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Certain environmental chemicals linked with poor kidney health

Researchers have discovered a link between exposure to certain environmental chemicals and an increased risk of chronic kidney disease. The study analyzed data from 46,748 US adults and found that elevated levels of seven chemicals were associated with markers of kidney disease.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMay 21, 2020
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Salt substitution could prevent almost half a million deaths from CVD in China

A nationwide intervention to replace regular salt with potassium-enriched salt substitutes in China could prevent nearly half a million cardiovascular deaths per year. The blood pressure lowering effects of salt substitution were estimated to prevent around 460,000 cardiovascular disease (CVD) deaths each year.

SourceGeorge Institute for Global Health·JournalThe BMJ·DateApr 22, 2020

Researchers map mechanism to explain role of gene mutations in kidney disease

A study has uncovered a mechanism explaining how genetic mutations lead to nephrotic syndrome, a rare genetic kidney disorder. The researchers found that disruptions in the recycling of cell membranes cause abnormal kidney cell structure and function.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 3, 2020

Housing insecurity may increase risk of kidney disease

A study found housing insecurity is associated with a 3.2-fold higher odds of albuminuria, a sign of kidney disease, but not rapid kidney function decline. Housing insecurity was linked to delayed healthcare visits and compromised health in urban-dwelling adults.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalKidney360·DateMar 31, 2020

Researchers link immune system to salt-sensitive hypertension in CKD

Studies have shown that chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients are more susceptible to salt-induced hypertension. A recent study published in Kidney International found a link between the immune system and salt sensitivity in CKD, with TNF-α triggering high blood pressure.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalKidney International·DateMar 3, 2020
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Fine particle air pollution linked with poor kidney health

A recent study found that exposure to fine particulate matter is associated with a higher degree of albuminuria and a higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease. The study suggests that efforts to improve air quality may yield health benefits, including reducing rates of chronic kidney disease.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateFeb 27, 2020

How useful are current tools that assess the quality of kidney-related care in the US?

A comprehensive evaluation of existing quality metrics for kidney disease reveals that less than half are highly valid, with nearly half related to dialysis management. The study proposes refinements and new metrics to better reflect the spectrum of kidney care delivery, aiming to improve the accuracy of quality measurement.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateFeb 13, 2020

New study: Chronic kidney disease a 'global killer in plain sight'

A new study reveals chronic kidney disease is a leading cause of death globally, resulting in an estimated 1.23 million deaths in 2017. The disease's impact varies widely across countries, with some nations experiencing rates nearly 15 times higher than others.

SourceInstitute for Health Metrics and Evaluation·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 13, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Kidney stem cells can be isolated from urine

Researchers have successfully isolated kidney stem cells from urine, expressing markers similar to bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells and renal stem cell markers. The isolated cells can differentiate into various kidney cell types, including proximal- and distal-tubules and podocytes.

SourceHeinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 4, 2020

Study examines quality of life in patients with kidney disease in India

A new study found that between 15-22 out of every 100 Indian patients with mild-to-moderate CKD had significant impairment in at least one domain of quality of life. Lower income, poor education, and female gender were associated with lower quality of life scores.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJan 30, 2020
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Histamine: an unexpected defender against heart and kidney damage

A University of Tsukuba study reveals that histamine, a key factor in inflammation, can control the severity of cardiorenal syndrome in mice. Histamine agonist drug prevents further damage in a mouse model of cardiorenal dysfunction, showing protective changes in gene expression.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 27, 2020

Many children with kidney disease may be prescribed drugs that are toxic to the kidneys

A recent study found that a significant proportion of children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are prescribed medications that may be toxic to their kidneys. Among the studied population, 71% of those with CKD and 50% without received at least one potentially nephrotoxic medication over an average follow-up period of 3.3 years.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateDec 12, 2019

American Society of Nephrology honors leaders in the fight against kidney diseases

The American Society of Nephrology has honored five individuals for their outstanding contributions to kidney disease research, education, and clinical practice. Mitchell Rosner received the Robert G. Narins Award for his work in education and teaching, while Toshiro Fujita was recognized for his groundbreaking research on hypertension.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·DateNov 9, 2019

