Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Study identifies benefits, risks linked to popular weight-loss drugs

A recent study published in Nature Medicine analyzed over 2 million veterans taking GLP-1RA medications, finding benefits to cognitive and behavioral health while revealing increased risks for pancreatitis and kidney conditions. The study also showed decreased risks of seizures, addiction, suicidal ideation, and neurocognitive disorders.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 20, 2025
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.

Study of Sherpas highlights key role of kidneys in acclimatization to high altitudes

A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that Sherpa participants had more rapid and larger magnitude blood acid-base acclimatization than lowlanders during incremental ascent to 4,300 metres. This suggests a key role for the kidneys in acclimatization to high altitude.

SourceMount Royal University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateDec 30, 2024

Kidney function decline after COVID-19 infection

A cohort study found COVID-19 accelerates kidney function decline, particularly in hospitalized patients. Early monitoring and optimized management of chronic kidney disease can help prevent complications.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 26, 2024
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Does having more chronic conditions increase older adults’ risk of declining kidney function?

A new study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that older adults with multiple chronic conditions are at a higher risk of declining kidney function. The study followed 3,094 older individuals for 15 years and found an independent dose-response relationship between the number of chronic conditions and kidn...

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateDec 18, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New targets for diabetic kidney disease could prevent end stage kidney failure

Researchers have identified new potential therapeutic targets for diabetic kidney disease (DKD), a leading cause of kidney failure. The study reveals common and cell-type-specific changes caused by insulin-resistance, representing new targets for pharmacological or targeted gene therapy approaches.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 10, 2024

New model for replication of BKPyV virus, a major cause of kidney transplant failure

Researchers discovered that BKPyV's large tumor antigen is expressed after the first round of cellular DNA replication, suggesting new drug targets to prevent kidney transplant failure. The study offers a possible solution by targeting host proteins required for re-replication, reducing the likelihood of virus resistance.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalPLOS Pathogens·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2024

Energy crisis in kidney cells

A new study published in Nature Communications reveals that energy imbalances in podocytes contribute to kidney damage and proteinuria after ischemia-reperfusion injury. The researchers found that interventions targeting mitochondrial dynamics held promise in alleviating foot process effacement and improving podocyte outcomes.

SourceInstitute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (ASHBi), Kyoto University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 3, 2024
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.

CMS launches new mandatory kidney transplant payment model

The Increasing Organ Transplant Access (IOTA) Model aims to improve access to life-saving kidney transplants for patients with end-stage kidney disease while maintaining or improving the quality of care. The new rule will test performance-based upside or downside risk payments among selected kidney transplant hospitals.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·DateDec 2, 2024

A new biomarker helps detect kidney fibrosis in transplant patients without invasive procedures

Researchers have identified a simpler and more accessible alternative to diagnosing kidney fibrosis in transplant patients: measuring vitronectin levels in urine. The study found that vitronectin levels were significantly higher in patients with fibrosis, and combining this measurement with traditional urine tests improved accuracy.

SourceGermans Trias i Pujol Research Institute·JournalJournal of Translational Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateDec 2, 2024

Drinking plenty of water may actually be good for you

A systematic review of 18 randomized controlled trials found that drinking enough water can help with weight loss and prevent kidney stones. Drinking eight cups a day significantly decreased the likelihood of getting another kidney stone, while six cups a day helped adults lose weight.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateNov 26, 2024

Discovery explains kidney damage caused by blood pressure drugs

Long-term use of renin-angiotensin system inhibitors can destroy the kidney's filtering ability, causing scarring and other changes that lead to vascular disease. The discovery offers a new understanding of the effects on the kidney and sets the stage for identifying ways to protect it.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalCirculation Research·DateNov 21, 2024
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Kidney outcomes in transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy

Patients with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy experience frequent decline in kidney function, associated with higher mortality risk. eGFR decline is an independent marker of disease progression guiding treatment optimization.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateNov 17, 2024

Johns Hopkins researchers use electronic diagnostic model to predict acute interstitial nephritis (AIN) in patients

Acute interstitial nephritis (AIN) is a common cause of acute kidney injury, often linked to medication use. Johns Hopkins researchers developed an electronic diagnostic model using machine learning to predict AIN in patients, showing improved accuracy in diagnosis and potential benefits for treatment decisions.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateNov 12, 2024

Study advances understanding of metformin effects on fetus

Metformin, a widely prescribed diabetes drug, may increase risks of obesity and diabetes in newborns when given to pregnant women. The study found that the drug accumulated in the fetal kidneys, liver, and other organs, leading to growth restriction, which has been linked to an elevated risk of obesity and insulin resistance in childhood.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 12, 2024
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.

Teenage hormonal shift surprises scientists – opposite impacts on kidney injury

Researchers found that female sex hormones may increase susceptibility to kidney injury during puberty, contradicting the protective effects seen in adulthood. The study suggests that developmental changes driven by the hormonal surge in puberty may override the benefits of female sex hormones later in life.

SourceInstitute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (ASHBi), Kyoto University·JournalKidney International·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 4, 2024

Unraveling the link between hepatitis and kidney damage

Researchers from the University of Zurich have discovered a link between hepatitis E and kidney damage, finding that viral envelope-antibody complexes can accumulate in kidney filters and cause glomerulonephritis. The study uses tissue samples from patients to understand the disease mechanism.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 31, 2024

Certain diabetes drugs linked to lower risk of kidney stones and gout

Researchers found that SGLT-2 inhibitors may simultaneously tackle kidney stones and gout flare-ups in patients with type 2 diabetes. The study suggests these medications can increase urinary volume and lower uric acid levels, reducing the concentration of stone-forming crystals.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeObservational study·DateOct 30, 2024
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.

