August 17, 2010

Artificial meat might feed the world by 2050

Artificial meat grown in giant vats could be used to help feed the world by 2050, according to experts of a set of 21 research papers published Monday (Aug 16) by the Royal Society.

The prospect of people eating scientifically-generated meat will horrify many already opposed to cloning livestock, but scientists suggest it could be one novel way of meeting the demand for more food in the coming years.

An assessment of future global food supplies predicts climate change, water shortages and growing food consumption will mean millions going hungry.

Experts claim there is little more land available for food production, some suggest farmers will no longer be able to meet demand by 2050.

Philip Thornton, from the International Livestock Research Institute in Nairobi, said the idea is one of two 'wild cards' that could be used in meat and milk production.

"One is artificial meat which is made in a giant vat and the other is nanotechnology, which is expected to become more important as a vehicle for delivering medication to livestock," he said.