Introduction to AI in Hair Analysis
A groundbreaking application utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) is set to transform hair analysis, potentially leading to health diagnostics based solely on hair characteristics. This innovative AI model accelerates the hair quantification process, enabling microscopes to scan slides and capture images of numerous hairs simultaneously. Within seconds, it gathers high-resolution data processed by a deep learning algorithm, analyzing the color, shape, width, and length of each hair.
Research and Development
Developed by scientists at Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, the research was published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology. Ryan Driskell, associate professor and principal investigator, explained, “In many ways, an individual’s hair reflects their health. The question was, what if a computer program could perform this analysis?”
Implications and Applications
The application, conceived by Jasson Makkar, a molecular biosciences graduate student, was developed to automate the tedious task of manually separating thousands of hairs for research. By training an AI model using WSU’s high-performance computing cluster, Kamiak, and the Aperio GT450 microscope, high-resolution imaging of hair fibers became automated.
This technology has vast implications, particularly in forensics and the hair product industry. It allows scientists to assess health through hair analysis, potentially identifying conditions like hormonal imbalances or nutritional deficiencies. Furthermore, it could aid criminal investigations by determining age, health, and ethnicity from hair samples.
Future Prospects
Driskell highlighted the potential of this technology in law enforcement, stating, “This methodology allows for unbiased and accurate cross-referencing of hair fibers, generating a comprehensive database for hair type analysis.”
Makkar added, “Our deep hair phenomics tool can assess the effects of various hair products, providing insights into how they alter hair characteristics.”
Reference: Makkar J, Flores J, Matich M, et al. Deep hair phenomics: implications in endocrinology, development, and aging. J Invest Dermatol. 2024. doi: 10.1016/j.jid.2024.08.014
This article has been republished from WSU News. Note: material may have been edited for length and content. For further information, please contact the cited source.
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