[John Tyska]

John Tyska asked the Naked Scientists:
   
Chris,

Thanks for all the shows.

I'd like to do a science experiment to demonstrate how electricity causes muscle tissue to contract.

Will touching the leads of a battery to a piece of raw chicken cause it to move?

Why or why not?

Thanks,

John Tyska
Houston, Texas

What do you think?

[RD]

I don't think meat from the butcher will be fresh enough.
When this demonstration is done with frogs Kermit was hopping around minutes earlier ... http://webs.wofford.edu/davisgr/bio342/reflex.htm

You could use a live human and one of these devices attached to their arm (if you've got a spare £100) ...
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Slendertone-System-Garment-Controller-Required/dp/B000XACHK8

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrical_muscle_stimulation