Introduction to DIY Biohacking
DIY biohacking is a movement driven by a community of enthusiasts, scientists, and innovators. They apply the principles of biology outside the traditional confines of professional laboratories to experiment, innovate, and modify living organisms. This practice encompasses a wide range of activities, from genetic engineering and synthetic biology to nootropics (brain-enhancing substances) and body modifications. All of this is undertaken with the aim of self-improvement, curiosity, and pushing scientific boundaries.
DIY biohacking has flourished since the early 2000’s, fueled by technological advances and the rise of community labs and online forums. This movement defies the exclusivity of scientific institutions with a do-it-yourself ethos, promoting open-source discovery.
Fundamentally, the biohacking movement embodies democratization of biology. By making scientific tools, knowledge, and techniques accessible to a wider audience, biohacking challenges the traditional barriers for entry into scientific research. This inclusive ethos empowers individuals to participate in scientific innovation outside conventional academic and industrial research settings.
Technologies Enabling the DIY Biohacking Movement
Molecular and synthetic biology tools
As the DIY biohacking movement has surged in popularity, it owes much of its momentum to a suite of technological breakthroughs from various domains that have turned the once-exclusive realm of biological research into a garage activity. Probably the most important of these are powerful new tools in molecular biology.
For one thing, the drastic reduction in the cost of DNA sequencing over recent years has flung open the doors to the world of genetics for amateur scientists and enthusiasts. This shift has both fueled personal ventures into the realm of genetics, and potentiated significant contributions to the evolving landscape of personalized medicine. Another particularly important innovation complementing this development has been the advent of BioBricks—modular DNA sequences that have simplified the construction of novel biological systems—making synthetic biology an increasingly accessible pursuit.
In addition, the gene editing technology CRISPR-Cas9 has proven to be a transformative tool in the biohacker’s arsenal. Its unmatched precision and simplicity have democratized genetic modification, empowering those outside professional labs to undertake advanced genetic research. This is complemented by kits and other educational resources that lower entry barriers for newcomers.
Open-source electronics and software
Complementing these biological innovations has been the explosion of open-source electronics and hardware—epitomized by platforms like Arduino and Raspberry Pi—allowing the development of home-made lab equipment. Moreover, 3D printing technology has facilitated the creation of low-cost lab tools and biological models. This ability to customize scientific implements and circumvent commercial suppliers has been revolutionary.
Alongside these advances on the hardware side have been equally important innovations in software. The field of bioinformatics and computational biology has armed biohackers with powerful tools for processing and analyzing large datasets, enabling research endeavors that are heavily reliant on computational insights.
Crowdfunding and social media connect DIY Biohacking communities
Finally, the role played by crowdfunding and social media in weaving together a worldwide network of biohackers cannot be overstated. These platforms have become lifelines for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and fundraising, propelling the spread of biohacking innovations across the globe.
Collectively, these technologies are the pillars supporting the DIY biohacking movement. They allow a diverse array of individuals to venture into biology and science from their own homes and workspaces.
The Rise of DIY Biohacking
Origins of the DIY Biohacking Movement
DIY biohacking has evolved from humble beginnings to a global phenomenon. What started as a collection of isolated experiments by a handful of pioneers has developed into a movement capturing the imagination of people worldwide. This shift from the fringes to the forefront of public interest marks a significant chapter in the history of science and innovation.
In the early 2000s, the biohacking scene was largely underground, a domain of enthusiasts and visionaries who saw the potential to apply the principles of biology in new and unconventional ways. These early biohackers were motivated by a mix of curiosity, a desire for self-improvement, and a determination to democratize science.
One of the earliest and most influential figures in this movement was Jason Bobe. In 2009, Bobe co-founded the DIYbio organization, aiming to make biology an accessible pursuit for citizen scientists around the globe. DIYbio became a cornerstone for the biohacking community, fostering a culture of open-source collaboration and knowledge sharing. Bobe’s vision was to empower individuals to engage with biology in their backyards, garages, and kitchens, turning these spaces into laboratories for discovery and innovation.
