https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/kidney_disease/ Medical research on the kidney, causes and symptoms of kidney infections and failure. Find out about green tea and other food that affects the kidneys. Read about kidney stones and other kidney problems. en-us Thu, 05 Mar 2026 01:04:39 EST Thu, 05 Mar 2026 01:04:39 EST 60 https://www.sciencedaily.com/images/scidaily-logo-rss.png https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/kidney_disease/ For more science news, visit ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251219093309.htm In a rare and historic achievement, Children’s Hospital Colorado successfully completed its first dual heart and liver transplant in a pediatric patient. The life-saving surgery was performed on 11-year-old Gracie Greenlaw, whose congenital heart condition eventually led to liver failure. Dozens of specialists worked together for years to prepare for a moment like this, executing a complex, 16-hour operation. Now months later, Gracie is home, in school, and thriving. Fri, 19 Dec 2025 10:35:40 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251219093309.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251117095639.htm Chronic pain might quietly push people toward developing high blood pressure—and the more widespread the pain, the greater the danger. A massive analysis of over 200,000 adults uncovered strong links between long-lasting pain, depression, inflammation, and rising hypertension risk. Mon, 17 Nov 2025 22:42:19 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251117095639.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251104013027.htm Using powerful 7-Tesla brain imaging, researchers mapped how the brainstem manages pain differently across the body. They discovered that distinct regions activate for facial versus limb pain, showing the brain’s built-in precision pain control system. The findings could lead to targeted, non-opioid treatments that use cannabinoid mechanisms instead of opioids, offering safer pain relief options. Tue, 04 Nov 2025 05:36:11 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251104013027.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250730030400.htm GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic are transforming weight loss, but a new UVA study warns they're not improving a critical measure of health: cardiorespiratory fitness. While these medications help people shed fat, they also strip away vital muscle mass raising concerns about long-term heart health, physical function, and mortality. The researchers urge combining treatment with exercise, protein intake, and possibly future drugs to avoid hidden downsides of rapid weight loss. Wed, 30 Jul 2025 03:04:00 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250730030400.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250710113151.htm What if your brain is the reason some pain feels unbearable? Scientists at the Salk Institute have discovered a hidden brain circuit that gives pain its emotional punch—essentially transforming ordinary discomfort into lasting misery. This breakthrough sheds light on why some people suffer more intensely than others from conditions like fibromyalgia, migraines, and PTSD. By identifying the exact group of neurons that link physical pain to emotional suffering, the researchers may have found a new target for treating chronic pain—without relying on addictive medications. Thu, 10 Jul 2025 23:37:05 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250710113151.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250623233327.htm A groundbreaking wireless implant promises real-time, personalized pain relief using AI and ultrasound power no batteries, no wires, and no opioids. Designed by USC and UCLA engineers, it reads brain signals, adapts on the fly, and bends naturally with your spine. Tue, 24 Jun 2025 02:38:14 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250623233327.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250506131322.htm Researchers have created an effective therapy for chronic pain that reduces pain intensity by focusing on emotional regulation. Tue, 06 May 2025 13:13:22 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250506131322.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250407173105.htm Eight weeks of mindfulness or cognitive behavioral therapy were associated with improved pain, physical function and quality of life and reduced daily opioid dose in adults with chronic low back pain that required treated with daily opioids, according to a new study. This is one of the largest studies to date to evaluate mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy as treatment for opioid-treated chronic pain. Mon, 07 Apr 2025 17:31:05 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250407173105.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250310131832.htm A novel analysis of more than 375 published studies concluded that the association between chronic pain and rates of depression and anxiety is staggering. The study found that 40% of adults with chronic pain experienced 'clinically significant depression and anxiety.' Among those most at risk, the analysis showed, were women, younger adults and people with fibromyalgia. Mon, 10 Mar 2025 13:18:32 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250310131832.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250127123837.htm Researchers have uncovered how specific patterns in brain activity can predict an individual's sensitivity to pain, expanding opportunities for improved pain management strategies. Mon, 27 Jan 2025 12:38:37 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250127123837.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241211124740.htm Researchers have found definitive proof of a kidney microbiome that influences renal health and kidney stone formation, demonstrating that the urinary tract is not sterile and low levels of bacteria are normal. The publication describes the rigorous multi-pronged approach a team used to identify and characterize the small bacterial community by combining preclinical, human and dish studies. Wed, 11 Dec 2024 12:47:40 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241211124740.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241030145819.htm New research into the long-term dynamics of transplanted stem cells in a patient's body explains how age affects stem cell survival and immune diversity, offering insights that could make transplants safer and more successful. Wed, 30 Oct 2024 14:58:19 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241030145819.