Researchers map kidney stone formation from tiny to troublesome, revealing microspherules merge to form larger crystals, and stones undergo multiple cycles of partial dissolution and growth. The new classification scheme and GeoBioCell device aim to accelerate research, diagnostic testing, and individualized treatment targets.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Reviews Urology·DateMay 25, 2021
A novel AI tool predicts the grade of interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy in kidney biopsies, a known structural correlate of progressive and chronic kidney disease. This technology has the potential to increase efficiency in clinical practices.
SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateMay 24, 2021
Scientists at Medical College of Georgia are working on a synthetic version of the HLA-G molecule to protect transplanted kidneys from rejection. They hope this therapy will enable dose reduction of standard immunosuppressive drugs, reducing the risk of infections and other medical problems.
SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateMay 18, 2021
Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute have discovered how lipid droplets in kidney cells help prevent damage from excess dietary fats. The study found that lipid droplets act as a safe haven for storing excess fats, and boosting the ATGL enzyme can repair damage caused by a high-fat diet.
SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 17, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Researchers found that finerenone reduced the risk of atrial fibrillation by 30% in patients with chronic kidney disease and Type 2 diabetes, regardless of their history with AFib. The study suggests that finerenone can delay the onset of heart rhythm disorder and protect the heart and kidneys from further damage.
SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMay 17, 2021
Eliminating race-based adjustments in equations to estimate kidney function may lead to significant changes in medication prescribing practices for Black adults, according to a new study. The findings suggest that this change could result in lower eGFR values and potentially impact treatment outcomes for diabetic patients.
SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMay 6, 2021
A new study led by Kotaro Sasaki elucidates the early biological processes involved in the development of ovaries and testes in human embryos. Researchers analyzed single-cell transcriptome data to understand gene expression at each developmental stage, providing insights into typical and atypical gonadal development.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 6, 2021
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.
Researchers found that people with reduced kidney function have an increased risk of developing dementia, with those with moderate chronic kidney disease having a 71% higher risk. The study highlights the importance of identifying and treating cases of kidney disease to reduce the risk of dementia.
SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateMay 5, 2021
A large observational study by Karolinska Institutet researchers found a clear link between poor kidney function and increased risk of dementia. The study of over 325,000 individuals suggested that an eGFR score of 30-59ml/min was associated with a 71% increased risk of dementia.
SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNeurology·DateMay 5, 2021
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that low-protein intake during pregnancy can lead to a significant decrease in the number of nephrons in offspring, resulting in hypertensive effects and kidney damage. The researchers discovered this effect by analyzing microRNA expression in rat embryos fed with a low-protein diet during ges...
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 5, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB
Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.
A team led by Iain Drummond, Ph.D. has identified the signaling mechanisms underlying podocyte formation, a crucial process in kidney function. The discovery could lead to new therapies to stimulate regeneration of these cells, vital for ridding the body of toxins and treating conditions like chronic kidney disease.
SourceMDI Biological Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMay 4, 2021
Researchers studied age-related changes in kidney function, combining protein analysis with gene transcription. They found that aging kidneys have increased immune cells, inflammation, and decreased mitochondrial energy production. This suggests that therapies promoting protein building or slowing breakdown may help treat age-related k...
Researchers at UniSA identified an enzyme, NEDD4-2, that regulates sodium reabsorption in kidneys. Low levels of the protein are linked to chronic kidney disease progression, even without high blood pressure.
SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalCell Death and Disease·DateMay 3, 2021
A pharmacist-led smartphone app has been shown to significantly improve medication safety and reduce hospitalizations in kidney transplant recipients. The study found that participants who used the app were 61% less likely to experience medication errors and 45% less likely to experience serious side effects.
SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 29, 2021
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.
A simple device improved care after kidney transplantation by reducing swelling, hospital stays, and surgical site infections. Patients experienced a 31% reduction in swelling and a 60% decrease in wound infection rates.
