Could Stem Cells Feed a Hungry World?

Scientists have succeeded in producing edible meat from stem cells taken from a beef cow, according to CNN news. The first “stem cell burger” cost over $300,000 to produce. It didn’t get rave reviews in terms of taste, but that’s to be expected; it was pure meat, without any fat at all. But it wouldn’t be hard to add a little fat back in. Perhaps someday scientists will be able to produce the fat from stem cells as well.

Despite its cost and taste, this first edible meat from stem cells represents an important “proof of concept”; it’s possible to produce animal protein in laboratories, rather than on the range. And that might just save a hungry world population if (heaven forbid) a shortage of range land or water ever limited our ability to raise enough animals for food.