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241028164210.htm Researches made major strides toward the creation of artificial kidney tissue by demonstrating an undiscovered mechanism behind kidney development and a novel technique for culturing kidney cells, both of which could ultimately reduce the need for both dialysis and transplantation. Mon, 28 Oct 2024 16:42:10 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241028164210.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240912135720.htm New study and promising results from the first clinical trial in patients provide novel insights and new hope for one of the deadliest of cancers. Thu, 12 Sep 2024 13:57:20 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240912135720.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240819172529.htm A recent study found that frail older patients who waited to start dialysis died only nine days earlier on average -- and spent more time at home -- than those who began treatment immediately. Mon, 19 Aug 2024 17:25:29 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240819172529.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240729173344.htm A new study found that adults with chronic pain are more likely to experience symptoms of anxiety and depression than people without chronic pain, yet they access mental health care at lower rates and are less likely to have their mental health needs met in treatment. Mon, 29 Jul 2024 17:33:44 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240729173344.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/06/240611130413.htm The structure and function of the kidneys is altered by space flight, with galactic radiation causing permanent damage that would jeopardise any mission to Mars, according to a new study led by researchers from UCL. Tue, 11 Jun 2024 13:04:13 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/06/240611130413.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/04/240429103047.htm Groundbreaking new research finds that an increased cardio fitness level will reduce your risk of death from any cause by nearly 20%. Mon, 29 Apr 2024 10:30:47 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/04/240429103047.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/01/240131183518.htm Type 2 diabetes is associated with increased risk of kidney stones, but some forms of treatment for this condition may also have the benefit of lowering risk of kidney stones. Researchers found that there was an association between the use of sodium-glucose contratransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors and a lower risk of developing kidney stones. Wed, 31 Jan 2024 18:35:18 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/01/240131183518.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/12/231221012814.htm A new study has found changes in the microbiome in multiple locations in the body are linked to the formation of kidney stones. Thu, 21 Dec 2023 01:28:14 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/12/231221012814.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/10/231030141350.htm Researchers have discovered mechanisms by which specific cells are activated in alcohol withdrawal-induced headache. The research may benefit further studies of various substance use disorder mechanisms including withdrawal. It may be possible to develop a small-molecule drug therapy to inhibit interactions, resulting in fewer pain signals during alcohol withdrawal. Mon, 30 Oct 2023 14:13:50 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/10/231030141350.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/05/230522131308.htm Researchers have recorded pain-related data from inside the brain of individuals with chronic pain disorders caused by stroke or amputation (phantom limb pain). A long sought-after goal has been to understand how pain is represented by brain activity and how to modulate that activity to relieve suffering from chronic pain. Data were collected over months while patients were at home, and they were analyzed using machine learning tools. Doing so, the researchers identified an area of the brain associated with chronic pain and objective biomarkers of chronic pain in individual patients. Mon, 22 May 2023 13:13:08 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/05/230522131308.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/02/230201195349.htm New research has found some antidepressants may be effective in treating certain chronic pain conditions, but others lack convincing evidence on their effectiveness. Wed, 01 Feb 2023 19:53:49 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/02/230201195349.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/11/221107153453.htm A national study is shedding light on how to more effectively treat atrial fibrillation (AF) -- a common heart rhythm problem associated with increased risk of stroke and heart failure. The study shows that early intervention with cryoballoon catheter ablation (cryoablation) is more effective at reducing the risk of serious long-term health impacts, when compared to the current first step in treatment, antiarrhythmic drugs. Mon, 07 Nov 2022 15:34:53 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/11/221107153453.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/10/221025090452.htm A big group of bacteria found in our soil, our water and our shower heads are harmless for most of us, but a new study indicates they are associated with an increased risk of dying in individuals whose kidneys have failed. Tue, 25 Oct 2022 09:04:52 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/10/221025090452.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/10/221007190634.htm A new technique which combines the use of two ultrasound technologies may offer an option to move kidney stones out of the ureter with minimal pain and no anesthesia, according to a new feasibility study. Fri, 07 Oct 2022 19:06:34 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/10/221007190634.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/08/220830203133.htm Researchers have shown that mice respond more to the antidepressant effects of the drug ketamine when administered by men and not by women. The group demonstrated that a stress response in a specific region of the mouse brain from handling by a man is essential for ketamine to work. Tue, 30 Aug 2022 20:31:33 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/08/220830203133.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/08/220811163912.htm When surgeons remove patients' kidney stones, they typically leave behind small stones that appear not to be causing problems. However, a new randomized controlled study has shown that leaving these asymptomatic stones behind significantly increases the risk of a patient's relapse in the following five years. Thu, 11 Aug 2022 16:39:12 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/08/220811163912.