Breathing Patterns as Unique as Fingerprints, Study Finds

A research team from Israel's Weizmann Institute of Science has discovered that individual breathing patterns may be as unique as fingerprints—capable of identifying individuals and revealing key indicators such as body mass index (BMI) and mental health status. The findings were published in the journal Current Biology.

Researchers developed a wearable device worn around the neck that uses a nasal cannula to continuously monitor airflow over a 24-hour period. The study involved 97 healthy participants and recorded 24 respiratory parameters, including inhalation and exhalation durations and airflow differences between nostrils. By applying machine learning algorithms to the data, the team found that breathing patterns were highly individualized, achieving an impressive 96.8% identification accuracy—especially during wakeful periods compared to sleep.

Further analysis revealed notable differences in sleep-time breathing characteristics between individuals with higher and lower BMIs. Additionally, those showing signs of anxiety or depression exhibited distinct breathing patterns, even though most participants scored low on psychological distress questionnaires.

Experts say the study overcomes the limitations of traditional short-term respiratory monitoring and opens new possibilities for diagnosis and therapeutic design. For instance, the U.S. military already uses breath training to help soldiers manage stress. The research team is now investigating breathing patterns associated with low-stress states, aiming to develop interventions that could improve mental well-being through controlled breathing.