New technology to detect genetic disorders

Through facial recognition software, doctors diagnose rare genetic disorders. This software is like the software used in the handheld camera.

Approximately 30% to 40% of genetic disorders (including Down syndrome and rare Angelman syndrome) are associated with changes in the face and skull.

The new software relies on research from thousands of photographs of previously diagnosed patients. And it can 'identify' which facial features to look at and what characteristics to ignore in diagnosing the disease.

Patients with similar facial features and skull structure but unclear disorder can be grouped together using this software. It allows doctors to identify new disorders and altered DNA that causes this disorder.

This product was developed at the University of Oxford thanks to the successful collaboration between medical researchers and the School of Engineering Science.

Researchers have even used photos of President Abraham Lincoln to model how the machine can help diagnose the syndrome he has. Lincoln is thought to have a rare syndrome called Marfan , in which the limbs and long fingers. In more than 90 disorders Marfan syndrome is one of the 10 most analyzed syndromes.

This new technology is not a complete replacement but is involved in supporting traditional diagnostic methods. In some cases, it improves the diagnosis when a section of local doctors lack the necessary expertise.

Like Google, Picasa and other imaging software, it recognizes the difference in light, image quality, wallpaper, posture, facial expressions and identity features. This software builds up a detailed list of facial structures by identifying the corners of the eyes, nose, and other features and compares them to what has been "absorbed" from the photos taken into the system. the system.