In a significant scientific advancement, a group of researchers from Mepco Schlenk Engineering College in Sivakasi, Tamilnadu, India, has unveiled an innovative artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm that can determine a subject’s biological sex solely from dental X-rays.
While forensic science has long relied on dental records to identify missing or deceased individuals, it does not provide information about the subject’s biological sex. Recognizing this limitation, the team focused on training an algorithm with a goal to accurately determine the biological sex of a subject using dental X-rays, achieving an impressive 94% accuracy rate.
The algorithm’s design comprises three essential components: image pre-processing, gradient-based recursive threshold (GBRT) segmentation, and classification. During the image pre-processing step, the researchers employed a prime magic square filter, effectively eliminating unwanted noise and distortions. This filter utilized a grid of numbers overlaying the image and compared pixel values, resulting in the removal of image noise, enhancing the clarity for subsequent analysis.
To further refine the images, the GBRT segmentation approach was applied, enabling the algorithm to extract vital information with greater precision. Finally, the classification stage employed a Resnet50 neural network to make accurate determinations.
To ensure the algorithm’s proficiency, the researchers conducted extensive training using a dataset of 3,000 dental X-rays, each linked to the individual’s known biological sex. The outcome of their efforts is an AI-powered tool with the capability to identify a subject’s biological sex efficiently.
This breakthrough carries promising implications for forensic science and various other fields where such precise identification is vital. The new algorithm’s proficiency in biological sex determination from dental X-rays showcases the potential of AI in advancing scientific research and applications.