Reptiles and birds have evolved to expel nitrogenous waste in the form of solids, known commonly as urates, which are predominantly uric acid crystals. Having solid or semisolid urine helps the ...

While forming crystals in pee is a potential evolutionary advantage for reptiles, it is a serious issue for humans. When too much uric acid is present in the human body, it can solidify into painful ...

Crystals “peed” by snakes could hold the key to treating kidney stones and gout in humans, say scientists. Researchers investigated the solid urine of more than 20 reptile species and found spheres of ...

SUNDAY, Nov. 16, 2025 — Scientists think snakes and lizards could help them find new ways to prevent painful kidney stones and gout in people. And it all owes to an evolutionary trick. Reptiles don’t ...

Crystals "peed" by snakes could hold the key to treating kidney stones and gout in humans, say scientists. Researchers investigated the solid urine of more than 20 reptile species and found spheres of ...

Kidney stones and gout show up across age groups, lifestyles, and headlines every year. Both conditions are often linked to uric acid, so researchers spend a considerable amount of time studying how ...

Snakes offer a surprising solution to kidney stones and gout. Unlike humans, reptiles excrete uric acid as tiny, smooth microspheres, preventing painful crystal formation. Scientists are now studying ...

SUNDAY, Nov. 16, 2025 — Scientists think snakes and lizards could help them find new ways to prevent painful kidney stones and gout in people. And it all owes to an evolutionary trick.