Technology and community: pillars of DIY Biohacking growth
As technology advanced, so too did the scope and ambition of biohacking projects. The advent of cheaper and more accessible tools/resources, coupled with the spread of information through the internet, catalyzed a surge in interest and participation. Online forums and social media platforms became hubs of discussion, learning, and collaboration, drawing in a diverse audience from hobbyists to professional scientists.
This period of expansion was characterized by an increasing visibility of biohacking in popular culture and media, moving it beyond niche communities. Public talks, DIY biology workshops, and biohacker spaces in cities around the globe have played pivotal roles in this transition, making biohacking accessible to a broader audience. These developments reflect a growing recognition of the potential for biohacking to contribute to fields as varied as medicine, environmental science, and personal wellness.
The first community biology lab, BioCurious, was established in Sunnyvale, California, in 2010. Cofounded by Eri Gentry, along with a group of biotech enthusiasts, BioCurious provided a physical space for biohackers to meet, collaborate, and conduct experiments, equipped with lab resources that were previously out of reach for the average amateur hobbyist. This model of a community lab was transformatory, enabling hands-on learning and experimentation at a fraction of the cost of traditional research institutions.
The rise of DIY biohacking labs
These early developments catalyzed a global spread of biohacking spaces and initiatives. By the mid-2010s, cities around the world boasted their own biohacker spaces, from Genspace in New York City, founded by Ellen Jorgensen, to La Paillasse in Paris, France. These spaces served not only as hubs for experimentation but also as educational centers, hosting workshops and talks to engage the public in the wonders of biology.
Jo Zayner and The Odin
Amidst the flourishing DIY biohacking scene, Jo Zayner and her company, The ODIN, emerged as catalysts for further democratizing biotechnology. Founded in 2016, The ODIN supplies DIY CRISPR kits and educational resources, making genetic engineering accessible beyond traditional labs. Further, Zayner’s public experiments and The ODIN’s offerings have sparked debates on the ethical and safety implications of accessible genetic modification. These discussions represent a significant chapter in biohacking’s history, emphasizing its role in challenging conventional scientific boundaries and fostering a community keen on exploring the genetic fabric of life.
Commercial companies supporting the DIY biohacking community
Several additional companies have also helped to support this community’s fervent interest in biotechnology. Bento Lab, Amino Labs, and the Carolina Biological Supply Company provide essential tools, kits, and educational resources that make molecular biology and genetic engineering accessible to amateurs and educators alike. Meanwhile, companies such as Twist Bioscience and Synthego specialize in synthetic DNA and CRISPR kits, offering biohackers advanced capabilities previously limited to professional labs. Together, these entities contribute to the democratization of biotechnology, equipping a diverse audience with the means to explore, innovate, and contribute to the field from anywhere.
DIY biohacking’s cultural significance
DIY biohacking’s rise represents the emergence of a cultural movement driven by a passion for exploration and the democratization of scientific knowledge. It promotes an ethos of accessibility, collaboration, and openness. It contrasts sharply with the broader social trends away from scientific engagement, and skepticism towards facts and established knowledge. This context underscores DIY biohacking’s importance as a counterweight to the prevailing currents of disinterest or distrust in science among the broader public.
The Developing Symbiosis Between DIY Biohackers and the Scientific Establishment
Bridging worlds through education and collaboration
In the realm of scientific research, there is growing interaction between amateur biohackers and professional scientists, a testament to the power of shared knowledge and innovation. This partnership is a recognition of the unique contributions each group offers, creating a rich environment for discovery and invention.
Educational institutions are embracing this trend, with universities like UC Berkeley and Harvard hosting workshops and seminars that bring together biohackers and professional scientists. These events serve as a platform for sharing techniques, tools, and insights, further easing the barriers between amateur and professional realms of science.
