Meaty rice developed by growing animal cells inside grains [Video]

From lab-grown chicken to cricket-derived protein, scientists have continued to develop innovative meat alternatives to improve the environmental and ethical impacts of industrial agriculture. 

Recently, Korean scientists have created cultured beef rice by growing animal muscle and fat cells inside rice grains.

In the study, published Wednesday in the journal Matter, researchers coated rice with fish gelatin, a safe and edible ingredient that helps cells latch onto the rice better. Cow muscle and fat stem cells were then seeded into the rice and left to culture in a petri dish for 9 to 11 days.

The team said the hybrid food could be a more affordable protein alternative with a smaller carbon footprint once it is commercialized.

Hybrid rice developed to reduce carbon footprint

“Imagine obtaining all the nutrients we need from cell-cultured protein rice,” Sohyeon Park, a co-author of the study said in a statement. “Rice already has a high nutrient level, but adding cells …