We know the color of urine should be kept in a yellow rangemore or less whitish, and until than everything is going well. Its pigmentation is closely related too the amount of water ingested.however, foods, drugs and more or less serious kidney disorders They can dye it occasionally. But if the cause is this hereditary disease,it will be chronically obscured.
Even though it might potentially be surprising, there are several factors that can transform habitual pigmentation red, blue, green, orange or opaque white. In most cases this is explained by urinary tract infections or kidney stones, although there are less important factors such as medications or the consumption of vitamins.
And urine too it can be completely blackthis being a characteristic symptom of alkaptonuria, a rare hereditary disease characterized by a metabolic disorder. Specifically, the HDG gene mutates and this causes deficiency of an enzyme present mainly in the liver and kidneyswhich in turn causes the accumulation of homogentisic acid (HGA) and the black color of the urine.
It may be asymptomatic in the early years
Unless it occurs in children, this rare disease it may be asymptomatic in early years and youth. In adulthood, dark pigmentation can also occur and appear in the urine the white part of the eye, the sweat or the upper cartilage of the ear (ochronosis). Alkaptonuria is currently estimated to affect approximately 250,000 people worldwide.
As regards the treatment, it is fundamentally palliative and aimed at the patient’s possible ailments because, today, there is no effective treatment capable of resolving the aforementioned metabolic alteration.A low protein diet and physical exercise They are among the few treatment options for those affected.
CSIC discovered the causative gene
In 1996, the gene that causes this hereditary disease was discovered. by a team from the Superior Council of Scientific Research (CSIC), led by Santiago Rodríguez de Córdoba and Miguel Ángel Peñalva. Cover of the prestigious scientific magazine Nature genetics, hired the first complete sequencing of a human gene occurred in Spain.
But the mess already It had been discovered almost a century earlier from the English doctor Archibald Garrodwho strove to demonstrate not only that it was hereditary but that the origin was to be found in the malfunction of an enzyme, as they actually confirmed at the CSIC several decades later.
References
CSIC (21 September 2021). CSIC celebrates 25 years sence the discovery of the black urine disease gene, the first described genetic disease. https://www.csic.es/es/actualidad-del-csic/el-csic-celebra-los-25-anos-del-hallazgo-del-gen-de-la-enfermedad-de-la-orina- negra-el-primer-genetic-trastorno-described
How does cultural background influence individual color perception?
Certainly! Below is a fictional interview between an editor of Time.news and an expert on color perception, reflecting the engaging nature of a typical discussion on this topic.
time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news, where we explore the engaging intersections of science and culture! Today, we’re diving into the captivating world of color perception. Joining us is Dr. Jane Thompson, a leading expert in cognitive psychology and color theory. Dr. thompson, thank you for being here!
dr. Jane Thompson: It’s my pleasure! I’m excited to discuss this intriguing subject.
Editor: Let’s jump right in. We often hear that color perception is subjective,but how does our brain actually process the colors we see?
Dr. Thompson: excellent question! When light hits an object,it reflects certain wavelengths that our eyes detect. These signals travel through the optic nerve to the brain, where they are processed in the visual cortex. Our perception can be influenced by various factors, including lighting conditions and even our emotions.
Editor: That leads us to a fascinating aspect—how emotional states can alter our perception of color. Can you elaborate on that?
Dr. Thompson: Certainly! Studies have shown that colors can evoke specific emotional responses. For instance, red is often associated with excitement or anger, while blue tends to evoke calmness. Moreover, if someone is feeling depressed, they might perceive colors as duller. It’s a grate example of how our internal state interacts with our external perception.
Editor: So, could this mean that two people can see the same color differently based on how they’re feeling?
Dr. thompson: Exactly! This variability makes color perception not only a physiological phenomenon but also a psychological one. Personal experiences, cultural backgrounds, and even social settings can shape how we interpret color.
Editor: Speaking of culture, how does it impact our perception of colors? Are there examples where color meanings vary considerably across cultures?
Dr. Thompson: Absolutely! Different cultures assign various meanings to colors. For example, while white is often associated with purity and weddings in Western cultures, it can symbolize mourning in some Eastern cultures.Such contrasts highlight the interplay between psychology and anthropology in understanding color perception.
Editor: fascinating! Some theorists suggest that the digital era is changing our relationship with color. Do you think this is true?
Dr. Thompson: Yes, the digital landscape has certainly transformed our interaction with color. With screens emitting vibrant hues, our perception can become saturated, making us less sensitive to subtle variations. Additionally, the way colors are presented can vary by device and platform, leading to inconsistencies in how we perceive digital art, advertisements, and even photographs.
Editor: Considering that, what advice would you give to someone looking to better appreciate colors in their everyday life?
Dr. Thompson: I would encourage people to engage with their surroundings mindfully. Take the time to observe colors in nature, art, and design. Experimenting with different color palettes in personal spaces or clothing can also enhance your appreciation. Lastly, don’t shy away from exploring how colors make you feel—it’s a marvelous way to connect with your own emotions and experiences!
Editor: Dr. Thompson,thank you for this enlightening conversation! It’s clear that color is not just a visual experience but also deeply tied to our emotions and cultures.
Dr. Thompson: Thank you for having me! I’m glad to share the complexities and beauties of color perception with your audience.
Editor: And thank you to our readers for joining us today! Keep exploring the colors around you; you might find new meanings waiting to be discovered.
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This fictional interview captures the richness of color perception while maintaining an engaging dialog style that would resonate well with readers interested in the intersection of science and culture.