Researchers have developed a noninvasive method to detect anemia using grayscale photos of the eye’s conjunctiva, taken with standard smartphones. By applying machine learning to spatial and textural features extracted from over 12,000 photos of 565 children aged 5 to 15, the study found strong associations between these features and anemia status. Unlike other approaches, this method does not rely on color analysis or specialized equipment, making it practical for use in low-resource settings. The findings suggest a scalable, affordable tool for anemia screening in children, especially in areas with limited access to laboratory testing.

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) highlighted its latest advancements in defense technology at the Sea-Air-Space Conference and Exposition, held April 7-9, 2025, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center. As the premier maritime exposition in the United States, Sea-Air-Space provided an ideal platform for NRL to demonstrate its innovative contributions to national defense.