3D imaging have unveiled the uniqueness of the tongue’s surface. It opens up new possibilities for understanding individual taste preferences, developing healthier food options, and advancing early detection of oral cancers. The research team intends to apply this methodology to explore additional biological surfaces, paving the way for new breakthroughs in medical diagnostics and personalized healthcare.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemical and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc.
