LAB-GROWN meat has been created in space in an experiment that’s truly out of this world.
Israeli and Russian scientists cultured the tiny piece of beef from stem cells while aboard the International Space Station, 248 miles above the Earth’s surface.
Cow cells were harvested back on our planet and blasted to the station where they they were grown into muscle tissue using a special 3D printer.
Run by Aleph Farms, a food firm that grows cultivated beef steaks, the experiment took place on September 26 within the Russian segment of the space station.
Researchers said the project was carried out to show how lab-grown meat can be cultivated in tough conditions, with minimal resources.
The technique they developed with Russian firm 3D Bioprinting Solutions could be used to provide astronauts with space burgers in future.
“We are proving that cultivated meat can be produced anytime, anywhere, in any condition,” said Aleph Farms boss Didier Toubia.
“We can potentially provide a powerful solution to produce the food closer to the population needing it, at the exact and right time it is needed.
To grow the meat from cow cells, scientists mimicked the natural process of muscle cell regeneration occurring inside a cow’s body.
It required the use of a special gadget known as a 3D bioprinter, which sticks together live cells to create something resembling real tissue.
Lab-grown or “slaughter-free” meat looks and tastes like the real thing, but is produced without killing farm animals.
It’s previously been labelled “Frankenstein” meat as it’s made using the cells of other animals.
Here's what you need to know about the International Space Station...
The meat-alternative has been touted as a miracle cure for the impending food crisis and climate change.
As much as 96 per cent of agricultural greenhouse gas emissions could be cut by switching to fake meat – taking a further step towards tackling global warming.
Didier added that the fact it can be grown aboard the cramped ISS shows little land, water and other resources is needed to make the stuff.
“In space, we don’t have 10,000 or 15,000 litres of water available to produce 1kg of beef,” he said.
“This joint experiment marks a significant first step toward achieving our vision to ensure food security for generations to come, while preserving our natural resources.”
In other news, experts revealed earlier this year that meat grown in labs could be on supermarket shelves within five years.
Brits may have to eat bugs to help humanity dodge an impending global food crisis, scientists claim.
Eating insects could even aid weight loss – and bug crisps are now being sold at Sainsbury’s.
Would you eat lab-grown meat? Let us know in the comments!
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