Posted on 08/15/2005 12:33:26 PM PDT by sittnick
A research team is proposing a new technique that would allow meat to be grown in a laboratory for mass consumption, according to a report.
Researchers in the U.S. say the technology now exists now to produce processed meats such as burgers and sausages, starting with cells taken from cows, chickens, pigs, fish or other animals.
Growing meat without the animal would not only reduce the need for the animals -- which often are kept in less than ideal conditions -- but may also address a number of environmental ills blamed on meat production.
Cultured meat could also be tailored to be healthier than farm-raised meat, while satisfying the increasing demand for protein by the world's growing population, proponents say.
Industrializing the process could involve growing muscle cells on large sheets or beads suspended in a growth medium.
Once the cells have grown enough, they could be scraped off and packaged. If edible sheets or beads are used, all of it could be eaten.
But butchers and vegetarians are just two groups of people who are yet to be convinced.
"To he honest anything they can do with test tubes or whatever, it can't be made," butcher Rodney Macken said.
"I don't like eating a cow that's been pumped full of growth hormones that artificially grow it so it gets onto our plates quicker," a diner said. " I would feel the same about a lump of meat that had been pumped full of chemicals and that had been artificially modified."
Supporters also said growing meat would reduce the number of animals killed and cut environmental waste that comes from livestock.
I just threw up in my mouth...
luncheon meat!
IT'S PEOPLE!!!
Tube steak anyone?
But we're still a long way away from being able to clone a kielbasa.
I suspect PETA is involved in this story somehow. Next they'll send out the "nude chickies" to convince us, bring it on, LOL.
BTTT
Barf-olomew
so that's why they call it "tube steak"
Spam in a glass. This story changed my dinner plans, too.
In another scientific breakthrough, another group of researchers have announced their ability to grow a baked potato in a test tube along with choices of toppings, including sour cream and a gentle sprinkling of chives. When asked if a second side dish is not far behind, the lead scientist replied, "Are you insane! We're not in the business of playing God!"
This is new?
The author obviously never ate dorm food.
I knew a gal that lived on a hill...
You would think we have enough on our plate with all the processed food being thrown in our faces; this is just ridiculous. Ugh, get your burgers while they're real.
"Researchers Aim To Grow Meat In Test Tube"
I see an emergency room visit in these scientist's future... oww-oww-OWWW!
"Looks like meat. Tastes like meat. 't'isn't meat at all! Doubleplusgood, eh!"
Test-tube Bologna, whats next petri-dish cheese?
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