Researchers have found that different temperatures in face regions are linked to chronic illnesses. These variations aren’t noticeable by touch but can be identified using AI and thermal cameras. This innovative method could soon help doctors detect diseases early.
RESEARCH FINDINGS PUBLISHED
The findings, published on July 2 in Cell Metabolism, show that facial temperatures can indicate various health conditions. Specific face regions, such as the nose, eyes, and cheeks, show significant temperature variations related to age and health.
POTENTIAL FOR EARLY DETECTION
“Aging is a natural process,” says Jing-Dong Jackie Han from Peking University. “Our tool could promote healthy aging and help people live disease-free.” Han emphasizes the potential of this method for early disease detection.
THE CONNECTION TO BIOLOGICAL AGE
Previously, Han’s team used 3D facial structures to predict biological age, closely linked to disease risks like cancer and diabetes. They explored if facial temperature could also predict aging and health status.
ANALYZING OVER 2,800 PARTICIPANTS
Han and her colleagues studied facial temperatures of more than 2,800 Chinese participants, ages 21 to 88. Using this data, they trained AI models to predict thermal age. They found key facial regions where temperatures were related to age and health.
TEMPERATURE CHANGES WITH AGE
The study found that nose temperature decreases with age faster than other face parts. Conversely, temperatures around the eyes tend to increase with age. Those with warmer noses have a younger thermal age.
METABOLIC DISORDERS AND THERMAL AGING
People with metabolic disorders like diabetes and fatty liver disease experienced faster thermal aging, showing higher eye temperatures than healthy counterparts. Elevated blood pressure was associated with higher cheek temperatures.
CELLULAR ACTIVITY AND INFLAMMATION
By analyzing blood samples, the team discovered increased temperatures around the eyes and cheeks were due to heightened cellular activities related to inflammation, such as DNA repair and infection fighting. This increase raised temperatures in specific facial regions.
EXERCISE AND THERMAL AGE
The team tested if exercise could influence thermal age by having 23 participants jump rope daily for two weeks. Surprisingly, participants reduced their thermal age by five years after two weeks of exercise.
FUTURE RESEARCH DIRECTIONS
The team aims to explore if thermal facial imaging can predict other conditions like sleep disorders or cardiovascular problems. “We hope to apply thermal facial imaging in clinical settings, as it holds significant potential for early disease diagnosis and intervention,” says Han.
Thermal facial imaging, combined with AI, offers a promising, non-invasive method for early detection of chronic illnesses. Continued research could revolutionize how we diagnose and manage health conditions, promoting healthier, disease-free lives.