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/08/220801102923.htm Kidney stones can cause not only excruciating pain but also are associated with chronic kidney disease, osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. If you've experienced a kidney stone once, you have a 30% chance of having another kidney stone within five years. Mon, 01 Aug 2022 10:29:23 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/08/220801102923.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/07/220727175640.htm Patients should be able to use images and metaphors alongside traditional medical scales to describe their pain to doctors, a new study says. Wed, 27 Jul 2022 17:56:40 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/07/220727175640.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/06/220629102258.htm New research reveals that a factory-calibrated continuous glucose monitor (CGM) may be sufficiently accurate for use by people on dialysis, a group often plagued by dangerous swings in blood-sugar levels. Wed, 29 Jun 2022 10:22:58 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/06/220629102258.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/06/220607194422.htm Scientists find evidence that the immune protein CSF1 may contribute to feelings of anxiety during alcohol withdrawal. Tue, 07 Jun 2022 19:44:22 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/06/220607194422.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/06/220605130404.htm Patients with multiple myeloma who have been treated with a three-drug combination therapy have a growing number of choices for subsequent treatment. Results of a new study can help patients and their physicians weigh benefits and risks of each option. Sun, 05 Jun 2022 13:04:04 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/06/220605130404.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/03/220322141128.htm When a heavy alcohol drinker tries to take a night off, their body protests, with shaky hands, heart palpitations, anxiety and headaches. These acute symptoms of alcohol withdrawal -- but even more so the enduring emotional distress that lingers into protracted abstinence -- are one reason people with alcohol use disorders have a hard time quitting. Now, scientists have made new headway in understanding the basis of alcohol withdrawal in the brain. Tue, 22 Mar 2022 14:11:28 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/03/220322141128.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/01/220120091128.htm Researchers have announced the first peer-reviewed research outlining the successful transplant of genetically modified, clinical-grade pig kidneys into a brain-dead human individual, replacing the recipient's native kidneys. These positive results demonstrate how xenotransplantation could address the worldwide organ shortage crisis. Thu, 20 Jan 2022 09:11:28 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/01/220120091128.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/01/220110183051.htm In a first-of-its-kind surgery, a 57-year-old patient with terminal heart disease received a successful transplant of a genetically-modified pig heart and is still doing well three days later. Mon, 10 Jan 2022 18:30:51 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/01/220110183051.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/10/211001130256.htm More than half of U.S. women will experience at least one urinary tract infection (UTI) in their lifetimes, while a quarter will have a subsequent infection. Recurrent urinary tract infections are defined as two or more infections in six months or three or more in a year. Fri, 01 Oct 2021 13:02:56 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/10/211001130256.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/09/210929112846.htm A study of chronic back pain patients finds that more than two-thirds of those who underwent a novel, 4-week psychological treatment were pain-free or nearly pain-free afterward. Those in the treatment group also saw brain regions involved in pain processing quiet. For many, the benefits lasted at least one year. Wed, 29 Sep 2021 11:28:46 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/09/210929112846.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/09/210928193827.htm Physician-scientists developed a 12-week mind-body program that takes a new approach to chronic back pain. The team demonstrated that this intervention was highly beneficial for treating back pain when compared to standard care. Tue, 28 Sep 2021 19:38:27 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/09/210928193827.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/07/210728105642.htm Tragically, the opioid epidemic has led to an increase in accidental and premature deaths, which has also increased the number of hearts available for potential organ donation. Receiving a heart from a donor who used illicit drugs does not impact the recipient's survival, according to a group of researchers from Virginia, Arizona and Indiana. Wed, 28 Jul 2021 10:56:42 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/07/210728105642.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/05/210525203814.htm Advanced microscope technology and cutting-edge geological science are giving new perspectives to an old medical mystery: How do kidney stones form, why are some people more susceptible to them and can they be prevented? Tue, 25 May 2021 20:38:14 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/05/210525203814.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/04/210406164124.htm Researchers found that when male and female patients expressed the same amount of pain, observers viewed female patients' pain as less intense and more likely to benefit from psychotherapy versus medication as compared to men's pain, exposing a significant patient gender bias that could lead to disparities in treatments. Tue, 06 Apr 2021 16:41:24 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/04/210406164124.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/12/201202114527.htm Removing race from clinical tools that calculate kidney function could have both advantages and disadvantages for Black patients. Wed, 02 Dec 2020 11:45:27 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/12/201202114527.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/11/201130113534.htm Researchers have found a new neural pathway that links the circadian clock, stress, and wakefulness in mammals. They identified a neuron that becomes excessively active when the mammal is under stress, which could trigger insomnia and other sleep disorders. Mon, 30 Nov 2020 11:35:34 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/11/201130113534.