New AI tool can trace your every step using microbial ‘fingerprints’: Here's how

New AI tool can trace your every step using microbial ‘fingerprints’: Heres how
New AI tool can trace your every step using microbial ‘fingerprints’: Here's how

In a major yet surprising turn of events, scientists have discovered an amazing AI tool that can monitor the latest locations you’ve visited by using a sample of microorganisms.

The study published in Genome Biology and Evolution revealed that this breakthrough allows bacteria to show whether someone visited a cinema, went to the shopping mall or even walked through any street.

Researchers at Lund University in Sweden have developed a Microbiome Geographic Population Structure (mGPS) which uses cutting-edge AI technology to identify the locations based on the microbiome associated with those areas.

The researchers identified that microorganisms function as microscopic fingerprints, with microbial communities, much like human populations, showing geographical patterns which leads the researchers to create an AI tool.

What is meant by microbiome?

The term “microbiome” refers to the collection of microorganisms like bacteria, fungi and algae that are present in a particular area or environment.

Eran Elhaik, a biology researcher at Lund University, who led the new study said in a statement, “In contrast to human DNA, the human microbiome changes constantly when we come into contact with different environments.”

He added, By tracing where your microorganisms have been recently, we can understand the spread of disease, identify potential sources of infection, and localize the emergence of microbial resistance. This tracing also provides forensic keys that can be used in criminal investigations,.”

How was the AI model trained?

The researchers trained their AI model by using an extensive amount of microbiome data from various environments. This included microbe genomes from subways and urban settings across 53 cities, 237 soil samples from 18 countries and 131 marine samples.

The study found that mGPS accurately identified the city of origin for 92% of the samples.

Related
Read more : Sci-Tech

ByteDance plans to launch US-specific version of CapCut: Report

ByteDance plans to launch US-specific version of CapCut: Report
ByteDance has yet to confirm whether other apps, including Lemon8 and Gauth, will get U.S.-specific variants

Bluesky brings improved notification customisation feature

Bluesky brings improved notification customisation feature
Bluesky has launched notifications for when someone likes a user’s repos or reposts content they’ve already shared

OnePlus Buds 4 and Smaller OnePlus Watch launched in US

OnePlus Buds 4 and Smaller OnePlus Watch launched in US
OnePlus Watch 3 offers up to 60 hours of battery life in Smart Mode and seven days in Power Saver Mode

iOS 26 beta 3 released with significant update

iOS 26 beta 3 released with significant update
Apple has dialed back with the latest “Liquid Glass” design in the third developer beta of iOS 26

Facebook’s new AI feature could expose your private photos, expert warns

Facebook’s new AI feature could expose your private photos, expert warns
Facebook has introduced a new feature where it asks users for permission to access the photos stored on their phones

WhatsApp to introduce threaded replies for more organized chats

WhatsApp to introduce threaded replies for more organized chats
This feature will help keep conversations structured by linking replies directly to the original message

TikTok plans new app version for US users as ban deadline looms

TikTok plans new app version for US users as ban deadline looms
TikTok could launch new app version for US users as the forced sell deadline approaches

ChatGPT use for news jumps 212% as millions ditch Google searches

ChatGPT use for news jumps 212% as millions ditch Google searches
Most people are using ChatGPT for news focus on current topics like the stock market, finance, sports and weather