Diet that simulates fasting supports kidney function in study

Researchers found a specialized low-salt, fasting-mimicking diet (LS-FMD) slows deterioration of kidney structures and function in rodents with chronic kidney disease. In humans, the diet reduced proteinuria and improved endothelial function in patients with chronic kidney disease.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 30, 2024

Genomic variants that increase risk of kidney disease are found in nearly one-third of West Africans

A study found that nearly one-third of individuals from Ghana and Nigeria carry APOL1 variants that significantly increase the risk of chronic kidney disease. The researchers also discovered that having a single copy of the APOL1 gene increases the risk by 18%, while two copies increase it by 25%.

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateOct 28, 2024

New study refines understanding of kidney transplant rejection

Researchers identified new signs of kidney transplant rejection, including microvascular inflammation, which predict increased risk of transplant failure. The study found that patients with these conditions are at higher risk of developing severe rejection or chronic kidney damage over time.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 28, 2024
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.

Preclinical studies test novel gene therapy for treating IgA nephropathy

Researchers have developed a novel gene therapy called PS-002, which targets podocytes and blocks complement activation to treat IgA nephropathy. In mouse models, treatment with PS-002 reduced signs of kidney dysfunction and lowered complement deposition, while in pigs, it resulted in elevated gene expression without safety issues.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·DateOct 26, 2024
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.

Heart and kidney outcomes after canagliflozin treatment in older adults

A recent analysis of clinical trial data reveals that SGLT2 inhibitor canagliflozin reduces major adverse cardiovascular events, hospitalization for heart failure or cardiovascular death, and chronic kidney disease progression in older adults. The effects on safety outcomes are not modified by age.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·DateOct 25, 2024
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.

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.

How the novel antibody felzartamab impacts IgA nephropathy

Felzartamab induces rapid and durable depletion of galactose-deficient IgA1 and total IgA antibodies in patients with IgA nephropathy. The treatment maintains Gd-IgA1 reduction for up to 9 months off-treatment, offering a potential breakthrough in managing this autoimmune kidney disease.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·DateOct 25, 2024

New research shows urine tests may detect early diseases

A new study from the University of Texas at Arlington suggests that analyzing RNA in urine can show changes in cell types, revealing early signs of cancer and other diseases. This method could help clinicians detect problems earlier when they are more easily treated without invasive procedures.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalClinical Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 23, 2024

New AI tool set to be a “game changer” in improving outcome predictions for kidney transplant patients

A new AI-powered model has been developed to predict kidney transplant outcomes with high accuracy, offering hope for more efficient organ allocation and improved patient outcomes. The tool, UK-DTOP, outperforms existing methods in predicting outcomes for deceased-donor kidney transplants.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalRenal Failure·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 22, 2024
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.

USC study finds link between PFAS, kidney function and gut health

Researchers at USC found a link between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and kidney damage, which may be tied to dysregulation of the gut microbiome. The study, published in Science of the Total Environment, suggests that changes in gut bacteria and related metabolites can explain up to 50% of decreased kidney function.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 17, 2024

New study sheds light on lily toxicity in cats; outpatient treatment may be viable option

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association has revealed new insights into treating cats exposed to toxic lilies. The study found no significant difference in acute kidney injury prevalence between inpatient and outpatient groups, suggesting that outpatient management may be a viable option fo...

SourceAmerican Veterinary Medical Association·JournalJournal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·TypeObservational study·DateOct 17, 2024

Kidney transplantation between donors and recipients with HIV is safe

A multicenter observational study in the US found that kidney transplantation from deceased donors with HIV to recipients with HIV was safe and noninferior to transplantation from donors without HIV. The study enrolled 198 adults with HIV and end-stage kidney disease, comparing outcomes between 99 donors with HIV and 99 without.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 16, 2024
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.

New imaging technique accurately detects aggressive kidney cancer

A new non-invasive imaging technique has been shown to accurately detect clear-cell renal cell carcinoma, the most common form of kidney cancer. The technique uses a monoclonal antibody drug that targets the protein CA9, highly expressed in up to 95% of clear cell kidney cancers.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateOct 3, 2024

COVID-19 linked to increased risk of acute kidney disorders: New study reveals time-varying effects

A new study reveals a significant association between COVID-19 and acute kidney disorders, including acute kidney injury, peaking during the second week after infection. Healthcare providers should closely monitor kidney function in COVID-19 patients with moderate to severe cases, particularly during the first few weeks after infection.

SourceHealth Data Science·JournalHealth Data Science·DateSep 30, 2024
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Wnt happens in kidney development?

Researchers found that low Wnt signaling levels regulate NPC self-renewal, while higher levels initiate differentiation into mature kidney cell types. The studies also reveal the role of beta-catenin in aggregating NPCs to form early kidney structures.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalDevelopment·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 30, 2024
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.

Scientists discover important blood pressure 'switch'

Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have identified a crucial biological switch that regulates renin production in certain cells, allowing them to control blood pressure. This discovery provides important direction for future research into high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease treatment.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·DateSep 26, 2024