SoundBio Lab provides access to molecular biology for amateur biohackers in the U District area. High school senior Sienna Patton is taking advantage of SoundBio Lab to conduct her senior project – trying to identify which growing variables help her plasmid-adjusted E. coli cells thrive.
Self-experimenters often seek to optimize their health and well-being through various experiments such as intermittent fasting or gene editing tools; however, some practices can be dangerous.
Neurofeedback
Neurofeedback, also known as EEG biofeedback or brainwave training, is an emerging area of self-improvement and health care. Utilizing technology, neurofeedback teaches patients how to manipulate the brainwaves that regulate mental and physical states such as depression, anxiety, attention deficit disorder, chronic pain or peak performance.
Neurofeedback, like other forms of biofeedback, measures physiological changes in the body (such as heart rate variability or thermal activity) and provides real-time feedback via audio or video to its patients. Neurofeedback helps people change the brainwave patterns reflected on their screen through relaxation exercises or playing games that reward normal waves while alerting them when unhealthy ones have been produced.
With self-experimentation becoming more widespread thanks to Dave Asprey, “biohacking” has assumed new meaning. Biohackers are individuals who use hacking tools in order to enhance their lives and reach higher levels of performance – from simple solutions such as wearing a heart monitor for blood pressure tracking or breathing monitoring, all the way up to molecular engineering of living cells.
Biohackers are committed to improving their bodies, willing to try anything that might give them an edge as business executives or athletes, or hoping to cure their cancer through both natural and experimental means. Their members include health fanatics and science enthusiasts who gather regularly for exchange of ideas and networking purposes.
The goal of Biohackers Collective is to bring people from various fields and backgrounds together in order to share knowledge about health and self-experimentation. With chapters around the globe and members from all backgrounds attending; whether you are health enthusiast or an executive professional; there’s always room at biohacking seattle community!
Neurofeedback was initially created in the 1960s as an operant conditioning method to retrain brainwave patterns. Since then, it has proven highly successful at treating many conditions, such as uncontrolled epilepsy, ADD/ADHD, anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as helping with fibromyalgia headaches insomnia and tinnitus.
Sleep
Sleep is an integral component of human wellbeing, impacting physical, mental and emotional well-being in equal measures. Unfortunately, many individuals struggle with maintaining a regular sleeping pattern that accommodates both personal and professional lives – this is particularly prevalent among shift workers unable to maintain a 9:5 schedule.
Instead of simply changing their sleeping pattern, biohackers try to manipulate the natural processes within their bodies to increase restfulness. One popular technique used by biohackers to do this is known as cold therapy or cryotherapy, in which individuals lie inside a chamber filled with liquid nitrogen for several minutes in order to relieve pain, inflammation, circulation issues and boost metabolism. Melatonin supplements may also help biohackers enhance restful slumber.
Some users in the /nursing/ subreddit report taking antidepressants, benzodiazepines and other prescription sleep medicines to enhance their restful slumber, while others report using over-the-counter sleep aids such as Unisom and Zaleplon to aid their restfulness. Some even take hormones to regulate their circadian rhythm – these may help increase production of melatonin production by the body – or red light therapy, which claims to improve skin conditions, decrease side effects from cancer treatments as well as assist in improving skin conditions while helping with sleep disorders.
Sleep hackers online communities such as /nursing/, /polyphasic/ and /over-sleepers/ share a common belief: changing one’s sleeping patterns can improve life overall. However, having an understanding of how to change their sleep suggests they also want more control over their bodies. This resonates with broader HCI discourse regarding the need for technology that helps users more clearly articulate and express their physical feelings, so as to be communicated more meaningfully to others. Sharing experiences of changing feelings such as hunger or focus with others would be easier, while potentially opening the way for designs allowing users to experiment with experimental manipulations to affect bodily processes.
Nutrition
One key element to working smarter not harder is making sure your body is receiving proper nourishment. Implementing a healthier diet is an effortless way to both improve your health and productivity, according to Biohack Your Beauty podcast host Dora Vandekamp from Cal State Northridge alum Dora Vandekamp on Homework Help Global Show 35th episode Dora Vandekamp shared some tips for mindful nutrition on budget; she suggested switching out seed oils such as sunflower, safflower, canola and linseed oil for healthier fats such as coconut or avocado oils instead; making this change will have an immediate impactful change on energy levels!
Asprey’s self-described biohacking approach involves using supplements, lifestyle changes, and technology to optimize brain, body, and spirit function. He says he’s “hacking into his own biology to achieve superhuman performance” — investing over $1 Million and decades of work toward his quest to live past 180.
Asprey uses up to 150 pills daily and adheres to the “Bulletproof” diet in order to reach his goal. He employs transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS) devices in order to enhance cognitive function and reduce chronic pain; in addition to these tools he also practices cold therapy and whole body cryotherapy in order to increase endurance.
Biohacking is founded on scientific research. Many techniques used for biohacking come from The Blue Zones and USC Longevity Institute; however, biohacking must also be seen as having its limits – though some techniques may be safe, others can be potentially hazardous when not implemented properly. When engaging in any biohacking techniques it is always wise to consult medical advice first before undertaking them on your own.
As an example, it is highly advised to avoid caffeine and alcohol as these can increase stress levels and disrupt sleep. You should also limit your consumption of salt, sugar and processed foods which contribute to inflammation in the body; in addition to this you should try and steer clear of foods containing trans fats or GMOs.
Exercise
Working smarter, not harder is an approach to optimizing work habits that aims to increase productivity and performance. Studies have revealed the power of this strategy in increasing creativity, productivity and job satisfaction – not to mention maintaining a healthier work-life balance! Working smarter will allow you to focus on high-impact tasks that have the greatest effect on meeting goals while taking time for activities that recharge batteries; yet still allow time for exercise and restful sleep!
An emerging movement among athletes and entrepreneurs alike is adopting biohacking – a set of techniques and tools used to optimize health and performance – in an attempt to attain optimal health and performance. Biohackers often make small lifestyle changes or utilize additional devices to boost biological functions. Tom Brady is one such athlete who utilizes various biohacking tools in order to stay in top condition and avoid injury, such as using supplements to combat inflammation.
Neurofeedback has quickly become one of the most sought-after biohacks, based on its core principle that brain training can enhance its functionality through meditation and relaxation exercises. People are turning to this technology in order to increase focus, strengthen memory recall and boost cognitive abilities – it may not be suitable for everyone but is still considered safe and effective method for bettering mental wellbeing.
Red light therapy is becoming an increasingly popular trend, using a special device to expose the body to red light frequencies and has been linked with pain relief, faster wound healing, reduced side effects from cancer treatments and skin improvements as well as improving libido and aiding weight loss.
Biohacking offers numerous advantages, but doing it incorrectly could cause negative side effects. To minimize risks and ensure your own wellbeing, it is advisable to speak to a healthcare professional prior to beginning any new regimen or biohack. An expert in healthcare can help find an approach tailored specifically to you that can ensure it remains safe.
