# Researchers Can Determine Your Locations by Using AI to Analyze the Bacteria on Your Body
Envision being identified at a certain site based on the bacteria you collect during your journeys. Investigators from Lund University have created an innovative AI tool capable of achieving this, utilizing microorganisms as a form of bacterial GPS. This cutting-edge technology has the potential to revolutionize forensic science, public health, and urban planning by capitalizing on the unique microbial “fingerprints” we gather in various surroundings.
## The Idea of Bacterial GPS
We recognize forensic evidence that ties individuals to particular sites through trace substances like hair, soil, or fibers. However, recent research has revealed that specific locations often harbor unique microbial communities. These communities comprise bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that flourish in distinct environments—whether they are urban, rural, or marine.
This insight prompted scientists to create a bacterial GPS tool that employs these microbial signatures to determine an individual’s previous locations. By evaluating a sample from an individual’s microbiome—the conglomeration of microorganisms residing on and within the human body—this AI-driven tool can effectively trace the sample back to a particular environment.
## Mechanism of Action
The device, known as **Microbiome Geographic Population Structure (mGPS)**, was developed by training an AI system on extensive microbiome datasets collected from diverse environments. These datasets encompass urban locales, soil, and marine ecosystems, featuring thousands of samples retrieved from the MetaSUB database, which archives microbial genomes from cities across the globe.
With this information, the AI mastered the ability to differentiate between microbial profiles, associating them with their specific geographic origins. The precision of the bacterial GPS is remarkable, accurately identifying the city source of samples 92% of the time and even distinguishing between locations within the same city.
For instance, the tool successfully differentiated between two subway stations in Hong Kong that were merely 172 meters apart. While it showed slightly less accuracy in London, where the subway conditions were less regulated, researchers are optimistic that augmenting the dataset will enhance the tool’s precision.
## Possible Uses
The ramifications of this technology are extensive. Forensic experts could employ it to associate suspects with definite locations based on the bacteria they carry. Public health authorities could monitor the dissemination of diseases by tracking microbial trails, potentially pinpointing infection origins and areas resistant to antibiotics.
In addition, urban planners could leverage bacterial GPS data to gain insights into how human behavior influences microbial ecosystems in urban areas, enabling more informed choices regarding public spaces and environmental wellness.
## Prospective Advancements
Researchers are keen to broaden the bacterial GPS tool by integrating more data from various settings. As the database expands, the precision and accuracy of the tool will enhance, establishing it as a critical asset across several disciplines, from public health to environmental research.
Beyond its forensic and medical implications, this technology could also facilitate a deeper understanding of our interactions with the environment from a microbial perspective. As we delve further into the unseen realm of bacteria, the bacterial GPS may emerge as an indispensable resource for navigating the intricate connections between humans and the microorganisms that inhabit our surroundings.
## Summation
The inception of a bacterial GPS tool signifies a major advancement in our capacity to trace human movement and interaction with the environment. By harnessing the capabilities of artificial intelligence and microbial data, scientists can now track where individuals have been with impressive precision. As this technology advances, it is poised to unlock new opportunities in areas ranging from forensic science to public health, providing a richer understanding of the microbial realm that influences our existence.
