Some experts view amateur gene enthusiasts working out of makeshift labs as cause for concern, since these could range from harmless tinkerers to bioterrorists misusing genetic engineering technology.
Biohacking, the emerging field of body modification that allows users to embed technologies like rewritable ID chips and password pills under their skin, can transform you into a cyborg.
1. Viruses
A virus is a microscopic microbe with the power to unleash havoc. These microscopic germs contain packets of genetic material (DNA or RNA) encased within protein shells that penetrate living cells to infiltrate them and then exploit their machinery for copying themselves over and over until their host cell’s machinery collapses allowing the virus to replicate itself within itself, before spreading infection throughout surrounding cells causing disease such as colds, flus, or COVID-19 pandemic.
Viral microbes may be microscopic in size; yet, their devastating impact can be felt throughout society and economies worldwide. That is why any biohacker seeking to manipulate DNA or RNA should get regular blood tests; this will tell them if their hacks are having any noticeable cellular-level impacts in their bodies.
Biohacking often appeals to those seeking a higher quality of life. People may feel that modern medicine hasn’t done enough in combatting diseases like MS or certain cancers; others believe biohacking allows them to take a stand against Big Pharma establishment.
Biohacking already provides us with many of the tools necessary to improve our lives; all that remains is for us to use them effectively. Biohacking could become an extremely powerful force for good if it can be guided by expert advice and regulated through existing public and private governance mechanisms rather than new laws being enacted to regulate it.
Therefore, those looking to self-experiment with their biology should do so under the supervision of an experienced physician. While there are ways of altering your biology safely – from changing diet to testing out implants that alter cyborg-like body parts – it’s essential to keep in mind that even seemingly harmless interventions can prove hazardous if executed improperly.
2. Toxicity
Toxicity refers to any substance which causes harmful effects in living organisms or their cells, usually through poisoning caused by drugs (known as toxicants) but it can also encompass disease-causing microorganisms, viruses and bacteria, radiation exposure or extreme temperature extremes. A substance’s toxicity is typically measured by dose needed to cause harm and duration of exposure required; for deadly substances it will typically bear an internationally-recognized skull and crossbones symbol as its mark of danger.
Many individuals who practice biohacking seek to enhance their health using both low-tech lifestyle changes and high-tech tools. For instance, “biohackers” might use wearable tech devices or apps to track sleep and exercise data that nutritionists can then analyze for trends or ways to enhance diet or fitness levels. Biohackers might also consider supplementation that might provide health benefits.
One tenet of biohacking is crowdsourcing research through websites like CureTogether and PatientsLikeMe, where patients can pool their data together and compare results without waiting for a university- or government-funded study. When lithium carbonate was suggested as possible help with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), individuals living with the condition began taking it, sharing results online for analysis by others – often more effectively than traditional medical approaches which may take longer and be bureaucratic in comparison.
Biohacking also involves the practice of developing alternative treatments for serious diseases at home. This may involve using unapproved drugs or combining existing therapies, which could put in conflict with pharmaceutical industry rules which require rigorous tests prior to making drugs available to patients. Furthermore, hacking could bypass costly preclinical trials which ensure patient safety by trying new medicines independently.
Many who engage in biohacking see it as an act of resistance against Big Pharma and an attempt to take charge of their lives. But biohacking can also be dangerous; amateur tinkerers working in makeshift labs pose an increased threat to public health and safety.
3. Genetic Modification
Genetic engineering can be an invaluable tool, helping increase crop yields, enhance nutritional values and even fight disease. But its use must be approached carefully; strict regulations exist to ensure modified organisms are safe before entering the marketplace.
CRISPR and other gene editing technologies have generated widespread enthusiasm for “biohacking“, or molecular genetic experiments performed outside institutional labs by individuals without formal scientific training. While professional scientists and traditional labs strictly regulate this activity, DIY kits for manipulating DNA have added fuel to biohacker enthusiasm that may result in unexpected and dangerous results.
Problems become especially concerning when biohacking experiments involve germline modification – when permanent changes to someone’s genes become passed down through generations. While some biohackers embrace germline modification as an avenue to cure disease, others merely wish to enhance physical performance or personal identity.
Public health regulators must understand the motivations and capabilities of biohackers, who may range from well-meaning to reckless in their approaches. Furthermore, the FDA must take measures to clarify its jurisdiction over genetic biohacking as well as engage these communities through open dialogue on how best to regulate this area.
As one example, it would be helpful for the FDA to offer clear guidance on which modifications fall within their jurisdiction and provide community members with resources that allow them to locate experts in their areas. Furthermore, in cases of regulatory gaps the agency could explore private-sector solutions such as licensing genome editing reagents that prohibit research activities that pose potential public health risks — including germline editing.
Biohacking should not be ignored, especially given how easily an extinct relative of smallpox could be created with biohacking techniques. Now is the time for action from FDA instead of waiting until something goes wrong before acting.
4. Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is an intricate field that encompasses many kinds of security measures to prevent unauthorised access to information and systems. Firewalls create digital barriers between cybercriminals and networks and data by creating virtual locker rooms; network segmentation allows companies and individuals to secure sensitive data by partitioning off portions from other networks so if someone breaches one system they won’t gain entry to another one.
Scholars, ethicists and regulators all acknowledge the potential negative ramifications of DIY biohacking on society; however they have expressed a wish to collaborate with these communities as they develop their practices rather than seeing them as potential threats. Such collaboration could create more ethical research practices while allowing scientists to gain experience working on human bodies – something invaluable when it comes to public health advancement and creating safer medical devices.
Unregulated biohacking, however, can be hazardous because those conducting experiments with drugs and implants often lack sufficient education in medicine or human biology to advise whether certain substances or devices are safe. Furthermore, such experiments often are self-funded without oversight mechanisms typically found in traditional scientific research; making it easier for researchers to conceal flaws.
Biotechnology and other technologies, like artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, are amplifying these risks. Their advances can be utilized both positively and negatively; for instance, pathogen production as well as cyber attacks against critical infrastructure like energy or transportation may all fall within their purview.
Cybersecurity has never been more crucial. Businesses can take steps to enhance their security by providing employees with proper instruction regarding policies and best practices through seminars, classes or online courses; this helps reduce human error while mitigating risk from costly security breaches.
An increase in cybersecurity awareness is the first step toward mitigating biohacking threats, and healthcare organizations can benefit by making all employees aware of its importance and how best to safeguard sensitive information and systems from potential cyberattacks and potential harm to patients.
