Test-tube Meat On The Table
Scientists reckon that the time is close where we will be ordering a burger at a restaurant of which the meat didn't come from an animal. It almost does not sound possible and yet the media has reported recently that scientists in the Netherlands are developing hamburger-meatballs in a laboratory. Is this nanotechnology ethical and what effect will it have on our agricultural industry?
Although people accept test-tube babies without any questions nowadays, it was not the case 33 years ago when the first test-tube baby was born. The news of a test-tube baby in the 1970s created mayhem among people from all walks of life. Society's initial disgust has now made way for awe and wonder at the birth of a test-tube baby. The discovery of the test-tube baby brought hope to many couples who were unable to conceive. Other people in society questioned the principles of doctors and science. Today we all share in the joy of a couple who is about to have a test-tube baby.
Sure enough there will be arguments 'for and against' test-tube meat. Soon the debate about test-tube meat will manifest in the media, around tables and among animal lovers. The Dutch scientists have already produced pork in a laboratory and although it did not taste so good, the hamburger meatballs are said to taste more pleasant and acceptable. When comparing test-tube meat to Louise Brown and the first cloned sheep, Dolly, there should not even be an argument regarding the ethics of test-tube meat. If one considers that test-tube meat could have a positive impact on the environment, it should not even be an issue. According to agriculturalists the world population will double in the next forty years. In order to feed all these people. There are even theories that the future world wars will be fought over food and water. If we can produce food in laboratories, we might be able to avoid World War III.
Is it far-fetched to expect that the test-tube will bring an end to wars and hunger? Will all the debates among agriculturalists end or will there be no issues. Imagine a world without herds of sheep and cows! How will farmers survive if meet be produced in laboratories?
One can understand if farmers will keep an eye on scientists and oppose the idea of test-tube meat. On the other hand the man on the street has learned to live with change. Today's generation has no problem eating Dolly, the cloned sheep, and they welcome every new born test-tube baby with a smile. They might accept and enjoy test-tube meat just as much! In any case, today's children think that supermarkets make milk and forget that it is a cow that produces the milk. Maybe agribusinesses should consider exchanging the farm for a laboratory and breed with livestock just to be kept as delicacies for the rich or as zoo animals.
Although people accept test-tube babies without any questions nowadays, it was not the case 33 years ago when the first test-tube baby was born. The news of a test-tube baby in the 1970s created mayhem among people from all walks of life. Society's initial disgust has now made way for awe and wonder at the birth of a test-tube baby. The discovery of the test-tube baby brought hope to many couples who were unable to conceive. Other people in society questioned the principles of doctors and science. Today we all share in the joy of a couple who is about to have a test-tube baby.
Sure enough there will be arguments 'for and against' test-tube meat. Soon the debate about test-tube meat will manifest in the media, around tables and among animal lovers. The Dutch scientists have already produced pork in a laboratory and although it did not taste so good, the hamburger meatballs are said to taste more pleasant and acceptable. When comparing test-tube meat to Louise Brown and the first cloned sheep, Dolly, there should not even be an argument regarding the ethics of test-tube meat. If one considers that test-tube meat could have a positive impact on the environment, it should not even be an issue. According to agriculturalists the world population will double in the next forty years. In order to feed all these people. There are even theories that the future world wars will be fought over food and water. If we can produce food in laboratories, we might be able to avoid World War III.
Is it far-fetched to expect that the test-tube will bring an end to wars and hunger? Will all the debates among agriculturalists end or will there be no issues. Imagine a world without herds of sheep and cows! How will farmers survive if meet be produced in laboratories?
One can understand if farmers will keep an eye on scientists and oppose the idea of test-tube meat. On the other hand the man on the street has learned to live with change. Today's generation has no problem eating Dolly, the cloned sheep, and they welcome every new born test-tube baby with a smile. They might accept and enjoy test-tube meat just as much! In any case, today's children think that supermarkets make milk and forget that it is a cow that produces the milk. Maybe agribusinesses should consider exchanging the farm for a laboratory and breed with livestock just to be kept as delicacies for the rich or as zoo animals.
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