Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Massive single-cell survey of kidney cell types reveals new paths to disease

Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania identified three novel cell populations and understood how kidney disease develops at a single-cell level. They found that specific cell types convert to each other, leading to conditions like chronic kidney disease, which affects about 14 percent of Americans.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScience·DateApr 6, 2018

Study reveals large drop in infection-related deaths following kidney transplantation

A recent analysis found that the risk of death due to infectious causes after kidney transplantation has dropped significantly, with common bacterial infections remaining the most frequent cause. The study revealed a drop in infection-related mortality by half since the 1990s, indicating improved outcomes for transplant recipients.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 5, 2018

Kidney dysfunction contributes to severe malaria

A new study finds that kidney dysfunction is a contributing factor to severe malaria cases caused by Plasmodium vivax parasites. Elevated creatinine levels were associated with increased disease severity and mortality, while certain immune molecules could predict outcome in patients.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateMar 29, 2018
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.

New microsensor enables kidney dialysis to be customized

Researchers have developed a microsensor that can monitor and adjust the composition of kidney dialysis fluid in real-time, potentially alleviating serious side effects. The microsensor, made by Eindhoven University of Technology, measures sodium concentrations accurately and live.

SourceEindhoven University of Technology·DateMar 27, 2018

Tackling adherence to treatment on several fronts

A clinical trial, TAKE-IT, combines electronic medication monitoring and coaching to encourage adherence behavior in adolescent kidney transplant recipients. The study shows a 66% higher adherence rate among participants who used the digital health medication management solution with coaching.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalAmerican Journal of Kidney Diseases·DateMar 27, 2018

Trained navigators may improve access to transplantation for disadvantaged patients

A trained navigator with a degree in social work helped increase access to the transplant waitlist among patients who needed a longer time to get through the transplant evaluation process. Nearly 70,000 US patients have end-stage renal disease and most benefit from kidney transplantation.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMar 26, 2018

Sex differences and organ transplant rejection

A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital investigators explores the influence of biological sex on transplant outcomes. Researchers found that female donor sex is associated with increased transplant organ rejection rates in male recipients, while hormone receptors may play a role in these differences.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalTrends in Immunology·DateMar 22, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Obesity surgery prevents severe chronic kidney disease and kidney failure

A recent study published in International Journal of Obesity found that patients who underwent weight-loss surgery had a significantly lower risk of developing severe chronic kidney disease and kidney failure. The Swedish Obese Subjects (SOS) study followed over 4,000 patients with obesity for more than 20 years and showed that surgica...

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateMar 22, 2018

Many patients show signs of chronic kidney disease before diabetes diagnosis

A recent VA study found that over 30% of diabetic veterans had prior signs of chronic kidney disease. The results highlight the importance of early detection and screening for CKD in at-risk populations. Researchers propose broadening screening among patients with increased risk of CKD to prevent organ damage.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 14, 2018

Most living kidney donors are women, and men are donating less than before

A new study reveals that changes in living kidney donation in the US over the last decade have varied by sex, resulting in a widened gap in donation between women and men. The incidence of donation was 44% higher in women after adjusting for differences in age, race, and geographic factors.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMar 8, 2018

Unique inflammation patterns emerging in patients with type 1 diabetes

Research analysis of blood mediators in type 1 diabetes and kidney disease patients reveals 10 elevated proteins, with TNF-alpha family and IL-6 significantly impacting 40% of patients. This study suggests personalized medicine approach to target specific inflammatory mediators for effective treatment.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateMar 8, 2018
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.

One year posttransplant, recipients of hepatitis C kidneys disease-free

In a groundbreaking study, doctors at Johns Hopkins successfully transplanted hepatitis C-infected kidneys into patients without the virus. The recipients remained hepatitis C-free, and their kidneys functioned well, paving the way for more organs to be used in transplants.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 5, 2018

ACP recommends less intensive blood sugar control for type 2 diabetes

The American College of Physicians (ACP) recommends less intensive blood sugar control targets for most patients with type 2 diabetes, aiming for an A1C range of 7-8% rather than 6.5-7%. This approach prioritizes symptom management over intensive treatment to balance benefits and harms.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 5, 2018

Saline use on the decline at Vanderbilt following landmark studies

Two landmark studies by Vanderbilt researchers show significant improvement in patient outcomes using balanced fluids instead of saline for intravenous therapy, leading to a decline in saline use at the hospital. The studies found a 1 percent lower incidence of serious kidney problems or death in patients receiving balanced fluids, res...

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 27, 2018
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.

'Beetroot pill' could help save patients from kidney failure after heart X-ray

A new study by Queen Mary University of London aims to develop a 'beetroot pill' that could reduce the risk of kidney failure in patients undergoing coronary angiography. The research seeks to harness the antioxidant properties of dietary nitrate found in beetroot to prevent contrast-induced nephropathy, a common complication of the pr...

