Scientists develop new rice hybrid with increased protein content for a protein-packed meal

Scientists have developed a new type of hybrid food called "meaty" rice, which could potentially provide an affordable and eco-friendly source of protein. The rice grains are porous and filled with beef muscle and fat cells that are grown in a laboratory. To help the beef cells attach to the rice, they were initially coated in fish gelatine and left to culture for up to 11 days in a petri dish. The researchers believe that this food could be used as a solution for famine, military rations, and even space food in the future. However, it remains to be seen whether consumers will accept it if it reaches the market. The hybrid rice is said to be slightly firmer and more brittle than regular rice, but it contains more protein. According to the study published in Matter journal, the hybrid rice has 8% more protein and 7% more fat than regular rice. Additionally, it has a smaller carbon footprint compared to traditional beef production because the production process eliminates the need to raise and farm a large number of animals. For every 100g of protein produced, hybrid rice is estimated to release under 6.27kg of carbon dioxide, while beef production releases 49.89kg. Sohyeon Park, one of the researchers, explained that obtaining the necessary protein from livestock puts a strain on resources, water, and the environment due to the production of greenhouse gases. The team at Yonsei University in South Korea discovered that rice acts as a scaffolding or structure for the growth of meat cells while also providing them with nutrients. They were pleasantly surprised by how well the cells grew in the rice, opening up numerous possibilities for this grain-based hybrid food. Although this is not the first attempt at lab-grown or cultivated meat, it holds promise for the development of healthier and more climate-friendly diets. However, there are concerns about the public's acceptance of these lab-developed foods, especially since Italy has recently proposed a bill to ban laboratory-produced meat. While some experts believe that lab-grown meats have the potential to replace processed meats, further research is necessary to explore its potential as an alternative protein source to traditional animal products.