Re: Research regarding kidney failure: I´m perplexed

"Liz" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message
news:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Last night I was watching Animal Planet when I learned that reseachers
> are studying the biochemistry of polar bears because they may find
> something that may be beneficial for kidney failure patients.
>
> This is what got their interest: polar bear will hybernate during the
> winter without defecating or urinating.
>
> What I know regarding polar bears is that they will gain a lot of fat
> during the warmer months to be able to withstand hybernation. When
> food is abundant, he will eat mostly the fat and leave the meat and
> bones behind.
>
> Now here are my questions:
>
> If one does not eat, one does not defecate. If the polar bear is not
> eating during his hybernation, why should he defecate?

Well he wouldn't. Obviously. Like you said.

> Burning fat will result in carbon dioxide and water. Carbon dioxide is
> eliminated by lungs and water is also partly eliminated by lungs. The
> bear is not drinking water during his hybernation so there is no real
> need to urinate. Fat, unlike protein, will not generate urea.
>
> Did I miss something or are they waisting time and money with
> something stupid?

It's dumbed down for the general public. If you want to know about renal
failure study the subject at a college or university or medical school.

MB