24/7 Space News
TECH SPACE
New AI microbiome tool offers breakthroughs in forensics and epidemiology
illustration only
New AI microbiome tool offers breakthroughs in forensics and epidemiology
by Robert Schreiber
Berlin, Germany (SPX) Nov 11, 2024

A team from Lund University in Sweden has introduced a pioneering AI-powered tool that can track the recent geographical locations visited by individuals, based on the microbial traces they leave behind. Called the Microbiome Geographic Population Structure (mGPS), this system functions like a GPS but for microorganisms, enabling the identification of specific locations through bacteria samples. This has the potential to impact fields ranging from forensic science to epidemiology.

Microorganisms, which include tiny bacteria that thrive in different environments, can serve as markers for an individual's recent whereabouts. However, until now, linking a microbiome sample to its precise geographical source was a significant challenge. The mGPS system utilizes advanced AI to map these microbial "fingerprints," allowing it to track samples back to specific locations, such as bodies of water, urban centers, or even distinct transit stations.

"Unlike human DNA, the human microbiome shifts constantly based on environmental contact. By mapping these microbial changes, we can trace the spread of disease, pinpoint infection sources, and even uncover clues for forensic investigations," explained Eran Elhaik, a biology researcher at Lund University and the lead author of the study, which was published in 'Genome Biology and Evolution'.

The study's data show that microbial communities, much like human populations, carry distinct geographical markers. Some bacterial strains are found only in specific locations, creating a unique microbial signature. The team's AI model has been trained to recognize these unique bacterial compositions and link them back to specific geographical coordinates.

Elhaik's team analyzed large microbiome datasets, including samples from urban, soil, and marine environments, and used these to train their model. They reported that mGPS achieved a 92% accuracy rate in determining the source city of city-derived samples. Remarkably, in Hong Kong, the tool identified the precise underground station of a sample with 82% accuracy. In New York City, it could differentiate microbiome samples from a kiosk and nearby handrails just one meter apart.

This capability stems from the vast data compiled by the team, which included 4,135 samples from public transit in 53 cities, 237 soil samples from 18 countries, and 131 marine samples from nine bodies of water. Elhaik sees this as only the beginning: as more microbiome data becomes available, he envisions an expansion in forensic applications that could provide an even more detailed microbial map of cities.

"We have only scratched the surface of understanding how microorganisms reflect their environments. Our next goal is to map microbiomes across entire cities, a project that could further aid forensic science and deepen our understanding of the microbial ecosystems around us," said Elhaik.

Research Report:Microbiome Geographic Population Structure (mGPS) Detects Fine-Scale Geography

Related Links
Lund University
Space Technology News - Applications and Research

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters
Tweet

RELATED CONTENT
The following news reports may link to other Space Media Network websites.
TECH SPACE
A smart screen for cooling and sun protection
Tokyo, Japan (SPX) Nov 07, 2024
A collaborative research effort between POSTECH and Korea University has led to the development of an innovative transparent radiative cooling film. Professors Junsuk Rho and his team from POSTECH's Mechanical, Chemical, and Electrical Engineering departments, alongside PhD candidates Byoungsu Ko and Jaebum Noh, worked with Professor Heon Lee and PhD candidate Dongwoo Chae from Korea University's Department of Materials Science and Engineering to create a film that mimics an insect screen to manage sola ... read more

TECH SPACE
SpaceX launches resupply mission to International Space Station

SpaceX prepares resupply mission to ISS

Dragon Freedom Prepares for Short Relocation Ahead of Cargo Mission

Students' Experiments Launch to Space Aboard SpaceX Resupply Mission

TECH SPACE
MSP technology powers accurate manufacturing for space industry

Student capsules brave re-entry heat for NASA research

Centaur Upper Stage Exhibit Honors Longstanding Contributions to Space Program

From contract signing to orbit in just ten weeks

TECH SPACE
Ancient Martian waterways carved beneath icy caps

Explanation found for encrusting of the Martian soil

Perseverance surveys its path as it ascends Jezero Crater

Red Rocks with Green Spots at 'Serpentine Rapids'

TECH SPACE
Shenzhou 18 brings back samples for space habitability and materials research

Shenzhou 18 crew back in China after 6-month mission to Tiangong station

Chinese space station crew returns after six months in orbit

Shenzhou XIX Crew Joins Tiangong Space Station for Crew Rotation

TECH SPACE
SAPA Pushes for Stricter Definition of 'Australian Business' to Enhance National Economic Complexity

China launches alliance for aerospace and satellite internet in Xiong'an

Horizon Technology Finance approves $10M loan for Ursa Space Systems expansion

Florida university consortium designated Space Research Leader

TECH SPACE
New AI microbiome tool offers breakthroughs in forensics and epidemiology

NASA to transform in-space manufacturing with laser beam welding collaboration

Startup turns mining waste into critical metals for the U.S.

A smart screen for cooling and sun protection

TECH SPACE
Optimal Learning Rates Revealed in New Study on Adaptation

Ariel spacecraft prepares for rigorous tests at Airbus facility

Microbes thrive on iron in oxygen-free environments

Astronomers Identify New Organic Molecule in Interstellar Space

TECH SPACE
Uranus moon Miranda may hold a hidden ocean below its surface

NASA and SpaceX Set for Europa Clipper Launch on October 14

NASA probe Europa Clipper lifts off for Jupiter's icy moon

Is life possible on a Jupiter moon? NASA goes to investigate

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters




The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2024 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. All articles labeled "by Staff Writers" include reports supplied to Space Media Network by industry news wires, PR agencies, corporate press officers and the like. Such articles are individually curated and edited by Space Media Network staff on the basis of the report's information value to our industry and professional readership. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Statement Our advertisers use various cookies and the like to deliver the best ad banner available at one time. All network advertising suppliers have GDPR policies (Legitimate Interest) that conform with EU regulations for data collection. By using our websites you consent to cookie based advertising. If you do not agree with this then you must stop using the websites from May 25, 2018. Privacy Statement. Additional information can be found here at About Us.