Viral 'dancing meat' video stuns viewers: fascinating biology behind salted beef explained

At times, biological phenomena can capture immense public interest. A prime example is a video in which a chef presented an incredibly fresh piece of beef. The video initially shared on social media in 2019, found a new audience and suddenly garnered several hundred thousand views.

The video is shocking and even repulsive to some, contributing to its popularity. Typically, videos featuring raw meat fail to generate much interest, but this one deviates from the norm. The beef, visually appearing as if it were moving or alive, threw viewers off balance. The intense contractions mimicked a dance.

However, the occurrence featured in the video isn't unusual. The contractions didn't mysteriously appear on the beef. Prior to filming, the chef sprinkled a bit of salt on the piece of beef, triggering a biological reaction. Cell and molecular biologist Dr. Christie Wilcox explained that a hefty dose of sodium iodide initiates the reaction shown in the video.

"Dancing meat" indicates that the cook has added one crucial ingredient: salt. It's packed with sodium iodide, and its excessive dose stimulates the neurons that are still functional, leading to contractions - Dr. Christie Wilcox mentioned in a study.

Many internet users expressed their disgust at the recorded event. Experts indicate that the phenomenal reaction seen in the video is positive and desirable. The intense response of the beef to the salt shows that the meat was incredibly fresh.