"Taste Buds Uniquely Shape Our Food Preferences: The Influence of 'Tongue Prints'"
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The Guardian
A study analyzing 3D images of human tongues suggests that each person may have a unique "tongue print" similar to fingerprints. The research could provide insights into why people have varied food preferences and help design healthier alternatives to fatty or sugary foods. The study found that a single papilla could predict someone's gender and age with moderate accuracy, and even identify specific individuals with about 48% accuracy. Understanding the distribution of papillae and their correlation with medical conditions could offer new insights, while personalized foods could be designed based on individual tongue features.