"Enzyme Discovery: The Key to Unlocking the Mystery of Urine's Yellow Color"
Researchers have discovered the enzyme, named bilirubin reductase (BilR), that gut bacteria produce to break down bilirubin, leading to the yellow color of urine. This enzyme is less common in newborns and individuals with inflammatory bowel disease, suggesting a potential link to conditions like jaundice and pigmented gallstones. The study enhances our understanding of the gut microbiome's role in health and could lead to further research on how gut microbes influence bilirubin levels in the blood, particularly in premature infants who are at higher risk for jaundice.