Examining muscle relaxant dose, risk of encephalopathy in patients with CKD

An observational study of nearly 16,000 older adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) found that higher doses of the muscle relaxant baclofen were associated with a greater risk of hospitalization due to encephalopathy. The study suggests that patients with CKD may need closer monitoring when prescribed baclofen.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateNov 9, 2019

New tool predicts five-year risk of chronic kidney disease

A new risk calculator tool predicts accurate five-year risk of chronic kidney disease based on variables like age, hypertension, and diabetes status. The tool enables healthcare providers to identify patients at high risk and benefit from preventive interventions.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJAMA·DateNov 8, 2019
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Predicting risk of chronic kidney disease

A new study used data from over 5 million people to develop equations predicting the five-year risk of reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), a key indicator of chronic kidney disease. The findings can help identify individuals at increased risk and potentially prevent or manage the condition.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateNov 8, 2019
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Examining risk of suicide and use of ACE inhibitors, ARBs

A study by JAMA Network found a potential association between ACE inhibitors and ARBs and an increased risk of suicide among individuals with hypertension, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. The observational study analyzed data from over 200,000 patients to identify any possible links between these medications and suicidal behavior.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 16, 2019

Kidney function may affect risks associated with prescription opioids

A study found that prescription opioids are associated with a higher risk of death and hospitalization compared to other pain medications, especially at high doses. The risk is highest among individuals with lower kidney function, who may experience reduced clearance of the active compounds from their bodies.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateOct 3, 2019
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

More than 70% of hospital data breaches include sensitive demographic or financial info that could lead to identity theft

A study of 1,461 hospital data breaches found that 71% compromised sensitive demographic or financial information, putting patients at risk of identity theft. The breaches also revealed a lack of transparency about the types of information compromised, sparking calls for policymakers to require standardized documentation.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateSep 23, 2019

At-home dialysis improves quality of life

Kaiser Permanente research finds that at-home peritoneal dialysis is safe and effective for managing advanced-stage kidney disease, improving lifestyle and quality of life. The study shows a significant increase in at-home dialysis rates over 10 years, with 80% of patients remaining on it one year after starting.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateSep 9, 2019
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Family perceptions of end-of-life care for patients with advanced kidney disease

Bereaved family members rate end-of-life care higher for patients who received palliative and hospice care, rather than intensive patterns of life extension. Patients treated with dialysis have more aggressive end-of-life care, which is associated with lower quality ratings.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateAug 29, 2019

Health care workers unprepared for magnitude of climate change

Chronic kidney disease, linked to heat exposure and dehydration, is expected to surge globally as temperatures rise. Climate change also threatens to increase cardiovascular disease, Lyme disease, and other illnesses in vulnerable communities.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 22, 2019
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Internet can be valuable tool for people with undiagnosed rare disorders

Researchers found that self-diagnosis using the internet can lead to successful diagnoses of rare inherited conditions like autosomal dominant tubulointerstitial kidney disease (ADTKD). The study received over 665 referrals from 1996 to 2017, with positive genetic testing results in 27% of cases.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalGenetics in Medicine·DateAug 7, 2019

Pre-eclampsia increases risk of end stage kidney disease, study finds

A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that women who developed pre-eclampsia during pregnancy were nearly five times more likely to develop end stage kidney disease (ESKD) than those who did not. The study analyzed data from over 1 million healthy women and revealed a significant association between pre-eclampsia and ESKD risk.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 30, 2019

Cold snare polypectomy with continuous anticoagulant

Researchers found that cold snare polypectomy with continuous anticoagulant use does not increase bleeding risk, showing non-inferiority and even superiority over traditional methods. The study suggests that this procedure can be a safer alternative for patients taking blood thinners.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 15, 2019
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Anonymous essay says sometimes 'choice' is a lie

A new essay published in Annals of Internal Medicine argues that physicians often have to make difficult decisions when faced with extreme political pressures. The author shares a personal story about caring for a pregnant woman who was forced to carry a baby without a brain, highlighting the need for compassion over 'choice' in patien...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 3, 2019

