The Download: reviving frozen pig kidneys and boosting nuclear power

Scientists have successfully revived pig kidneys that were stored at -150 °C for up to a year.

The organs were cooled to a glass-like state, a process called vitrification, which prevents ice crystals from forming and damaging cells.

Once rewarmed, the kidneys regained their natural color and produced urine, indicating they were functional.

This breakthrough could revolutionize organ transplantation by extending the time organs can be stored before use.

Currently, organs are typically stored for only a few hours or days.

The team, however, has not yet confirmed whether the technique will work for human organs.

Vitrification is already used for smaller tissues like blood vessels but has been challenging for larger, complex organs like kidneys due to their size and structure.