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.
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!"
Maybe they can grow a brain between Joe Bidens ears while they are at it.
sounds like fish bait to me.
test tube ribeyes? somehow that don't sound good.
Although Star Treks Captain Kirk ate well with the food replicator. This could be the precursor of a food replicator for space missions!
And there are concerns of genetic engineering and alterations that may be bad for consumers.......
Slig meat! Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm.
LOL...Good one.
I can't wait for the test tube Spam....
Put a vibrating device in some test tube pork roll and you've got something....
They gonna call it Soylent Pink.
Soylent Green is people!
LOL!!!
This doesn't sound too good.
Who'd want to?
Too late. All he's got up there is meat already!
I hear its going to be a little tough, so you'll have to beat your meat before serving. Wait... That's not right...
I remember back in the 1980's when this idea was first floated to where someone said that "We can grow meat in the lab and slice a hunk off of the ever-growing thing when we need some." I remember I replied, "you're grossing me out, man." B-P B-)
"Chicken Little", Costa Rica, Mitch Courtenay...
C. M. Kornbluth is laughing in his grave -- "The Space Merchants" is no longer fiction!
Just turned vegan!
"...the lead scientist replied, "Are you insane! We're not in the business of playing God!" "
With apologies to durasell, post 14...
:-)
I think our local IHOP already does this. They have the worst tasting meet I've ever put in my mouth.
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