In Pennsylvania, scientists have developed a microbial-based process to turn human waste into food. Developed as an albeit unappetizing solution to feeding astronauts on extended missions, the process generates a paste-like substance similar to Marmite or Vegemite.
“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,” Christopher House, professor of geosciences and director of the Penn State Astrobiology Research Center, tells Xinhua. “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 work was published in the journal Life Sciences in Space Research.