Scientists have created a new type of hybrid food - a “meaty” rice that they say could offer an affordable and eco-friendly source of protein.
The porous grains are packed with beef muscle and fat cells, grown in the lab.
The rice was first coated in fish gelatine to help the beef cells latch on, and the grains were left in a petri dish to culture for up to 11 days.
The researchers say the food may serve as “relief for famine, military ration, or even space food” in the future.
It remains to be seen whether consumers would take to it if it gets to market.
I wish our dystopia was as cool as a sci-fi story.
I do love rice, so if I could get protein out of it I’d be super on board. Probably more expensive than the 25 pound bag I get for 25 dollars right now, though.