The prototype wearable kidney Marjorie Foo

We are a step closer to having reliable, wearable artificial kidneys, after a prototype device that is worn like a small handbag was used successfully in people for the first time.

While the technology still needs refining, it could eventually free people from being tied to large dialysis machines or hooked up to bags of fluid and tubing, says its developer Marjorie Foo at Singapore General Hospital. “For some patients, dialysis is controlling their life – this gives a bit more freedom.”

People whose kidneys are failing usually need a transplant, but may spend years …