NotCo launches an AI-designed turtle soup alternative

admin 2024年5月21日

science & technology, science & technology - expert

Vocabulary:

I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.

endeavor /en-DEV-er /

[noun] – an effort or attempt to do something
The team’s collective endeavor to solve the complex puzzle yielded impressive results.

quintillion /kwin-TIL-yuhn/

[noun] – a very large number, specifically 1 followed by 18 zeros in the American system
The scientist estimated that there were approximately a quintillion stars in the observable universe, demonstrating the immense scale of our cosmos.

mimic /MIM-ik/

[verb] – to imitate or copy its appearance, behavior, or characteristics, usually in an attempt to resemble it closely
The parrot was able to mimic the sound of the doorbell, often fooling visitors into thinking someone was at the door.

decimate /DES-uh-meyt/

[verb] – to reduce something significantly in amount, particularly by a large percentage
The wildfire decimated the forest, leaving behind charred trees and barren land.

faux /foh/

[adjective] – fake or artificial, typically used to describe something that is made to look like something else, often for aesthetic or ethical reasons
The designer handbag was faux leather, mimicking the appearance of genuine leather but made from synthetic materials.

Article reading:

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In an innovative endeavor, NotCo, a Chilean plant-based food company, has successfully engineered a soup that emulates the taste of traditional turtle soup yet contains no actual turtle. This culinary feat was achieved through the use of sophisticated artificial intelligence that analyzed over 300,000 plant species and made 260 quintillion combinations to identify a precise blend of five plant proteins that closely mimic the flavor and texture of turtle meat. This project not only showcases the potential of AI in culinary science but also serves a greater ecological purpose—raising awareness about the plight of endangered turtles, whose populations have been decimated by hunting for human consumption.

The creation and development of this faux turtle soup were documented in a film that details the extensive laboratory and industrial processes involved. According to Bernardo Moltedo, the AI culinary science leader at NotCo, the initiative has been in development for several years, driven by a philosophy of questioning the status quo and harnessing technology for conservation efforts. Currently, the plant-based turtle meat and its derivative soup are not commercially available; however, the company plans to offer a virtual class to instruct interested individuals on how to prepare this sustainable dish. NotCo, which already operates in 12 countries, is known for its array of plant-based products that replicate the sensory qualities of animal-derived foods. They have announced plans to go public in 2025. This innovation comes at a critical time as green turtles remain on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s red list of endangered species, with their survival threatened by environmental and human factors. Despite legal protections, the demand for turtle soup persists in various regions, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable alternatives like the one NotCo has developed.

Discussion Questions:

I will read each question. Then, please answer them.

Have you ever tried a plant-based alternative to a traditional dish? If so, what was the dish and how did it compare to the original? If not, would you be open to trying one in the future? Why or why not?
Would you consider taking a virtual cooking class to learn how to prepare an innovative dish like faux turtle soup? Why or why not?
Do you agree that the use of artificial intelligence in food production is a beneficial way to address environmental and ethical issues?
Considering the ecological impacts and the high demand for traditional turtle soup, do you think artificial alternatives like NotCo’s plant-based soup can realistically replace traditional animal-based foods in the market? What challenges might they face?
How do you think advancements in technology, such as artificial intelligence, are reshaping the food industry? What implications does this have for consumers, producers, and the environment?

Summarization

Please summarize the whole article using your own words and expressions. You will have one minute to prepare before you answer.

Describe:

Please explain the definition of each word listed below based on your understanding. You can provide example sentences if needed.

culinary
derivative
replicate
sustainable
protein