DIY biohacking community labs as hubs of innovation
Moreover, biohackerspaces, such as Genspace in New York and BioCurious in California, exemplify physical manifestations of this collaboration. These community labs offer access to equipment and resources, enabling amateurs to conduct research alongside professionals who volunteer as mentors and collaborators. These spaces are hubs of innovation, education and outreach, democratizing access to biotechnology and fostering a culture of open science.
Influential figures leading the way
Genspace founder Ellen Jorgensen represents a bridge between these two worlds, holding a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from the University of New York at Stony Brook and having conducted research in various fields of biology over her career. Jorgensen is committed to education and safety in biotechnology, making the field accessible to a wider audience. Her educational outreach, including influential TED talks, has been instrumental in framing biohacking as a beneficial force for scientific innovation and public engagement.
George Church is another pivotal figure spanning the realms of high-level genetics research and the dynamic world of grassroots biohacking. As a distinguished professor in the Harvard-MIT Health Sciences & Technology program, and the director of PersonalGenomes.org—the only platform offering open-access information on human Genomic, Environmental & Trait data—Church has significantly influenced modern genetics and synthetic biology, making these areas not only more accessible but directly engaging for a broad spectrum of enthusiasts, including biohackers. Moreover, his involvement as business and science advisor to The ODIN, underscores his commitment the ensuring the pursuit of genetic experimentation is grounded in ethical practices, innovation, and open access.
iGEM: an academic idea bringing DIY Biohacking to the community
Similarly, Randy Rettberg, Tom Knight, Drew Endy, and other members of the Synthetic Biology community at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) inspired biohacking enthusiasts through their founding of the International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition in 2003. Initially, iGEM began as an independent study course at MIT where students would use standard biological parts to build simple biological systems. It quickly evolved into a summer competition and has since grown into a large, international event that attracts teams from universities, colleges, and high schools around the world. The competition focuses on the design and construction of new biological systems and the development of projects that apply synthetic biology to address real-world challenges.
A future of collective endeavor?
This burgeoning collaboration between amateur and professional scientists is emblematic of a broader shift in the landscape of scientific research. By integrating the creativity and agility of the biohacking community with the depth of knowledge and resources of the academic and industrial sectors, these partnerships break down traditional barriers to scientific inquiry.
The Impact of DIY Biohacking on Education: Inspiring a NewGeneration of Scientists.
DIY Biohacking promotes real-world learning
The ripple effects of the biohacking movement extend deep into the educational sphere, sparking interest and inspiration among a new generation. By showcasing the potential of hands-on, participatory science, DIY biohacking is redefining how young people engage with STEM fields. It presents science not as a distant, abstract concept confined to textbooks and classrooms but as a vibrant, approachable discipline ripe for exploration and innovation.
The annual iGEM competition is a standout example, where student teams design synthetic biology projects that tackle global challenges. Teams like the 2018 winners from the University of Washington developed a living diagnostic tool for gut inflammation, demonstrating the incredible potential of biohacking to solve health problems. Other noteworthy projects include engineering bacteria to recover precious metals from electronic waste, and designing peptides to combat harmful algal blooms. These projects merge education with innovation, showing students their work can have a direct impact on society.
The role of shared DIY biohacking spaces
Workshops, maker spaces, and community labs are emerging as vital platforms for experiential learning, where students of all ages can conduct experiments, build projects, and interact with mentors from the biohacking community. These spaces offer an antidote to traditional education’s sometimes sterile approach, making learning dynamic and directly relevant to the real world. They embody a shift towards learning by doing, where failure is seen as a valuable step in the learning process, fostering resilience and creativity.
This hands-on approach demystifies complex scientific concepts, making them more digestible and engaging. It encourages curiosity and critical thinking, essential skills not just in science but in all aspects of life. Moreover, by participating in real-world projects, students can see the tangible impact of their work, connecting the dots between scientific theory and its application.
