NIH-funded research Career grant

Using AI to analyze kidney biopsies and predict heart disease risk

Official title: Deep learning approach for the assessment of arterial and arteriolar lesions in kidney biopsies and prediction of cardiovascular risk

Funded at Boston Medical Center · NIH-10981265 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how advanced computer technology can help doctors better understand kidney problems by analyzing images of kidney tissue, which could lead to quicker and more accurate treatments for people with chronic kidney disease and lower their risk of heart issues.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBoston Medical Center
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project startSeptember 1, 2024
Project endAugust 31, 2029
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$152,453
NIH project number1K01DK136973-01A1
Project IDNIH-10981265 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research include adults with chronic kidney disease who are undergoing kidney biopsy procedures.

Less likely to help

Patients without chronic kidney disease or those who do not require a kidney biopsy may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on improving the diagnosis and management of chronic kidney disease (CKD) by utilizing advanced artificial intelligence techniques. Specifically, it employs deep learning to analyze kidney biopsy images, which can reveal important information about microvascular damage that traditional diagnostic methods may miss. By enhancing the accuracy of these assessments, the research aims to provide timely and effective treatment options for patients at risk of cardiovascular diseases. This innovative approach seeks to reduce the costs and variability associated with traditional pathology assessments.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate diagnoses and better management of kidney disease, ultimately reducing the risk of cardiovascular complications for patients.

How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results using AI and deep learning for medical image analysis, indicating potential for success in this novel application.

Where this research is happening

  • Boston Medical Center
    Boston, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Schmidt, Insa Marie — Boston Medical Center
  • Study coordinator: Schmidt, Insa Marie

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.