Nasal Respiratory Signature: A New Biometric Identification Method

Nasal respiratory signature could revolutionise personal identification, even surpassing fingerprints. This innovative discovery by scientists highlights that each individual’s breathing pattern offers a distinct and stable identifier, providing insight into both mental and physical health.

Transformative Research at Weizmann Institute of Science

Scientists at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel have created a wearable gadget designed to identify people with impressive accuracy, reaching up to 96.8%, by examining nasal breathing patterns. This significant research was detailed in Current Biology, presenting not just a method for identity verification but also a way to explore aspects like body weight, anxiety, and early indicators of neurological conditions.

The Innovative “Nasal Holter” Device

This lightweight 22-gram device, known as the “Nasal Holter,” monitors airflow from both nostrils continuously for a 24-hour period. Trials involving 100 participants during their usual activities demonstrated its capabilities. The researchers employed AI algorithms to analyse 24 different factors, such as inhale volume, nostril activities, and breath rate; they successfully identified individuals even after several years.

Researchers remarked that although breathing might seem straightforward, it is influenced by a complex neural network that varies from one individual to another.

Breath Analysis: More Than Just Identification

Beyond mere identification, unique respiratory patterns derived from nasal breathing can forecast various health aspects, including body mass index (BMI), sleep quality, and markers of mental health.

For instance, individuals with anxiety often exhibit shorter inhalations while sleeping, whereas those affected by depression show changed airflow patterns throughout the day. Additionally, the breathing signature proved effective in identifying traits associated with autism, mapping the natural nasal cycle with precision.

Timna Soroka, the lead author, stated that chronic breathing patterns reflect brain functionalities, unveiling deeper insights into health beyond standard lung performance. This relationship implies that shifts in breathing could indicate potential mental health challenges or neurological issues before they manifest.

Privacy Considerations and Limitations

Nevertheless, this emerging technology presents potential privacy challenges. While the current iteration of the Nasal Holter necessitates physical contact, future advancements could pave the way for remote analysis of breathing patterns, leading to concerns regarding unintentional biometric surveillance.

The research does have certain limitations as it chiefly centred on healthy young adults and incorporated some self-reported data. A few participants expressed discomfort while using the device. Despite these challenges, researchers are confident that nasal airflow patterns possess a uniqueness comparable to fingerprints, but are indeed more dynamic.