Rejection-Free Kidney Created From Stem Cells

It wasn't that long ago that something like the latest scientific discovery in a Massachusetts-based lab could have only existed in a book of fiction. No, researchers haven't yet invented a machine that can travel back in time like the animated Mr. Peabody's Wayback Machine. But they have successfully grown a kidney from stem cells.

In a lab-controlled environment, researchers took a sample of stem cells from a cow's ear. They created a kidney-shaped scaffolding and applied the stem cells to it. Then they applied electricity and chemical treatments to stimulate the cells to grow into a kidney. Once the kidney was fully developed, they transplanted to kidney to the same cow the stem cells came from. The fully-functioning kidney began working right away without complications or rejection.

It's still hard to say when the process might be used to treat human conditions like kidney disease. But for those who have kidney disease, it offers hope that there's a better option to treat this condition than medication, dialysis, or a kidney transplant. And that's important when an estimated 26 million adults in the United States have kidney disease, and about 13 people a day die waiting for a kidney transplant.

Renal disease can take a toll on your health and quality of life. Medication, dialysis, and lifestyle changes are current the most common methods used to treat renal disease. And it requires a change in diet, too. If you have renal disease, you need to limit the amount of sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein in your diet. And that's not always easy.

But it's not impossible. If you don't have the time or interest in cooking foods that are compatible with a renal diet, we can help. Our Renal Diet menu includes a large selection of meal packs, entrees, and snacks, that are healthy, taste great, and meet your dietary needs. If you have renal disease, follow your doctor's orders to protect your health, and stay tuned for more about the future of kidney transplants.