Nurturing an ethos of scientific literacy
The influence of DIY biohacking on education has the potential to cultivate a more scientifically literate society, equipped to navigate the challenges of the 21st century. It is inspiring a new generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators who see themselves as active contributors to the advancement of knowledge. Through this lens, DIY biohacking represents a powerful tool for equipping individuals with the skills and confidence to question, explore, and innovate.
DIY Biohacking Accomplishments and Ongoing Projects
In the innovative realm of DIY biohacking, specific individuals and collectives have catalyzed remarkable breakthroughs, underscoring their significant contributions to scientific discovery and innovation. These examples embody the community’s resourcefulness and commitment to addressing pressing societal challenges.
The Open Insulin Project
A standout in the domain of medical biohacking is the Open Insulin Project, spearheaded by a collective of biohackers led by Anthony Di Franco at Counter Culture Labs in Oakland CA. This group embarked on a mission to create an open-source protocol for insulin production, responding to the critical need for affordable diabetes medication. They have been working on engineering yeast and bacteria strains capable of producing proinsulin, which can be converted into active insulin. The goal is to create a viable, low-cost method of insulin manufacturing. Their work reflects the ethos of biohacking as a means to achieve healthcare equity.
Revolutionizing diagnostic tools
DIY biohackers have significantly impacted the development of accessible diagnostic technologies. The diabetes community’s contribution of DIY glucose monitors demonstrates the power of open-source software and hardware modifications for personalized care. Additionally, innovations like paper-based ELISA tests facilitate low-cost antibody detection, crucial for resource-limited settings. These initiatives underscore the community’s role in advancing global health through innovation.
Expanding diagnostic accessibility
Other noteworthy endeavors in this category include those of “Diagnostics for All,” which produces inexpensive, paper-based diagnostics for developing countries, capable of identifying diseases like hepatitis and HIV without the need for electricity or lab equipment. The “Foldscope,” an ultra-affordable microscope, and “MobileODT,” which turns smartphones into tools for cervical cancer screening, showcase how simple, cost-effective solutions can broaden the scope of diagnostic applications, from malaria detection to cancer screening.
Accessible personal genomics
The realm of personal genomics has been transformed by projects like the OpenPCR machine, developed by Tito Jankowski and Josh Perfetto. This open-source tool has made DNA sequencing more accessible, empowering individuals with invaluable insights into their genetic makeup and fostering a more personalized approach to health and medicine.
The collective power of DIY biohacking
These examples showcase the biohacking community’s diverse contributions to healthcare, diagnostics, and personal genomics. By highlighting these innovative projects, we celebrate the spirit of collaboration and community-driven research in overcoming societal challenges.
From Biohack to Biotech: The Rise of Biohacker-Founded Companies
A number of biohackers have transitioned their DIY experiments and community collaborations, into successful biotech ventures. These companies are transforming how we approach health, medicine, and environmental solutions. Here are some notable examples of biotech companies that have their roots in the biohacking movement:
The Odin: democratizing genetic engineering
Founded by biohacker Josiah Zayner, The Odin is a company that epitomizes the transition from biohack to biotech. Starting with the vision of making genetic engineering accessible, The Odin offers DIY CRISPR kits and supplies, championing science democratization. Zayner’s work has ignited discussions on the ethics of DIY genetic editing, challenging conventional scientific norms.
Ginkgo Bioworks: synthesizing success
Ginkgo Bioworks represents the biohacking ethos of creativity and experimentation. Its founders, graduates of MIT, were deeply influenced by the DIY biology movement and the potential for synthetic biology. Ginkgo Bioworks focuses on programming cells for a variety of applications, from the production of flavors and fragrances to sustainable materials. The company’s success demonstrates biohacking’s commercial viability.
Opentrons: open access automation
Born out of the DIYbio movement, the company’s first product was a robotic arm designed to automate pipetting, a tedious and time-consuming lab task. By making lab automation more accessible, Opentrons has empowered researchers around the world, enabling faster and more reproducible science. The company exemplifies how DIY biohacking’s ethos of open access and innovation can transform scientific research infrastructure.
