THE WHAT? Google is set to pilot an AI-powered dermatology assist tool to make it easier to identify skin conditions. The internet search engine’s web-based application analyses skin from three images taken with a phone camera and a questionnaire and will provide users with a list of possible matching conditions that they can then research further.

THE DETAILS For each matching condition, the tool will show dermatologist-reviewed information and answers to commonly-asked questions, along with similar matching images from the web.

THE WHY? Each year, Google sees almost 10 billion searches related to skin, nail and hair issues, and two billion people worldwide suffer from dermatologic issues, however, there’s a global shortage of specialists. The new tool is designed to help users figure out what is happening with their largest organ.