Researchers from the University of Edinburgh, in collaboration with colleagues from the University of Leeds (UK), have found that the location and size of the lingual papillae are unique to each individual. The results are published in Scientific Reports.

The human tongue is a very complex organ. Its surface is made up of hundreds of small structural formations known as papillae, which help people taste, speak, and swallow. The mushroom-shaped papillae house taste and temperature receptors, while the filamentous papillae allow us to sense the texture of food.

With the help of artificial intelligence, scientists have analyzed more than two thousand microscopic images of the human tongue. It turned out that the location and size of filamentous and mushroom-shaped papillae are unique for each person. Most likely associated with this are differences in taste and texture perception of food people.

Scientists hope that their discovery may contribute to the development of individualized strategies for proper nutrition. They will focus on selecting the most appealing foods for a person.