First test tube burger unveiled
The world's first test-tube burger, made from lab-grown meat, has been cooked and eaten in London. The 5oz (142g) patty, which cost £250,000 to produce, was dished up by its creator before an invited audience.
How can beef be manufactured in a lab?
The world's first burger made from lab-produced beef will be cooked and eaten in London today. Here is a brief explanation of how 'in vitro' meat is produced:
- Muscle stem cells are extracted from a cow
- The stem cells go through processes to help them multiply and develop into muscle cells
- They are then trained to 'bulk up' by being placed between two 'anchor points' and placed under tension while being supplied with nutrients
- After they have coalesced into strands of muscle - about a centimetre long and a few milimetres thick - they are collected and frozen. They can then be defrosted and formed into patties.
- To give the meat the right taste and appearance, it is coloured red and flavours are added
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