SourceLawson Health Research Institute·JournalCanadian Urological Association Journal·DateApr 29, 2021
A new algorithm developed by researchers at Columbia University can automatically scan electronic medical records for signs of chronic kidney disease, alerting physicians to patients in the earliest stages. The algorithm performs nearly as well as experienced nephrologists, correctly diagnosing kidney disease in 95% of identified cases.
SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalDigital Medicine·DateApr 28, 2021
A new study finds that prolonged exposure to extreme heat and humidity increases the risk of acute kidney injury. The risk was found to be highest when environmental conditions outpaced the body's ability to cool itself without access to cooling and hydration measures.
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.
Researchers have discovered a compound found in some vegetables that may help reverse kidney problems associated with diabetes. Phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) has been shown to target multiple pathways involved in diabetic nephropathy, including inflammation and oxidative status.
Researchers have found a link between certain blood types and increased risk of diseases such as kidney stones, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and bleeding conditions. A study scanning health data on over five million people revealed new connections and confirmed previously reported associations.
A study by Tokyo Medical and Dental University identified thick tubular basement membrane duplication as a diagnostic criterion for adult-onset NPH. The research also found that older patients are unlikely to have pathogenic mutations, providing a novel diagnostic pointer.
SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalKidney International Reports·DateApr 23, 2021
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.
A recent study found that etelcalcetide slowed FGF23 levels and left ventricular mass growth by 6-8% in dialysis patients. The treatment could potentially reduce sudden cardiac death risk in this population with high cardiovascular risk.
SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalCirculation Research·DateApr 22, 2021
A pilot trial found that the 'Sit Less, Interact, Move More' intervention decreased sedentary time, increased stepping time, and boosted step counts in patients with moderate-to-advanced CKD. However, these benefits were not sustained over 20 weeks. The study suggests that additional interventions may be needed to sustain long-term eff...
SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 22, 2021
Researchers at Kumamoto University discovered that metformin prolongs survival of mice with non-diabetic chronic kidney disease by reducing kidney function and inflammation. The study suggests that a combination of metformin and losartan may be beneficial for patients with ND-CKD.
SourceKumamoto University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 15, 2021
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.
A Mayo Clinic study found that pregnancy significantly increases the risk of a first-time symptomatic kidney stone. The risk peaks close to delivery and improves by one year after delivery.
SourceMayo Clinic·JournalAmerican Journal of Kidney Diseases·DateApr 15, 2021
Researchers developed a two-pronged approach targeting cancer progression and cell destruction, leveraging cathepsin S and p21 BAX proteins to treat kidney cancer. The novel peptide CS-PEP1 inhibits these proteins, encouraging cancer cell death and overcoming molecular resistance found in conventional chemotherapy treatment.
SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalPharmaceutics·DateApr 14, 2021
Researchers found that a chemical modification of RNA, influenced by diet, plays a key role in polycystic kidney disease. Limiting methionine in the diet may partially control cyst formation, and identifying chemicals that stem Mettl3 activity may lead to new drug treatments.
SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalCell Metabolism·DateApr 13, 2021
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.
The ASN and NKF publish an interim report assessing alternative methods to diagnosing kidney diseases, highlighting the need for a standardized approach. The task force recommends replacing existing equations with a new method that is accurate, representative, and unbiased.
SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 9, 2021
The study reveals that COVID-19 hospitalizations peaked between March 22 and April 25, with rates 40 times higher than in the general population. Patients undergoing dialysis had a 17% increase in death rates compared to 2017-2019 rates.
SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 8, 2021
Patients with kidney failure who cycled during dialysis showed improved heart health, including reduced scarring and stiffness of major blood vessels. The study found significant savings in healthcare costs, potentially benefiting the NHS.
SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalKidney International·DateApr 8, 2021
A new study from USC reveals the importance of β-catenin in striking a balance between stem cell self-renewal and differentiation into kidney cells. High levels of β-catenin trigger a switch that directs progenitor cells to differentiate into specialized kidney cells.