Glowee: Lighting the future with biology
Glowee, a French startup, merges biohacking and synthetic biology to develop bioluminescent lighting. This innovative approach offers an eco-friendly alternative to traditional lighting, illustrating biohacking’s potential in environmental sustainability.
Pembient: A biotech solution to wildlife trafficking
Pembient originated from a biohacking background with a focus on synthetic biology. The company uses genetic engineering to produce biofabricated rhinoceros horn and other animal products. Their aim is to disrupt illegal wildlife markets and reduce poaching. Pembient’s innovative approach reflects how biohacking’s ethos can extend beyond human health to address broader ecological and conservation issues.
IndieBio: catalyzing DIY biohacking innovations
IndieBio, a leading biotech accelerator, has been instrumental in transforming biohacking projects into successful biotech startups. They are supporting startups like Upside Foods and Finless Foods aimed at food sustainability and ethical consumption. Koniku is another notable mention, blending live neurons with silicon for advanced sensing capabilities.
These examples underscore DIY biohacking’s transformative impact across the biotech industry and beyond. They illustrate a movement fueled by curiosity, expertise, and a drive to innovate, marking biohackers as an important component of future biotech innovation.
Public Safety Concerns and Regulations regarding DIY Biohacking
Navigating biosecurity and health risks
DIY biohacking brings with it a wave of innovation and democratized science. However, it also poses risks to public safety and the environment. The very attributes that make biohacking so appealing—its openness, accessibility, and the blurring of professional and amateur lines—also introduce a set of biosecurity and health concerns that cannot be overlooked.
At the forefront of these concerns is the risk of creating harmful biological agents, either inadvertently or with malicious intent. The ease with which genetic editing tools like CRISPR can be acquired and applied by individuals without formal training in bioethics or containment protocols poses a not insignificant risk of biohazardous materials being mishandled or released into the environment. While the biohacking community is largely driven by a philosophy of positive contribution and innovation, the potential for misuse or accidents raises critical questions about oversight and regulation.
The dangers of using DIY Biohacking for self-experimentation
The trend of self-experimentation, a hallmark of the biohacking ethos, also carries significant health risks. Individuals may undertake experiments with genetic modification, nootropics, etc., without fully understanding the potential side effects or long-term implications. These activities, conducted outside the traditional clinical research frameworks that prioritize participant safety and informed consent, present a unique set of ethical and medical challenges.
These concerns are not merely hypothetical. Jo Zayner made headlines when she attempted to modify her own genes using CRISPR technology in a live demonstration at UCSF. Zayner’s experiment, aimed at enhancing her muscle growth, sparked widespread debate over the safety and ethics of self-administered gene therapy.
The risks of Zayner’s experiment were multifaceted, including potential off-target effects that could unintentionally alter genes, leading to unpredictable health issues. Moreover, the long-term consequences of editing genes in humans are still not fully understood, raising the specter of inducing permanent genetic changes that could affect future generations.
Other self-treatments attempted by Zayner include a fecal transplant, and a homemade corona virus vaccine. In the latter case, she and a group of biohackers named The Central Dogma Colective (or CDC, ha!) tested this vaccine on themselves, live-streaming the event and open sourcing the data and protocols. These acts highlight the tensions between the desire for personal experimentation in science and the imperative to maintain public health and safety standards.
Controversial DIY Biohacking projects and environmental concerns
The Four Thieves Vinegar Collective, a group dedicated to democratizing access to pharmaceuticals was the source of another safety incident. They developed an “EpiPencil,” a DIY version of the EpiPen, in response to soaring prices. Their intention was to provide an affordable alternative for those in need. On the other hand, critics pointed out the risks associated with self-assembled medical devices, including potential dosage inaccuracies and contamination. This example demonstrates the dangers of circumventing professional medical and manufacturing standards.
