Overview
- Georgetown-led researchers analyzed urates from more than 20 reptile species, primarily snakes, with findings published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society.
- Microscopy and X-ray diffraction identified uric acid monohydrate microspheres as a common structural element, with advanced snakes showing fewer microspheres and a more granular material.
- Immersing primitive-snake urates in ammonium hydroxide generated the granular form seen in advanced snakes and produced a matching X-ray diffraction profile consistent with ammonium urate.
- Primitive snakes excreted urates alone three to seven days after feeding and again with feces days seven to 15, whereas advanced snakes released urates once with feces six to 10 days after eating.
- The authors propose that urate crystallization manages nitrogen and limits ammonia exposure; they aim to pinpoint where microspheres form, and any human-health applications remain speculative.