Virtual child growth monitor To detect malnourishment in time, researchers at the Zero Hunger Lab are working on an app that evaluates photos of children. As a bonus, this Child Growth Monitor collects data that is sorely lacking. Text: Mirna van Dijk Illustration: Maaike Putman
30 | New Scientist | Special Zero Hunger Lab
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or Dutch parents it is a matter of course: if desired, professionals closely monitor the growth and development of your child from birth. Weighing and measuring are essential in this process. Because early detection of malnourishment – or rather obesity, a greater public health threat in rich countries – saves lives. That is why research is being conducted at Tilburg University in collaboration with German NGO Welt hungerhilfe under the banner of the Zero Hunger Lab to detect malnourishment remotely, via an app. An algorithm can