AN animal-free growth factor could transform how lab-grown meat is produced. In fact, a start-up in Iceland manages to further reduce dependence on animals through its genetically engineered barley.
Science knows no bounds foodtech even less so, as the industry continues to find the most economical solutions for producing lab-cultured meat with less ecological impact than cattle farming.
The latest innovation hails from Iceland, in the Reykjavík region, where 130,000 genetically engineered barley plants are growing in a 2,000 sqm greenhouse, powered by geothermal energy and using water from glaciers.
And that's more than just a detail, since the crops are being grown hydroponically a technique for growing plants without soil and using nutrient solutions.
Indeed, all of Iceland's natural resources are harnessed in the project, as the hydroponic system is based on volcanic pumice.
So what does a barley grain have to do with a piece of meat? Well, the engineers at this company, called ORF Genetics, edit the genetic structure of the plant while it is still a seed.
As it grows, the plant produces proteins that the scientists then extract and purify. These proteins are then able to stimulate the growth of meat-like tissues.
While this technique might sound like science fiction, it's not especially out of the ordinary in the scientific world. In fact, it's already being used to produce pharmaceuticals or even vaccines, by obtaining antibodies or enzymes from these genetically modified plants.
Compared to in vitro meat that uses an animal-derived substance as a growth factor, this technology could offer considerable cost savings.
In other lab-cultured meat news, Californian company Upside Foods opened the first artificial meat production plant in the United States last week. The company aims to produce 23 tonnes a year of lab-grown meat from animal muscle cells.
ETX Studio
Sat Nov 13 2021
In Iceland, gene-edited barley is being grown to help produce lab-grown "meat." - ETX Studio
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.