close this window
Rolling the Stone Away
As regular readers of this space know, there aren’t many things better about being a mouse than being a human. But here’s one:
Mice, unlike men, do not spontaneously develop kidney stones, which has thus far prevented scientists from establishing an animal model to investigate the painful disease. However, a new study by Jeffrey S. Clark in the Journal of Physiology has pinpointed some of the differences between mice and men, and could lead the way to the development of a mouse model to aid in kidney stone research.
About three in 20 men (and one in 20 women) in developed countries get kidney stones at some point in their life. Kidney stones are solid deposits of various minerals, particularly oxalate, that should be excreted through urine; however, in some diets, particularly low-salt diets, the oxalate is retained in the intestine, where the stones form.
Mice, Clark and his colleagues found, are simply far more efficient at disposing oxalate than humans are – especially because some people have a peculiar protein that reduces their ability to export the mineral. The study authors are hopeful their discovery will pave the way for improved treatments and a better understanding of oxalate removal.
word on the street
more in this section
Gender Wage Gap Skewed By Survey Flaws
‘Orcas as Slaves’ Argument Sinks
The Perceived Delicacy of the Female Conductor
Prop Planes: The Future of Eco-Friendly Aviation?
House Puts Transportation in Partisan Crossfire
A Perennial Epicenter, Now for Same-Sex Marriage
Prop 8 May Be Same-Sex Couples’ Least Worry
EarthScope: A Seismic Shift in Data Gathering
Pressure to Conform Can Inspire Creativity
Learning to Read When a School System Falters
also by this author
Matt PalmquistA graduate of Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism, Matt Palmquist, a former Miller-McCune staff writer, began his career at daily ne...
Does This Make My Antenna Look Big?Researchers mix technology with fashion, analyze a pharaoh’s skin condition, measure the smarts of Scrabble players, and more in this edition of Miller-McCune’s “Cocktail Napkin.”
As if Commercials Weren’t Bad Enough AlreadyDo we really need to smell the items featured in TV programming? A materials expert has created a function for your TV or portable device that can generate thousands of odors.
The Exploitation of Muggles in Harry Potter’s WorldIn this edition of The Cocktail Napkin, we look academics’ fixation on the social and economic problems in the world of Harry Potter, and how music festivals impact the psychological and social well-being.
New Dinosaur Gets a Rather Large NameAs if being wiped out by a meteor wasn’t degrading enough, a charismatic dinosaur discovered in Utah gets a less-than-flattering name.
Time for Robin Hood to Make a ComebackResearchers from Nottingham University Business School say their survey proves it’s time for the city to re-embrace its most famous, albeit probably mythical, hero.
Receive 1 year (6 issues) of our print magazine for just $14.95. Miller-McCune features polished, in-depth reports on research and solutions across the policy spectrum — from health care, education and energy to international affairs, poverty and the global economy. It's a must read for well-informed and solutions-driven individuals.
follow us on:
join our newsletter:
from the source
A lot of people say they watch the Super Bowl mostly for the ads. But it turns out a good game surrounding those ads makes them seem better.
After decades of obstacles hindering the voting process, new laws will allow overseas and military voters to submit their votes in time for the 2012 election.
World health leaders announce coordinated push to eradicate or control neglected tropical diseases.
A survey of award-winning children’s picture books from 1938 to 2008 suggests our increasing estrangement from the natural environment.
Rather than moaning about too many cars on the road, the Ridesharing Institute says the real key to battling traffic congestion and pollution is filling empty passenger seats.
