Millions of years ago, humans' ancestors lost the function of a specific gene — but switching that gene back on could help protect people from gout, a new experimental study suggests.
Gout is a type of arthritis that causes sudden, severe pain and swelling in the joints. It happens when there is too much uric acid in the blood, which can form sharp crystals in the joints, triggering painful inflammation. The painful attacks can come on quickly and may last for days or weeks.
