This AI diagnoses various diseases using the temperature of your face

Variations in facial temperature could soon enable early detection of diseases thanks to artificial intelligence (AI). Researchers from Peking University, led by Jing-Dong Jackie Han, have developed an innovative method combining thermal imaging and AI to analyze facial thermal patterns and predict health status as well as the rate of aging in individuals.


Cell Metabolism published this study revealing that temperature variations in specific facial areas are linked to chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes. Indeed, warmer cheeks may indicate high blood pressure, while a warmer nose is associated with a "younger thermal age."

To conduct this research, scientists studied the facial temperature of over 2,800 Chinese participants, aged 21 to 88 years. Using a thermal camera and an AI model, they mapped facial temperatures and identified significant thermal areas related to age and health. The results show that temperatures of the cheeks and eyes are strongly correlated with metabolic diseases.

The researchers also analyzed blood samples and discovered that increased temperature around the eyes and cheeks is often due to heightened cellular activity related to inflammation, such as DNA repair or fighting infections. Jing-Dong Jackie Han specified that "a colder nose and warmer cheeks might be indicative of rising blood pressure."

To verify the impact of lifestyle habits on thermal age, the researchers asked 23 participants to skip rope 800 times a day for two weeks. This regimen reduced their thermal age by five years, demonstrating the beneficial effect of exercise on health.

The team now aims to test whether facial thermal imaging can predict other diseases, such as sleep disorders and cardiovascular issues. Jing-Dong Jackie Han hopes "to apply this thermal imaging in clinical settings, as it holds significant potential for early diagnosis and intervention."

This promising technology could transform medical diagnosis by providing a simple, non-invasive, and rapid method to detect diseases at an early stage, thereby improving patients' quality of life.