New research shows that using 3D scanning on a person's face can estimate that person's biological age.
A person's biological age, which could be very different from a person's real age, is often a mystery. However, scientists are now claiming that biological ages can be accurately determined through the creation of 3D scans of the wrinkles and other features on a person's face.
Jing-Dong Han, along with colleagues from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, first gathered 3D images taken of 332 people in China with ages varying between 17 years old and 77 years old. For the images, the researchers used a camera called the 3dMDface System.
The researchers then utilized the 3D images to create a map of the again human face, developing a method in finding patterns of aging that are based on specific facial features.
The study reveals that the width of the nose and the mouth, along with the distance between the nose and the mouth, increase with the person's age. In addition, the corners of a person's eyes begin to droop.
The faces of young people are thinner and smoother, while those of older people feature more build-up of fat and cheeks that are fuller, along with sagging skin.
The researchers also saw signs in the blood of the people that can be connected to the marks of aging that can be seen in faces. For example, women with faces that look older usually have increased levels of "bad" cholesterol, while men with faces that look older usually had lower levels of albumin, a protein that can be found within plasma, in the samples of their blood.
"3D facial images can really tell your biological age," said Han in an interview with LiveScience, touting the method as more accurate compared to a physical exam.
The study reveals that, up to 40 years old, people with same chronological ages can have different biological ages by up to six years. As people surpass 40 years old, the variation becomes greater.
The research showed which of the participants had biological ages that were older or younger compared to their actual ages, with the findings of the study supported by the analysis of the blood samples of the subjects.
According to the researchers, their study could help in the identification of people who are aging physiologically faster compared to their actual age for customized treatment depending on their needs.
The team, however, conceded the fact that the results of the study could vary between ethnicities. The researchers are looking to conduct further studies regarding the 3D scanning model, but with Americans as participants instead.
Photo: Anja Disseldorp | Flickr