There are also environmental concerns. For instance, The Glowing Plant Project A Kickstarter campaign launched in 2013 aimed to distribute genetically modified seeds that would grow into plants glowing in the dark. The project used synthetic biology techniques to engineer plants with bioluminescence, intending to reduce the need for artificial lighting. However, the project faced backlash and regulatory scrutiny due to concerns about the environmental impact of releasing genetically modified plants into the wild and the potential for cross-contamination with native plant species.
The dialogue surrounding DIY biohacking safety is multifaceted, involving biohackers, regulators, ethicists, and the public. Finding a balance between innovation freedom and the necessity to ensure public health and safety remains a pivotal, ongoing challenge. As the movement evolves, so too will the discussions and policies aimed at responsibly managing its potential and risks.
Regulatory Oversight of DIY Biohacking Endeavors
Balancing DIY Biohacking innovation and public safety
Biohacking poses a dynamic challenge for regulatory bodies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The decentralized, open-source nature of DIY biohacking complicates oversight. Moreover, activities frequently stray beyond traditional scientific and medical frameworks. These agencies work to navigate this evolving field, ensuring that the drive for personal and community science does not compromise health and safety standards.
The FDA, in particular, has taken a proactive stance in issuing warnings against unapproved medical devices and therapies that emerge from the biohacking scene, emphasizing the dangers posed by the lack of clinical testing and quality assurance. Actions taken against DIY gene therapy kits, unapproved stem cell treatments, and clinics offering unauthorized biologic treatments highlight attempts to protect consumers from potentially hazardous unregulated activities. Similarly, the crackdown on DIY COVID-19 vaccines during the pandemic underscores the critical nature of these regulatory efforts.
Meanwhile, the CDC’s focus extends to biosecurity, particularly the prevention of misuse of pathogens and the accidental release of harmful biological agents. This concern is amplified by DIY biohacking practices involving genetic engineering, where amateur experimentation might not adhere to the stringent biosecurity measures typical of institutional labs. The agency’s guidelines and oversight seek to ensure that DIY biohacking activities do not inadvertently compromise public health.
Implementing DIY biohacking guidelines for a global movement
The inherently decentralized and global nature of the biohacking community, with its reliance on the internet for the dissemination of knowledge and tools, presents further regulatory challenges. The ease with which biohacking activities can cross borders and the rapid pace of technological advancements render traditional regulatory frameworks somewhat obsolete. This scenario demands ongoing dialogue and collaboration between biohackers and regulatory bodies to forge guidelines that are both adaptive and inclusive, accommodating the dynamic spirit of biohacking while prioritizing safety and ethical integrity.
The dialogue between biohackers and regulatory bodies is an ongoing process, marked by attempts to find common ground. There is a growing recognition of the need for guidelines that can accommodate the dynamism of biohacking while ensuring safety and ethical integrity. This entails a continuous reassessment of what it means to regulate science in an age where the barriers to entry are lower than ever before, posing questions about responsibility, oversight, and the democratization of scientific inquiry.
The Future of DIY Biohacking
The Intersection of Emerging Technologies and Accessibility
The future of DIY biohacking is poised at the crossroads of innovation, collaboration, and societal impact, driven by emerging trends and technologies. As biohackers continue to push the boundaries of what is possible from their makeshift labs, we are likely to see a proliferation of new tools and methods that democratize science further. For example, the development of more affordable and user-friendly CRISPR kits could enable even hobbyists to engage in genetic editing, potentially leading to breakthroughs in personalized medicine and sustainable agriculture.
One powerful trend is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning with biohacking projects. AI algorithms can analyze vast datasets to predict the outcomes of genetic modifications, optimize bioengineering processes, and even design new biological parts. The synergy between biohacking and AI could accelerate the pace of innovation, making biotechnology more predictive and efficient. An example of this is the use of AI by biohackers to develop novel antibiotics, targeting antibiotic-resistant bacteria by predicting molecular structures that could disrupt their growth mechanisms.
