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 ...

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 ...

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.