"University of Maryland Scientists Uncover the Secret Behind Urine's Yellow Hue"

Scientists have discovered the enzyme bilirubin reductase, produced by gut microbes, which is responsible for converting bilirubin into urobilinogen and ultimately urobilin, giving urine its yellow color. This finding, published in Nature Microbiology, solves a longstanding biological mystery and could have implications for understanding gut health, inflammatory bowel disease, and jaundice. The research also indicates that the presence of this enzyme in the gut is linked to overall health, with its absence noted in newborns and individuals with inflammatory bowel disease.