CAASPP Success - Grade 5 Reading Comprehension - Expository #1

How Lab-Grown Meat Is Changing the Future of Food

[1] Lab-grown meat is one of the most exciting advancements in science today. Scientists have found a way to create real meat without raising animals. They start by taking tiny cells from an animal, like a cow or a chicken. These cells are then placed in a special environment where they receive nutrients, helping them grow and multiply. Over time, these cells develop into muscle tissue, which is the main part of meat.

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[2] One of the coolest parts of this process is that it can be done using far fewer resources than traditional farming. Regular meat production requires lots of land, water, and food to raise animals, but lab-grown meat needs only a small facility and uses fewer resources. This makes it a more environmentally friendly option.

[3] Lab-grown meat is also healthier and safer in some ways. Since it’s grown in a controlled environment, it doesn’t need antibiotics or hormones. This can reduce the risk of harmful bacteria and other health issues that are sometimes found in farm-raised meat.

[4] Although the technology is still new and expensive, it’s quickly advancing. The first lab-grown burger, created in 2013, cost $300,000 to produce. Today, the costs are much lower, and some restaurants are even starting to serve lab-grown chicken. Scientists are working hard to make this meat available in stores soon, offering a glimpse into the future of food.

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[5] Another fascinating aspect of lab-grown meat is its potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Traditional livestock farming is a major contributor to methane and carbon dioxide emissions, which are harmful to the environment. By producing meat in a lab, these emissions could be drastically reduced, making lab-grown meat a greener alternative.

[6] Lab-grown meat could also help address food shortages around the world. As the global population continues to grow, the demand for meat increases, but there’s limited land and resources available for traditional farming. Lab-grown meat offers a way to produce large quantities of food without needing vast amounts of space, water, or feed.

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[7] Scientists are also exploring the possibilities of customizing lab-grown meat to make it even healthier. For example, they could add nutrients or remove unhealthy fats, creating meat that’s better for your body. This kind of customization isn’t possible with traditional farming, where animals are raised and fed in specific ways.

[8] The production of lab-grown meat could also revolutionize the way we think about food safety. Because the meat is grown in a sterile environment, the risk of contamination from bacteria like E. coli or salmonella is much lower. This could lead to fewer foodborne illnesses and safer meat for everyone.

[9] The response to lab-grown meat has been mixed. Some people are excited about the idea of eating meat that doesn’t harm animals or the environment. They see it as a solution to many problems, including world hunger and climate change. However, others are more hesitant. They worry about how lab-grown meat might taste or whether it’s safe to eat. Some people also feel uneasy about the idea of meat being made in a lab instead of on a farm.

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[10] As technology continues to improve, lab-grown meat might not just be limited to beef or chicken. Scientists are experimenting with growing other types of meat, like fish and pork, in the lab. In the future, we could see a wide variety of lab-grown meats available, giving people more options and reducing the need for traditional animal farming.

Another fascinating aspect of lab-grown meat is its potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Traditional livestock farming is a major contributor to methane and carbon dioxide emissions, which are harmful to the environment. By producing meat in a lab, these emissions could be drastically reduced, making lab-grown meat a greener alternative.

Lab-grown meat could also help address food shortages around the world. As the global population continues to grow, the demand for meat increases, but there’s limited land and resources available for traditional farming. Lab-grown meat offers a way to produce large quantities of food without needing vast amounts of space, water, or feed.