Air Pollution Associated with Higher Rates of Chronic Kidney Disease


A new study from University of Michigan reveals an association between air pollution and higher rates of chronic kidney disease. Using 2010 Medicare data from 1.1 million people, the researchers examined CKD prevalence by county and found greater incidence of the disease even with relatively low pollution levels in the range of 8.4 micrograms per … Continue reading Air Pollution Associated with Higher Rates of Chronic Kidney Disease

Rare Stem Cells Could Explain Origin of Fibrosis


A team of researchers from Harvard Stem Cell Institute and Brigham and Women’s Hospital has uncovered a rare stem cell population that contributes to fibrosis, the buildup of scar tissue which causes inflammation, organ damage, and often organ failure. Found outside the blood vessels and within organ tissue, these stem cells expand and become myofibroblasts … Continue reading Rare Stem Cells Could Explain Origin of Fibrosis

Dr. Alicia McDonough Presentation on Salt Transporters During Hypertension


Dr. Alicia McDonough, Professor of Cell and Neurobiology at Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, recently delivered an invited lecture at the ISN Nexus Symposium in Brisbane, Australia. For an interesting look at the kidney and hypertension, watch her presentation, “Salt transporters in the kidney during hypertension: matching Na output to intake.”