Study identifies enzymes that prevent diabetic kidney disease

Researchers have identified protective factors that play a strong role in preventing diabetic kidney disease. The study found that certain enzymes, including PKM2, are present in people with good kidney function and may be used as biomarkers and targets for personalized clinical intervention.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalDiabetes Care·DateMay 20, 2019

Chronic kidney disease epidemic may be result of high heat, toxins

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests that climate change may be contributing to a mysterious epidemic of chronic kidney disease among agricultural workers. The researchers found that heat exposure and heavy labor are common factors in the disease, which is also linked to toxins such as glyphosate and lead.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 8, 2019
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Following a healthy plant-based diet may lower kidney disease risk

A new study found that consuming a nutrient-rich plant-based diet may help protect against chronic kidney disease (CKD) development. Participants with the highest adherence to a healthy plant-based diet had a lower risk of developing CKD compared to those with low adherence.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 25, 2019

Socioeconomic deprivation increases risk of developing chronic kidney disease in England

A study of 1.4 million adults in England found that socioeconomically deprived individuals are 68% more likely to develop advanced chronic kidney disease than the least deprived, experiencing poorer health outcomes and quality of life. The research recommends targeted interventions to engage disadvantaged groups through improved screen...

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNephrology Dialysis Transplantation·DateApr 23, 2019
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Kidney disease triggers cognitive impairment, even in early stages

A recent study found that kidney disease can trigger cognitive impairment even in its early stages, affecting approximately one in two patients. The cognitive decline is not age-related and worsens with declining kidney function.

SourceERA – European Renal Association·JournalNephrology Dialysis Transplantation·DateApr 10, 2019

Global atlas of kidney health release on April 12 at World Congress of Nephrology

A new global study, Global Kidney Health Atlas (GKHA), is released on April 12 at the World Congress of Nephrology, detailing country and region breakdowns of global kidney health. The study highlights disparities in treatment access due to social, economic, and political factors, resulting in over 2 million deaths annually worldwide.

SourceTania Ewing and Associates·DateApr 7, 2019

$2 million NIH grant for treating disease linked to APOL1

A researcher at Children's National Hospital has received a $2 million NIH grant to study new approaches to treating kidney disease linked to the APOL1 risk allele. The team plans to use a Drosophila model to identify potential therapeutic targets and test compounds for effective treatment.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·DateApr 2, 2019
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Chronic kidney disease of undetermined causes, described originally in Central America and Sri Lanka

A new study reveals that chronic kidney disease of undetermined causes (CKDu) is present in rural India, particularly in Southern areas, and shares similar risk factors as in Central America and Sri Lanka. The disease affects mainly working-age populations and has a faster clinical evolution compared to traditional CKD.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalBMJ Open·DateMar 29, 2019

Do smartphone apps help kidney disease patients manage their disease?

A recent study found that very few smartphone apps related to chronic kidney disease (CKD) are highly rated by both patients and physicians. The study suggests that patient opinions on app quality correlated poorly with physician ratings and consumer ratings from iOS and Android app stores.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMar 21, 2019

Cell therapy could replace need for kidney transplants

Researchers at Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine have made breakthroughs in treating chronic kidney disease with cell therapy. Amniotic fluid-derived stem cells injected into diseased kidneys showed improvement in kidney function and structural recovery after 10 weeks, reducing damage to capillary clusters.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·DateMar 14, 2019

BU: Central American kidney disease epidemic linked to occupational heat exposure

A new study finds that occupational heat exposure is linked to a decline in kidney function and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in artisanal brick makers in Nicaragua. The researchers found 12.1% of the sample had stage 3-5 CKD, with risk factors including operating ovens, less education, older age, and inadequate water intake.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Kidney Diseases·DateMar 14, 2019
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Secondhand smoke linked with higher kidney disease risk

A new study has found a strong association between secondhand smoke exposure and the development of chronic kidney disease. Even brief periods of exposure, such as less than 3 days per week, were linked to a higher risk of CKD, with a 66% increased risk compared to those with no exposure.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMar 7, 2019

Kidney disease killer vulnerable to targeted nano therapy

Researchers at Clemson University developed a targeted nano therapy that destroyed calcium buildup in arteries without causing side effects. The therapy mimics a human's chronic kidney disease and has the potential to benefit thousands of patients.

SourceClemson University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 4, 2019