Researchers developed a new tool to capture patients' opinions on home dialysis care, highlighting the importance of communication and care coordination. The Home Dialysis Care Experience instrument will be valuable for future research, clinical care, and quality improvement initiatives among home dialysis facilities.
SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMar 30, 2021
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.
A study found that nearly 20% of patients with antibiotic-loaded spacers and IV antibiotics developed acute kidney injury, with those with preexisting chronic kidney disease at highest risk. The study identified several risk factors for AKI, including high doses of antibiotics and certain heart rhythm disorders.
SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateMar 29, 2021
The Acute Kidney Injury Project aims to develop improved predictive and detection tools for kidney injury, addressing a global public health concern. The project will focus on developing prognostic tools to identify drug-induced kidney injury, with the goal of improving patient safety during clinical trials and advancing drug development.
A team of researchers led by Professor Alexander Meyer has created an early warning system for intensive care units (ICUs) using big data and artificial intelligence. The system predicts postoperative bleeding and acute kidney injury with high accuracy, allowing timely interventions to save lives.
SourceBIH at Charité·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·DateMar 22, 2021
Only 3% of patients with high blood pressure who are at risk for primary aldosteronism receive screening, a condition that can lead to heart and kidney complications. Researchers emphasize the importance of initiatives to encourage screening to prevent cardiovascular and kidney disease.
Renal fibrosis, a leading cause of kidney failure, has been linked to telomere shortening. Researchers found that short telomeres exacerbate epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, promoting pathological scarring of kidney tissue. They propose treating renal fibrosis by lengthening telomeres and restoring normal gene expression.
SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalNature Aging·DateMar 15, 2021
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.
Researchers investigate using a cell-signaling chemokine from cats to treat human kidney fibrosis and slow disease progression. The study suggests that intra-renal injection of CXCL12 may be a potential therapy for early kidney disease, offering new hope for millions with the condition.
SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalFrontiers in Veterinary Science·DateMar 12, 2021
Patients recovering from COVID-19-associated acute kidney injury require long-term monitoring of kidney function post-discharge. The study highlights the importance of tracking kidney function to prevent future complications and ensure optimal recovery.
SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 10, 2021
A study published in Environment International found that overweight children exposed to lead in utero and during their first weeks of life are at risk for poorer kidney function in adulthood. The research measured blood levels of lead during pregnancy and eGFR levels in children between 8-12 years old.
SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalEnvironment International·DateMar 5, 2021
Clinical algorithms that adjust for race can cause harm to patients by delaying access to additional tests and treatments, according to a new article. The authors argue that the medical community must step up to achieve consensus on paths forward to address racial inequities in health care.
SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMar 5, 2021
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed a novel urine test to diagnose human kidney transplant rejection. The study, published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, demonstrates that exosomes isolated from urine samples can serve as a viable biomarker for kidney transplant rejection.
SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMar 5, 2021
Measures of kidney function, such as the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio and estimated glomerular filtration rate, may improve estimates of future cardiovascular disease risk. The addition of these non-traditional risk factors could refine stratification and predict cardiovascular disease more accurately.
SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMar 4, 2021
A study by researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that proteins in urine can be used as biomarkers to predict the likelihood of progression to chronic kidney disease and death after acute kidney injury. The three protein biomarkers, MCP-1, UMOD, and YKL-40, showed promise in predicting patient outcomes.
SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 3, 2021
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.
Researchers analyzed nationwide data to find a strong correlation between kidney stones and osteoporosis or bone fracture diagnoses. The study suggests that bone density screening may be necessary for individuals with kidney stones, particularly middle-aged and older men at risk of osteoporosis or fracture.
SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateMar 3, 2021
The article highlights the importance of pediatric nephrologists' involvement in caring for children with cancer, from diagnosis to treatment and beyond. Key findings include the increasing need for onco-nephrology expertise due to rising childhood cancer rates and advances in therapy protocols.
SourceLe Bonheur Children's Hospital·JournalPediatric Nephrology·DateMar 1, 2021
Researchers tested CER-001 on a human patient with familial LCAT deficiency, showing improved kidney function and stable vision for up to 11 months. The treatment was well-tolerated, but further studies are warranted to prevent kidney progression.
SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 1, 2021
A study found associations between urinary miRNAs and cardiorenal outcomes, including blood pressure and eGFR levels, in Mexican children. The researchers identified several miRNAs associated with kidney function, blood pressure, and electrolyte biomarkers.
SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalEpigenomics·DateFeb 26, 2021
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.
Researchers discovered a blood biomarker that predicts kidney transplant rejection with a lead time of about eight months. The biomarker suggests using an existing medication to right the course of long-term recovery and prevent permanent damage.
SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 24, 2021
A randomized clinical trial found that patients who received corticosteroids after kidney transplantation had similar survival rates compared to those who did not receive them. Corticosteroid use was associated with increased risk of side effects, including acne and bone disease.
SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateFeb 24, 2021
Researchers identified a biomarker that predicts kidney transplant rejection risk by analyzing immune molecule ratios. Monitoring this ratio may help clinicians identify high-risk patients and intervene with new treatments to prevent long-term organ rejection.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 24, 2021
A recent study found that enrolling Black patients on the waitlist with slightly better kidney function could reduce racial disparities in transplant access. This approach aims to bridge the gap between Black and white patients' wait times before kidney failure, ultimately promoting greater equality in transplantation.
SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateFeb 23, 2021
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.
Scientists developed a rodent model to understand and identify young pregnant women who have previously suffered kidney injuries, which can lead to complications such as preeclampsia and low birthweight. The model suggests that even years after the injury, some women may still experience renal insufficiency during pregnancy.
SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateFeb 22, 2021
A study found that veterans receiving all post-kidney transplant care within the VA have a lower risk of death compared to those receiving care through Medicare. The study suggests that high-quality care within the VA may contribute to better outcomes.
SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateFeb 18, 2021
Researchers from Indiana University have identified key genetic changes in the interstitial kidney tissue of people with diabetes, which could lead to a revolutionary new genetic approach to treating kidney disease. The study found that important genes change when a scar forms on the interstitium, a previously undercharacterized part o...
SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 16, 2021
Despite policies and interventions aimed at improving access to kidney transplantation, a new study found no overall improvement in rates of wait list placement and transplantation over two decades. The researchers also identified striking disparities in access to transplantation, highlighting the need for more effective strategies to ...
SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateFeb 11, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
Research using magnetic resonance spectroscopy reveals that SGLT2 inhibitors trigger a balance between glucose loss and new production in the liver, affecting metabolism in several organs. The study provides insight into the acute impact of these drugs on lipid and energy metabolism.
SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalDiabetes Care·DateFeb 8, 2021
A study by Mayo Clinic researchers found that certain biomarkers can help diagnose acute kidney inflammation in cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. These biomarkers, such as serum creatinine and C-reactive protein, may aid in distinguishing treatment-associated kidney injury from other causes.
SourceMayo Clinic·JournalKidney International Reports·DateFeb 3, 2021
Scientists developed a novel quantum sensor that can detect oxidative stress in organs during MRI scans, which could lead to early diagnosis of diseases like cancer and kidney dysfunction. The sensor uses a ring-shaped sugar-like compound and nitroxide derivatives to identify reduced cell/tissue capacity.
SourceThe National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateFeb 3, 2021
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) affects millions worldwide, causing cysts and benign tumors to form in the kidney, leading to kidney failure. Researchers led by Dr. Manoocher Soleimani found that changes in cells lining the collecting ducts are responsible for cyst formation, offering new avenues for potential treatments.
SourceUniversity of New Mexico Health Sciences Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 3, 2021
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.
A recent study published in Nature Communications has uncovered the biomedical basis of the Barker hypothesis, which suggests that infants with low birth weight are at increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and kidney disorders. The research team discovered that fetuin-A, a serum protein, plays a crucial role in fetal protective mec...
SourceInselspital, Bern University Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 2, 2021