Cooperation between amateurs and professionals
The potential for greater collaboration between biohackers and institutional scientists is significant. As biohacking tools become more sophisticated, and as community labs gain access to high-quality equipment, the line between amateur and professional research begins to blur. Initiatives like the iGEM competition have already shown how this collaboration can lead to innovative solutions to global challenges. Moving forward, we might see more partnerships between universities, biotech companies, and biohacking collectives, working together on projects ranging from environmental conservation efforts, like bioremediation using engineered organisms, to public health initiatives, such as rapid diagnostic tools for emerging diseases.
Ethical, educational, and regulatory considerations
Forecasting the long-term implications for society, ethics, and policy presents a complex but intriguing challenge. As biohacking becomes more mainstream, it will likely spark debates on bioethics, intellectual property, and biosafety. For instance, the democratization of genetic editing raises questions about the ethical considerations of gene editing in humans, animals, and the environment. Regulatory bodies will need to find a balance between fostering innovation and ensuring public safety, possibly leading to new guidelines that accommodate citizen science while protecting against misuse.
Furthermore, the biohacking movement could significantly impact education and workforce development. By making science more accessible and engaging, it could inspire a more diverse generation of scientists and innovators. However, this also necessitates changes in science education and policy to prepare students to navigate a future where biotechnology plays a central role in everyday life.
The promising yet complex path ahead
In conclusion, the future of DIY biohacking holds immense promise for advancing science, fostering collaboration, and addressing societal challenges. However, it also poses important questions for ethics, policy, and education that society will need to address to harness the full potential of this movement.
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Additional Resources
For those intrigued by the world of DIY biohacking and eager to dive deeper into its complexities and potential, a wealth of resources is available to explore. Here are some carefully selected books, documentaries, and TED Talks that provide further insight into biohacking, its ethical considerations, and its impact on society.
Books:
- “Biohackers: The Politics of Open Science” by Alessandro Delfanti Pluto Press 2013- This book delves into the biohacking movement, exploring its origins and its challenge to traditional scientific and cultural norms.
- “Regenesis: How Synthetic Biology Will Reinvent Nature and Ourselves” by George M. Church and Ed Regis Basic Books 2012- A fascinating look into synthetic biology, offering perspectives on how this field can transform our world.
- “Hacking Darwin: Genetic Engineering and the Future of Humanity” by Jamie Metzl, Sourcebooks 2019 – Metzl provides a thought-provoking exploration of the implications of genetic engineering on the future of human evolution, health, and ethics.
Documentaries:
- “Unnatural Selection” released on Netflix in 2019- This series explores the possibilities and dangers of gene editing, with a focus on CRISPR technology, through various stories from around the globe.
- “Biohackers” First became available on Netflix in 2020 – Although fictional, this series touches on real-world biohacking themes and the ethical dilemmas of genetic modification.
TED Talks:
- “Biohacking–you can do it too” by Ellen Jorgensen – We have personal computing — why not personal biotech? That’s the question biologist Ellen Jorgensen and her colleagues asked themselves before opening Genspace, a nonprofit DIY bio lab in Brooklyn devoted to citizen science, where amateurs can go and tinker with biotechnology.
- “Gene editing can now change an entire species — forever” by Jennifer Kahn – Kahn provides an engaging overview of gene drive, a technology that can propagate specific genetic traits through a population, highlighting its potential uses and ethical debates.
- “My experience with biohacking” by Martin Kremmer – How to improve your body and mind through biohacking.
Podcasts:
- “Biohackers Podcast” – this podcast features interviews with various experts in the field, discussing everything from sleep optimization to longevity.
- “The Human Upgrade” by Dave Asprey – A leading voice in the biohacking community, Dave Asprey explores ways to biohack your body and mind to improve health, longevity, and performance.
Your Thoughts?
What are your views on the future of DIY biohacking? Do you see it as a force for good, capable of addressing global challenges, or are there aspects that concern you, particularly regarding ethics and safety? Whether you’re deeply involved in the biohacking community or just beginning to understand its implications, we welcome your insights and opinions on this topic.
