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Future Astronauts May Survive On Eating Silkworms

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the still-better-than-tang dept.

sciencehabit writes "Science reports that silkworms may be an ideal food source for future space missions. They breed quickly, require little space and water, and generate smaller amounts of excrement than poultry or fish. They also contain twice as many essential amino acids as pork does and four times as much as eggs and milk. Even the insect's inedible silk, which makes up 50% of the weight of the dry cocoon, could provide nutrients: The material can be rendered edible through chemical processing and can be mixed with fruit juice, sugar, and food coloring to produce jam."

5 of 384 comments (clear)

  1. Food for thought by jerep · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Now we just have to solve this space radiation issue and how to shield astronauts from it.

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    1. Re:Food for thought by compro01 · · Score: 5, Insightful

      In space, yes. Outside the earth's magnetosphere, no. Even out on the moon, the magnetosphere still protects them from much of the nastiness (solar wind, cosmic rays, etc.), but if we're gonna go to Mars or wherever, we'll need to bring our own protection.

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  2. Re:Cutlery! by jellomizer · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Ah the Spork. With spokes to short to grab anything, however their unique shape prevents it from pickup liquid well either.

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  3. The mass still has to come from somewhere by nasor · · Score: 5, Insightful

    The big issue with space missions in mass. Silk worms aren't going to magically create silk worm meat (or whatever you call it) from nothing - for ever 1 kg of silk worm that you grow to eat, you will have to bring along at least 1 kg of silkworm food. So why not just bring human-edible food instead of silk worm food?

  4. Re:gross by nickdwaters · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Space travel is extreme backpacking! If you've ever backpacked, you don't think twice about eating food you wouldn't normally eat at home. There are various gateway foods you can eat, such as sushi and in particular uni (sea urchin testes...no shit...nasty), which will make the consumption of silk worms seem like dessert. Hunger is a powerful motivator.