SourceQueen Mary University of London·DateFeb 21, 2018

Resolvin D-1 limits kidney damage after heart attacks

Research found that resolvin D-1 limits heart attack-induced kidney inflammation and promotes reparative macrophage change. This suggests potential application to clinical settings for treating cardiorenal syndrome.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateFeb 20, 2018

Research compares mouse and human kidney development

Recent studies have compared human and mouse kidney development, revealing deep conservation of certain processes but also significant differences in gene expression and cell structures. The findings provide new insights into the processes directing cells to form functional kidney structures and may help guide emerging stem cell techno...

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateFeb 15, 2018
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.

Kidney stones on the rise, Mayo Clinic study finds

A Mayo Clinic study found a steady increase in kidney stone formers, particularly among women aged 18-39. Improved imaging technology allowed for better diagnosis and classification of stones, leading to more symptomatic cases being detected.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateFeb 13, 2018

Scientists create functioning kidney tissue

Scientists at the University of Manchester successfully produced human kidney tissue within a living organism that is able to produce urine. The new structures contain most of the constituent parts present in human nephrons, including proximal tubules and Bowman's capsule, and have been linked to the vasculature of mice.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateFeb 9, 2018

An experiment in mice palliates kidney disease caused by diabetes

Researchers have successfully palliated kidney disease in mice by removing protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B from renal podocytes. Mice with this modification displayed improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, alleviating some consequences of diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalMetabolism·DateFeb 7, 2018

Detecting and treating dnDSA early preserves allograft function

A study published in Pediatric Transplantation found that detecting and treating dnDSA early can decrease antibody levels by 76% and prevent graft failure. However, the treatment came at a price: increased hospitalization rates for infection.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalPediatric Transplantation·DateFeb 5, 2018

Short section of DNA predicts kidney transplant success

A landmark study has identified a small stretch of DNA that best predicts long-term kidney transplant success. The HLA locus genetic match between donor and recipient is crucial for predicting transplant survival and potential personalized treatments.

SourceNIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Guy’s and St Thomas’ and King’s College London·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateFeb 1, 2018
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.

Analysis looks at long-term risks of living kidney donation

A systematic review found that living kidney donors have higher diastolic blood pressure, poorer renal function, and increased risk of end-stage renal disease. Female donors are at increased risk for preeclampsia and pregnancy-related complications.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 29, 2018

New clinical trial using water to treat polycystic kidney disease

Researchers at Westmead Institute for Medical Research are conducting a new clinical trial using water to treat polycystic kidney disease. The PREVENT-ADPKD trial aims to investigate whether drinking the right amount of water can prevent adult polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) from progressing to kidney failure.

SourceWestmead Institute for Medical Research·JournalBMJ Open·DateJan 28, 2018

Racial and ethnic disparities in live donor kidney transplants

Despite policies to increase diversity, racial/ethnic minority patients are less likely to receive live donor kidney transplants. The study found that disparities worsened over the last two decades, with black patients receiving only a quarter of the number of live donor transplants as white patients.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJAMA·DateJan 23, 2018
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.

Confined movements: How cells form tubes in confined spaces

A team of scientists developed a novel platform to study lumen formation in epithelial tubes, which can lead to diseases like atherosclerosis and kidney failure. The 3D microtube setup allows cells to form tubes under different physical constraints, revealing the importance of mechanical forces in tissue development.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 15, 2018

New AI technology significantly improves human kidney analysis

A new AI model based on convolutional neural networks (CNN) significantly improves the analysis of kidney biopsy images, enabling accurate quantification of kidney damage and prediction of life remaining in the kidney. This technology has the potential to act as a surrogate nephropathologist, particularly in resource-limited settings.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalKidney International Reports·DateJan 11, 2018
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.

Zooming in on protein to prevent kidney stones

Researchers used cryo-electron microscopy to visualize the structure of the TRPV5 protein, which serves as a passageway for calcium across kidney cell membranes. The study reveals how inhibitor molecules attach to and close the channel, leaving calcium stranded in the urine where it can form kidney stones.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJan 2, 2018

Reproducing higher-order embryonic kidney structures using pluripotent stem cells

A Japanese research group develops a method to induce ureteric buds from pluripotent stem cells and successfully reproduces the higher-order structure of the kidney. This achievement is a significant step towards regenerating functional kidneys, which could potentially treat millions of patients with chronic kidney disease.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateDec 18, 2017

Clinical trial does not support the use of bortezomib for kidney transplant recipients

A randomized clinical trial of bortezomib in late antibody-mediated kidney transplant rejection found no improvement in transplanted kidney function or prevention of immunologic tissue injury. The treatment was also linked with adverse effects, ruling out its potential as a therapeutic option for this condition.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateDec 14, 2017

Survival rates are improving for individuals with kidney failure

Survival rates for individuals with kidney failure have improved significantly over the past 22 years, with decreases observed across all age groups. Improvements in dialysis care, organ transplantation, and clinical practice guidelines may be contributing factors to these advancements.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateDec 14, 2017

New cellular approach found to control progression of chronic kidney disease

Researchers have discovered that extracellular vesicles isolated from amniotic fluid stem cells can slow the progression of kidney damage in mice with Alport syndrome. The findings provide new insights into the mechanisms of kidney disease and point to a potential new approach for improved treatments.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 14, 2017
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.

