Morning Medical Update: ‘No kill’ meat approved by USDA; 40% of US population spent $0 for healthcare in 2019; Harvard Medical School morgue manager indicted

‘No kill’ meat approved by USDA

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has given the green light to two companies growing poultry from animal cells. The companies, called GOOD Meat and UPSIDE Food, say the poultry is made from over 99% chicken cells. Cultivated chicken has been available in Singapore since 2020. This is the first time grown meat will be available in the US.

40% of US population spent $0 for healthcare in 2019

Researchers found that about 40% of the US population spent nothing on healthcare in 2019. That percentage was even higher for people of color and uninsured individuals. This has caused concerns over the lack of investment in primary care. Primary care spending was analyzed using Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS).

Harvard Medical School morgue manager indicted

A manager at the Harvard Medical School and four others have been indicted for involvement in the theft and sale of human body parts. Cedric Lodge ‘stole dissected portions of cadavers that were donated to the school in the scheme that stretched from 2018 to early 2023.’ Remains including heads, skins, and bones were kept in his home and sent through the mail to buyers. He also allegedly allowed buyers to come to the morgue to shop around.