Scientists use microbes to convert human waste into space food

Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-29 15:12:14|Editor: Lifang
Video PlayerClose

LONDON, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- Scientists have found a potential food source for astronauts, using microbes to convert human waste into Marmite-like food, local media reported.

According to British online newspaper The Independent, researchers at Pennsylvania State University outlined a method to break down solid and liquid waste for producing protein and fat-rich substance from human waste in their study published in the quarterly scientific journal Life Sciences in Space Research.

"We envisioned and tested the concept of simultaneously treating astronauts' waste with microbes while producing a biomass that is edible either directly or indirectly, depending on safety concerns," said Christopher House, professor of geosciences and director of the Penn State Astrobiology Research Center.

"It's a little strange, but the concept would be a little bit like Marmite or Vegemite, where you're eating a smear of microbial goo," the professor added.

Food supply is a major hurdle when planning lengthy space flights. Recycling waste into nutritious food is one solution to this problem.

According to House and his colleagues, the method involves anaerobic digestion, a process that refers to the breakdown of materials in the absence of oxygen. It is considered an efficient way of breaking down biodegradable matter.

The researcher said while their method is not ready for application yet, it provides a new model for creating food on board spacecraft.

"Imagine if someone were to fine-tune our system so that you could get 85 percent of the carbon and nitrogen back from waste into protein without having to use hydroponics or artificial light," said House.

TOP STORIES
EDITOR’S CHOICE
MOST VIEWED
EXPLORE XINHUANET
010020070750000000000000011100001369335531
国产无码在线观看免费在线,37pao国产成视频,日韩一区二区视频在线,国产国产人免费人成免费视频麻豆
亚洲AⅤ午夜精品福利一区 亚洲日本成熟女人性视频 午夜视频在线观看一区 | 亚洲女同精品一区二区视频 | 思思热免费在线视频观看 | 最新看片国产精品 | 欧美精品剧情一区二区三区 | 亚洲成aV人片在线播放一区二区 |