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In 2050, the world population will reach nearly 10 billion people. Traditional farming methods won’t be able to feed everyone. This challenge has led scientists and engineers to develop revolutionary food technologies that could change what we eat and how we produce it.

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Vertical farming is one solution gaining popularity. These indoor farms grow crops in stacked layers, using 95% less water than traditional agriculture. LED lights provide specific light wavelengths to optimize growth, while sensors monitor plant health. A single vertical farm can produce the equivalent of 20 acres of traditional farmland.

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Lab-grown meat is another breakthrough. Scientists can now cultivate real meat from animal cells without slaughtering animals. This process reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 90% compared to traditional livestock farming. The first lab-grown hamburger cost $330,000 in 2013, but prices have dropped to about $11 per burger today.

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3D food printing allows chefs to create intricate designs impossible by hand. NASA has funded research into 3D-printed food for astronauts. The technology can also personalize nutrition – printing meals with exact vitamin and mineral content for individual dietary needs.

Reading Comprehension Strategies

1. Preview the text by looking at headings and images
2. Highlight unfamiliar words to research later
3. Summarize each paragraph in 1-2 sentences

Match these terms from the reading with their definitions: