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AI Engineering
MIT Technology Review·10h ago·5 min read
Pig kidneys that were “frozen” for a year have been brought back to life
TL;DR
Scientists have successfully revived pig kidneys that were frozen at -150 °C for a year, demonstrating their functionality post-thaw. This breakthrough raises hopes for similar advancements in human organ preservation.
✦ Why It Matters
Consider exploring organ preservation technologies to enhance transplant viability in your research or clinical practice.
Key Takeaways
- Explore partnerships with biotech firms focused on organ preservation.
- Stay informed about advancements in cryopreservation techniques.
- Consider implications of organ banking on transplant logistics.
- Engage in discussions about ethical considerations in organ transplantation.
How It Works
The kidneys are infused with cryoprotectants to prevent ice crystal formation, followed by iron oxide nanoparticles that generate heat when activated by an electromagnetic field. This allows for controlled rewarming, crucial for maintaining organ viability.
⚠ The Catch
Despite successful rewarming, the kidneys produced less urine than expected and showed signs of injury, indicating potential toxicity from the cryoprotectants used.