How the kidneys produce concentrated urine

Researchers at Max Delbrück Center find GRHL2 protein crucial for concentrating urine and maintaining salt levels in the kidneys. Genetically modified mice lacking GRHL2 produce more diluted urine, highlighting its importance for regulating body fluids.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateDec 13, 2017

Kidney disease increases risk of diabetes, study shows

A new study from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis suggests that kidney dysfunction increases the risk of diabetes. Elevated urea levels, which can be lowered through medication and diet, are a likely cause of this relationship.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalKidney International·DateDec 11, 2017

Long-term prevention of organ rejection

Researchers at the University of Konstanz have successfully prevented chronic antibody-mediated organ rejection in a rat model using immunoproteasome inhibition with the selective inhibitor ONX 0914. This approach reduces activated plasma cells producing allo-antibodies and leads to improved renal function.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalKidney International·DateDec 8, 2017
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.

Study provides insights on immune cells involved in kidney disease

Researchers have discovered that macrophages form a barrier around kidneys and that dendritic cells communicate with each other to control the magnitude of the immune response. This complex mechanism challenges previous ideas about how the kidney reacts to injury, and may lead to new strategies for protecting individuals' kidney health.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateDec 7, 2017

New compound stops progressive kidney disease in its tracks

A team of researchers from the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard has developed a new compound that can protect kidney cells from death and restore kidney function in multiple animal models of progressive kidney disease. The compound, called AC1903, works by blocking a damaging feedback loop involving the protein TRPC5.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalScience·DateDec 7, 2017

Many donor kidneys that are discarded may be suitable for transplantation

A study found that many discarded kidneys from deceased donors could have potentially been transplanted with good outcomes. The majority of discarded kidneys had traits considered unappealing, but their partner kidneys performed well after being used for transplantation.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateDec 7, 2017
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Kidney disease diagnosis may benefit from DNA sequencing

A new study from Columbia University Medical Center suggests that DNA sequencing may offer real clinical value in diagnosing and managing patients with chronic kidney disease. The researchers analyzed 92 adults with kidney disease, yielding a diagnosis in 22 participants, including 13 individuals whose cause of kidney failure was unknown.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 4, 2017

Study identifies genes involved in tolerance following kidney transplantation

Researchers found genes associated with B cell receptor signaling and activation in tolerant kidney transplant recipients, suggesting an active immune regulation of B cells. The study provides insights into the mechanisms behind tolerance induction in renal transplantation, potentially leading to minimization of immunosuppression.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateNov 30, 2017

Balancing dual identities: Hormone stabilizes blood volume

Researchers discovered vasopressin's role in stimulating red blood cell production, with implications for treating anemia after traumatic injuries or chemotherapy. The hormone's effectiveness was demonstrated in mouse models and clinical data from patients with central diabetes insipidus.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 29, 2017
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

New oral anticoagulant drugs associated with lower kidney risks

Researchers found that non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants are associated with reduced risk of adverse kidney outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation. The study, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, showed that about 1 in 4 patients taking these medications experienced significant kidney functi...

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 20, 2017

Manganese-based MRI contrast agent may be safer alternative to gadolinium-based agents

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed a potential alternative to gadolinium-based contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The new manganese-based agent Mn-PyC3A produced comparable image enhancement to the standard of care with rapid clearance and less likelihood of toxicity. The study used a baboon...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalRadiology·DateNov 15, 2017
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.

Expanding geographic sharing of donor kidneys would increase transplants, study finds

A study suggests that expanding geographic sharing of donor kidneys could add 58 to 174 additional kidney transplants per year, helping more patients get off dialysis treatments. Organ quality varies from donor to donor and is concentrated in less populous regions, where patients are more willing to accept lower-quality organs.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalProduction and Operations Management·DateNov 14, 2017

Novel nuclear medicine test can identify kidney transplant infection

A new nuclear medicine test can identify kidney transplant infection in non-invasive procedures, using positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI). The test has the potential to refine characterization of infectious and inflammatory kidney diseases.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateNov 8, 2017

UCI review points to long-term negative impact of high protein diets

Research highlights the need for better nutritional management in chronic kidney disease, where high protein diets may have deleterious impacts on kidney health. A low protein, low salt diet may slow progression and help patients defer dialysis initiation.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 6, 2017
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.

VA patients face disparities in kidney transplantation

A study found VA patients had significantly lower rates of kidney transplantation compared to those with private insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid. The researchers suggest that distance from transplant centers and other factors may contribute to these disparities.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·DateNov 4, 2017