All articles tagged with #urine
The European Space Agency is testing a new space food made from microbes, air, and urine called Solein aboard the ISS, aiming to develop sustainable nutrition for long-duration space missions to the Moon and Mars, with the goal of making it a primary protein source by 2035.
A new study reveals that cicadas can discharge urine with far more force than their size would suggest, with jets of urine reaching a velocity of up to 3 meters per second, the fastest of all the animals assessed in the study. This spring, trillions of cicadas will emerge in the Southern and Midwestern United States, and their waste elimination in the form of urine may have a significant impact. The research, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, provides insights into the fluid dynamics of animal excretion and could offer new ideas for nozzle design based on how animals' bodies have evolved to solve their waste problems.
Urine can indeed help a tree stump rot faster due to its nitrogen content, which aids in speeding up the decomposition process by feeding the decay fungi and microbes. To use urine effectively, make significant cuts across the base of the stump, drill deep holes, fill the holes, cover the top of the stump with soil and compost, and douse it with urine daily. This method, although not the fastest, can take a few months to a few years depending on the size of the stump, and has been successful for many.
After 150 years of mystery, researchers from the University of Maryland and the National Institute of Health have identified bilirubin as the enzyme responsible for giving urine its yellow color. This discovery sheds light on a long-standing biological phenomenon and opens the door for further investigation into how gut microbes impact bilirubin levels and related health conditions. The findings were published in the journal Nature Microbiology, marking a significant breakthrough in understanding the human body.
Scientists at the University of Maryland and the National Institute of Health have discovered that the enzyme bilirubin is responsible for giving urine its yellow color, solving a long-standing mystery. This breakthrough has significant implications for medical research, potentially leading to advancements in understanding and treating conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease and jaundice. The next step for the researchers is to conduct human studies, particularly focusing on premature infants with high jaundice rates.
Scientists have recently discovered that the yellow color of urine is due to a substance called urobilin, which is produced in the gut when red blood cells degrade and create bilirubin. The gut microbiome determines the production of this urine-coloring molecule, and the absence of the enzyme bilirubin reductase is linked to health conditions like jaundice, gallstones, and irritable bowel syndrome. This discovery suggests a link between gut health and liver wellbeing, laying the foundation for understanding the gut-liver axis.
Pay attention to these 5 signs of kidney damage that may manifest in your urine: 1) Blood in urine, indicating potential bleeding in the kidneys or urinary tract; 2) Foamy urine, suggesting the presence of protein and potential kidney danger; 3) Change in urine color, particularly dark-colored urine, which may indicate kidney dysfunction, infection, or stones; 4) Smelly urine, which could be a sign of kidney damage or infection; and 5) Increased urge to urinate, potentially caused by impaired kidney function and a buildup of waste products in the body.
A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that exclusive marijuana users have elevated levels of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in their blood and urine compared to non-users. The study analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2005 and 2018 and found that higher Cd and Pb levels were observed in exclusive marijuana users who used marijuana within the last seven days. The study highlights the importance of evaluating metal contaminants in marijuana and understanding their potential health risks for cannabis users.
A study conducted at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health has found that marijuana users have elevated levels of heavy metals, specifically lead and cadmium, in their blood and urine compared to non-marijuana users. The study used data from over 7,200 participants and concluded that marijuana is a source of cadmium and lead exposure. The World Health Organization warns that lead can cause permanent intellectual disabilities and behavioral disorders, while cadmium is considered a human carcinogen with toxic effects on the kidneys, skeletal, and respiratory systems. The researchers emphasize the need for further research on cannabis use and contaminants to address public health concerns.