New Breakthrough May Hold Key to Treating Recurring Kidney Stones and Gout: Reptile Pee Crystals May Be the Answer.
In a groundbreaking study published recently, researchers from Georgetown University have made a startling discovery that may revolutionize the treatment of two debilitating conditions: kidney stones and gout. The key to their breakthrough lies in the unique way reptiles eliminate waste, using crystalline solids called urates instead of liquid urine.
To understand why this is significant, it's essential to grasp how these conditions manifest in humans. When nitrogen-containing compounds build up in the body, they can lead to excruciating pain and swelling in joints, known as gout. Similarly, kidney stones form when minerals in the urine crystallize into sharp, painful pieces that can block the flow of urine.
For years, scientists have been fascinated by the way reptiles excrete these urates without succumbing to health issues. While most animals eliminate waste through liquid urine, many reptiles produce solid crystals that contain tiny microspheres composed primarily of uric acid, a compound also found in human urine.
A team led by Georgetown University chemist Jennifer Swift used advanced imaging techniques to analyze crystal samples from over 20 snake and lizard species. Their findings revealed that at least three species – ball pythons, Angolan pythons, and Madagascan tree boas – produce urates with textured microspheres measuring anywhere from 1-10 micrometers wide.
This unique feature of reptile urates may hold the key to developing new treatments for gout and kidney stones. X-ray analysis showed that these spheres contain even smaller nanocrystals composed of uric acid and water, which could potentially convert ammonia into a less toxic solid form.
According to Swift, this discovery highlights an "unrecognized physiologic function of uric acid," namely its ability to sequester ammonia by transforming it into a solid. While more research is needed, the team theorizes that in proper amounts, uric acid may have a protective role for humans as well.
While crystallized uric acid is still not something anyone wants in their body, the study's findings offer a promising avenue for developing new treatments for related health complications. As researchers delve deeper into this phenomenon, it remains to be seen whether reptile pee crystals will become the key to unlocking more effective solutions for gout and kidney stones.
In a groundbreaking study published recently, researchers from Georgetown University have made a startling discovery that may revolutionize the treatment of two debilitating conditions: kidney stones and gout. The key to their breakthrough lies in the unique way reptiles eliminate waste, using crystalline solids called urates instead of liquid urine.
To understand why this is significant, it's essential to grasp how these conditions manifest in humans. When nitrogen-containing compounds build up in the body, they can lead to excruciating pain and swelling in joints, known as gout. Similarly, kidney stones form when minerals in the urine crystallize into sharp, painful pieces that can block the flow of urine.
For years, scientists have been fascinated by the way reptiles excrete these urates without succumbing to health issues. While most animals eliminate waste through liquid urine, many reptiles produce solid crystals that contain tiny microspheres composed primarily of uric acid, a compound also found in human urine.
A team led by Georgetown University chemist Jennifer Swift used advanced imaging techniques to analyze crystal samples from over 20 snake and lizard species. Their findings revealed that at least three species – ball pythons, Angolan pythons, and Madagascan tree boas – produce urates with textured microspheres measuring anywhere from 1-10 micrometers wide.
This unique feature of reptile urates may hold the key to developing new treatments for gout and kidney stones. X-ray analysis showed that these spheres contain even smaller nanocrystals composed of uric acid and water, which could potentially convert ammonia into a less toxic solid form.
According to Swift, this discovery highlights an "unrecognized physiologic function of uric acid," namely its ability to sequester ammonia by transforming it into a solid. While more research is needed, the team theorizes that in proper amounts, uric acid may have a protective role for humans as well.
While crystallized uric acid is still not something anyone wants in their body, the study's findings offer a promising avenue for developing new treatments for related health complications. As researchers delve deeper into this phenomenon, it remains to be seen whether reptile pee crystals will become the key to unlocking more effective solutions for gout and kidney stones.
... I mean, not that their poop is gross, but why do we care about reptiles' urate crystals? Can't they just stick to something simple like curing cancer or world hunger instead of making pee crystals all the way from snakes? 
And what's up with these tiny microspheres? Are they supposed to be good for us now? 
i think this is a super cool breakthrough! our bodies r like "oh no, uric acid buildup" but reptiles r all "hey uric acid, hang loose" 
i'm so excited to see what kind of treatments come outta this. maybe they'll make a pill that converts ammonia into solid form? 
how many ppl have kidney stones or gout though? do u think this discovery will help more people or is it just for specific cases?
... i think dis new research is a major breakthrough tho! like, reptiles r already producin urate crystals w/o gettin sick from them 
, so why cant humans do the same? maybe we cud use these crystallized compounds 2 convert ammonia into somethin less toxic 
So I'm reading about these reptiles that make solid crystals from their pee instead of liquid urine... sounds kinda weird but also super interesting 