Chinese scientists have created a meat substitute for chicken!

Chinese scientists have genetically modified a fungus to create a protein-rich 'meat'. They say it could be a low-cost and environmentally friendly alternative to chicken.

Past studies have shown that livestock farming is responsible for about 14% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and it also requires large areas of land and vast amounts of water.

While proteins made in the laboratory from yeast and fungi have emerged as potential meat substitutes. However, adapting them into consumer-friendly products has been a challenge.

Among these options, proteins obtained from a fungus called 'Fusarium venenatum' resemble poultry meat due to their natural structure and taste.

According to scientists, although this fungus-based meat has been permitted for consumption as food in several countries, such as the US, UK, and China, it requires a significant amount of resources to produce in small quantities.

Instead of adding any foreign DNA to this fungus, Chinese scientists modified its genome and improved its protein production and digestibility