Soon, We'll Have to Grow Meat in Vats: Scientists

Brave new measures may be needed to feed population
By Kate Seamons,  Newser Staff
Posted Aug 16, 2010 12:43 PM CDT
Updated Aug 21, 2010 7:00 PM CDT
Soon, We'll Have to Grow Meat in Vats: Scientists
In 2050, your beef may not come from Iowa cattle anymore...   (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

The global population is expected to hit 9 billion by 2050, and some of the world's leading scientists say that one of the best ways to feed so many people is to grow artificial meat in vats. Though other ideas were presented in a set of 21 newly published papers, like pushing to reduce the 30% to 40% of food that is wasted worldwide, this not-exactly-appetizing one is "perfectly feasible" from "a technological point of view," said the report.

Though the public may be slow to warm to in-vitro meat, the paper claims that the cultured meat could be healthier and more hygienic than regular meat, and could help reduce the amount of methane produced by livestock. CBC News notes that another decade of research is still needed.
(More population stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X