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/09/200902101820.htm Kidneys from deceased donors with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection can be safely transplanted into noninfected recipients when a regimen of direct-acting antiviral therapies is initiated as early as two days after the transplant, according to a new study. Wed, 02 Sep 2020 10:18:20 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/09/200902101820.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/08/200825160549.htm Chronic pain affects the majority of older adults in the United States, and getting enough exercise plays a key role in pain management. New research suggests that how people think about their pain can have a significant effect on whether they get enough physical activity -- or if they spend more time sedentary. Tue, 25 Aug 2020 16:05:49 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/08/200825160549.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/08/200821094825.htm A research project has successfully reproduced the pathogenesis of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) from human iPS cells in vitro. Although cysts derived from renal tubules have been previously documented, this is the first derivation of cysts from collecting ducts, which is more closely related to the pathogenesis of the disease. This research is expected to lead to a better understanding of disease states and the development of new treatment methods. Fri, 21 Aug 2020 09:48:25 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/08/200821094825.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/07/200720093247.htm Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) measurement provides insight into cardiovascular and overall health, including cognitive and academic functions, among children and teens. Healthy CRF is linked to better heart and blood vessel health, academic achievement, mental health and many other positive outcomes in youth. Most pediatric health care offices do not have the facilities to conduct CRF testing routinely in children. Mon, 20 Jul 2020 09:32:47 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/07/200720093247.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/05/200522145149.htm An improved urine-testing system for people suffering from kidney stones inspired by nature may enable patients to receive results within 30 minutes instead of the current turnaround time of a week or more. Fri, 22 May 2020 14:51:49 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/05/200522145149.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/01/200109130222.htm A new study provides the strongest evidence to date that hundreds of deceased donor kidneys, discarded each year after being deemed not suitable under current medical criteria, can be transplanted safely and effectively. Thu, 09 Jan 2020 13:02:22 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/01/200109130222.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/11/191114180025.htm Wearable and implantable devices may allow for intensive self-care for patients with kidney failure outside of the clinic. Thu, 14 Nov 2019 18:00:25 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/11/191114180025.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/11/191108171643.htm Peritoneal dialysis performed with an automated wearable artificial kidney was safe and effective for removing toxins from the blood of patients with kidney failure. Fri, 08 Nov 2019 17:16:43 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/11/191108171643.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/11/191107170503.htm The Kidney Project, a national effort to develop an implantable bio-artificial kidney could eliminate the need for dialysis. Thu, 07 Nov 2019 17:05:03 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/11/191107170503.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/10/191017170554.htm In 2010-2016, many US transplant centers commonly accepted deceased donor kidneys with less desirable characteristics. The use of these organs varied widely across transplant centers, however, and differences were not fully explained by the size of waitlists or the availability of donor organs. Thu, 17 Oct 2019 17:05:54 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/10/191017170554.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/09/190926112636.htm Researchers have identified the brain mechanism linking chronic pain and depression in rats. Their research could lead to the development of new treatments for chronic pain and depression. Thu, 26 Sep 2019 11:26:36 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/09/190926112636.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/08/190830150742.htm Transplantation of kidneys from Hepatitis C-infected donors to uninfected recipients is safe and can be successfully implemented as a standard of care, according to an observational study. Fri, 30 Aug 2019 15:07:42 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/08/190830150742.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/08/190826121932.htm Researchers uncover a previously unrecognized mechanism that may accelerate polycystic kidney disease. Mon, 26 Aug 2019 12:19:32 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/08/190826121932.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/08/190806121813.htm Researchers for the first time have combined a powerful microscopy technique with automated image analysis algorithms to distinguish between healthy and metastatic cancerous tissue without relying on invasive biopsies or the use of a contrast dye. This new approach could one day help doctors detect cancer metastasis that is otherwise difficult to see via standard imaging technologies during operations. Tue, 06 Aug 2019 12:18:13 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/08/190806121813.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/07/190723182245.htm A study of over 1,000 healthy women with no urinary tract infection symptoms showed nearly 9% carried multi-drug resistant Escherichia coli strains in their guts. Additional findings highlight likely reasons behind the pandemic of resistant E. coli strains. They show the value of checking a patients' carrier-status to predict resistant infections, and the need to re-think the clinical significance of bacteria in the urine without symptoms, because pandemic strains can be highly pathogenic to the urinary system and treatment resistant. Tue, 23 Jul 2019 18:22:45 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/07/190723182245.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/06/190618192032.htm Good heart and lung (cardiorespiratory) fitness in middle age is associated with a lower long term risk of chronic lung disease (COPD), suggests new research. Tue, 18 Jun 2019 19:20:32 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/06/190618192032.htm