Next 3D printer fad: Printed meats?

Here at Tecca, we're torn about the wild world of 3D printing. From printing medicine to printing bikinis, it often seems like the wave of the future, but we can't deny the fad aspect of it all. Case in point: Modern Meadow, a new startup, is seeking the Department of Agriculture's permission to create 3D printed cuts of meat for human consumption. And the idea has got a big-name backer.

Modern Meadow is being backed to the tune of $250,000 to $350,000 by PayPal founder and Facebook early investor Peter Thiel. Previously, Thiel has backed a number of other seemingly crazy ideas, such as building his own island nation.

Just don't expect to bite into a juicy, fresh-printed steak any time soon. Aside from overcoming governmental hurdles, Modern Meadow needs to clear some logistical challenges, as well. They're only seeking permission to create tiny, one-inch long pieces of meat.

[Image credit: Raw meat and spices via Shutterstock]

This article was written by Fox Van Allen and originally appeared on Tecca

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