New Study Finds Your Breath Is as Unique as a Fingerprint
By Science Correspondent
Scientists can now identify individuals with nearly 97% accuracy—just by analyzing how they breathe.
In a groundbreaking study published June 12 in Current Biology, researchers from the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel have shown that each person’s breathing pattern is as unique as a fingerprint—and may even offer clues to their mental and physical health.
The team developed a lightweight wearable device that tracks nasal airflow for 24 hours through soft tubes placed under the nostrils.
Unlike traditional short-term breathing tests, this method captured subtle and continuous patterns.
“Breathing has been studied in many ways,” said senior author Noam Sobel, “but we stumbled on a completely new way to look at respiration—as a brain readout.”
The study tracked 100 healthy young adults as they went about daily life.
Using only their nasal breathing data, researchers identified individuals with 96.8% accuracy—even when retested two years later.
The precision was comparable to advanced voice recognition systems.
Co-author Timna Soroka admitted she was surprised by how distinct each pattern was: “I thought it would be hard to tell people apart when they’re doing different things like running or studying—but the patterns held.”
Beyond identification, breathing profiles revealed insights into participants’ body mass index, sleep cycles, anxiety levels, and other traits. Those with higher anxiety, for instance, had shorter inhales and more irregular breathing during sleep.
Interestingly, researchers suggest that breathing might not just reflect mental health—it could shape it.
“We assume anxiety changes your breathing,” Sobel said. “But maybe how you breathe influences how you feel.”
Though the current device has limitations—such as discomfort during sleep and visibility that may deter users—the team is working on a more discreet version.
They also hope to explore whether adopting healthy breathing patterns can support emotional well-being.
“We want to go beyond diagnosis to potential treatment,” Sobel added. “And we’re cautiously optimistic.”
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