It’s not a joke. Scientists with Seed Health, a microbial health company, are seeking pictures of poop to build a faecal photo database in the name of gut health.
The company, which is working with researchers from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), hope to collect at least 100,000 poop pics, which a team of seven gastroenterologists will take notes (who wants that job?)
Sounds bizarre right? But it has a serious purpose.
Researchers estimate as many as three-quarters of the world’s population suffer from some form of digestive issue, including constipation, diarrhea, and irregular bowel movements.
The artificial intelligence will categorise user’s photos using the Bristol Stool Scale – a medical aid that classifies poop into seven categories (yes, really) – in order to train an artificial intelligence platform to recognise the difference between healthy and unhealthy poop.
The team hopes ultimately it will give help patients to better manage their health.
The things people do in the name of science…
