Kidney stones can be excruciatingly painful in humans, but for birds and reptiles, peeing solids is just part of the daily grind. “This research was really inspired by a desire to understand the ways ...

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 ...

It turns out that snakes might hold the secret to tackling one of humanity’s most painful problems, kidney stones. While reptiles have long been admired for their adaptability, scientists have now ...

Snake science and chemistry collide! These collaborators used chemical methods to analyze samples of snake pee solids, known as “urates.” And they found something that led them to an interesting ...

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 ...