Food made from human DNA

Last week, scientists announced that it only took 6 months to produce the world's first artificial meat by using thousands of stem cells grown in the laboratory. This has sparked contrary waves around the world.

Now, a new idea appears to be even more shocking , which is the creation and use of man-made artificial food.

This sounds like only in science fiction. But according to a research team from Beijing University of Chemical Technology, a new technique for developing gelatin from human DNA is attracting growing interest from scientists and industry alike.

According to a recent statement in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry , experiments have been successful in that human genes are introduced into a yeast strain to develop large amounts of recombinant (genetically modified). gelatin substance people.

Gelatin is a transparent, tasteless liquid used in food preparation or photographic film. Gelatin has a long history in the food industry. And according to the American Chemical Society, human gelatin 'can replace 300,000 tons of animal gelatin producing desserts, marshmallows, candies and countless other products every year'.

Earlier this year, when an ice cream shop in London sold products with flavors derived from breast milk, they were quickly recalled for hygiene reasons. The Food Standards Agency said: "It will limit the sale and import of this type of product, because it requires a safety assessment before it is put on the market."

However, scientists trust that gelatin product does not pose any risk."Gelatin from cows, pigs, or humans is similar," explains Dr. David Olsen of FibroGen. 'It's a protein that's very similar to what people have eaten for years.'

In fact, the pharmaceutical industry has used human-derived gelatin in the manufacture of drugs and vaccines. Strict control of laboratory techniques creates a line of products that is suitable for traditional gelatin, made from the bones and skin of pigs or cows. Moreover, pharmaceutical companies also use human genes to produce insulin for diabetics and erythropoietin for the treatment of anemia.

The Beijing University team believes that this new method has more health benefits than animal gelatin. Moreover, the risk of infection with animal-borne diseases such as mad cow disease will be eliminated.

Dr. Gregory Kaebnick of Hastings 'Center for Bioethics and Policy shared: ' Gelatin is not taken from human tissue in the usual way as with animals. It originated from yeast with changed human gene sequences. "" This difference eliminates the taboo rule for human-derived food products , "said Dr. Olsen. added.