Scientists Develop Human-Derived Gelatin

Jell-O is having something of a moment right now. Between beautiful Jell-O videos and intense Jell-O mold competitions, this jiggly food is suddenly getting jiggy again. Now, we learn that Chinese researchers are developing human-derived gelatin. (Most gelatin-based desserts and food products are derived from cow and pig collagen.)

It's not quite as frightening as it sounds; the scientists inject human gelatin genes into a strain of yeast. Therefore, it isn't human bones and skin actually in the gelatin, like it is with animals, just a bit of DNA.

This human gelatin poses less risk of disease, is a bit more stable and is more consistent in quality.

For those that don't like the idea of animal bones and skin or human DNA in their food, there are substitutes. Agar-agar is a seaweed-based gel that is a bit firmer than animal-based gelatin. Carrageen, also known as Irish moss, can be used for softer gels or puddings. There are also many kosher and vegan gels, so everyone can keep calm and wobble on.

Comments

[DownHomeFoodie]

10:22 AM on 07/19/2011

I would love to see the ad campaign for this . . . .
1.) "Now you put the 'jell' in jell-0."
2.) "Human DNA . . . it is a Darn Nice Alternative."

[userw014]

11:37 PM on 07/18/2011

Soylent Green is ?Yeast?

[SusanElizabeth1949]

12:33 AM on 07/18/2011

No matter how you slice it (or in this case mold it, it is still cannibalism a practice banned nearly universally.

[thrugreeneyez]

07:38 PM on 07/17/2011

Disgusting!

[Well I Be]

06:50 PM on 07/17/2011

Note to self: Stay away from Jello, too.

[Grada3784]

03:22 AM on 07/17/2011

Attack of the Yeast People.

[OliviaBolivia27]

01:37 PM on 07/16/2011

Um...why can't we just use the plant-based thickeners?

[bigbang8124]

01:21 PM on 07/16/2011

Eww, I really like Jell-O when I was young, but after reading this article, something in my brain tells me to back off.

[Willie Huff]

10:47 PM on 07/15/2011

so if you eat this, does that make you a cannibal? this is important :P

[EmilyRose 85]

03:35 PM on 07/15/2011

I linked to this story from "Grocery Store Worker Accused of Handing Out Semen-Tainted Yogurt." Food has officially become disgusting.

[MrsOrtiz]

02:40 PM on 07/15/2011

"...the book To Serve Man, it's... it's a cookbook!"

- Twilight Zone, 1962

[JDeleteMe]

08:19 AM on 07/15/2011

it's Soylent Green

[Pax333]

10:20 AM on 07/15/2011

My first thought as well.

[Willie Huff]

10:48 PM on 07/15/2011

Post of the year on huffpo folks. You're not going to outshine this man right here.

[Ruby Tewsday]

06:39 AM on 07/15/2011

,,, because everyone knows we can't live without gelatin.

[davvik]

03:03 PM on 07/14/2011

But why use human when all animals produce collagen?

[collettethehedgehog]

04:30 AM on 07/15/2011

They say it works better. I say it's easier to just do wo or use agar agar and other plant products.

[SusanElizabeth1949]

12:34 AM on 07/18/2011

I'll stick to Knox gelatin and fruit/ berry juice plus sugar.

[Tracy R Gibson]

02:43 PM on 07/14/2011

"SOYLENT GREEN IS PEOPLE!"

[ms04121966]

03:11 PM on 07/14/2011

you beat me to it!

[Tracy R Gibson]

07:41 PM on 07/14/2011

I have been waiting 30 years for the proper occasion.

[CRedfield]

03:33 PM on 07/14/2011

Curse you!