First Breakthrough

Scientists successfully rewarmed pig kidneys frozen for over a year, showing they can function.

“Ten years ago … I wouldn’t say I had high hopes it was actually going to work”

How It Works

The kidneys were cooled to -150 °C using iron oxide nanoparticles and electromagnetic fields.

Kidney Test Results

Rewarmed kidneys produced urine within a minute, indicating they were working.

Yearlong Success

One kidney frozen for over a year produced urine immediately after rewarmed.

Why It Matters

This breakthrough could solve organ shortages and reduce the need for lifelong immunosuppressant drugs.

The Challenge

Rewarmed kidneys showed signs of injury, likely from cryoprotectant chemicals.

Next Steps

Researchers plan to test kidneys in pigs over longer periods and explore human applications.

Key Players

Erik Finger, a transplant surgeon at the University of Minnesota, co-led the research.

Expert Reaction

Peter Kilbride, a cryobiologist, called it a breakthrough that could enable indefinite organ banking.

The Process

Kidneys are cooled to -120 °C using cryoprotectants and iron oxide nanoparticles.

Real-World Impact

This could help save lives in emergencies where immediate organ transplants are needed.

Remaining Hurdles

The kidneys still produce less urine than expected and show signs of injury.

Future Goals

Researchers aim to repair kidney damage and test the method with human organs.

The Milestone

This is the first time pig kidneys have been frozen for a year and successfully rewarmed.