Biohacking, or “DIY,” refers to using DIY principles and scientific research tools for optimizing health and performance, without professional oversight or regulation from established scientific bodies. While biohacking offers benefits in terms of health and performance enhancement, its democraticization raises new ethical considerations.
Josiah Zayner’s use of CRISPR raises serious doubts regarding whether amateurs can safely utilize advanced technologies.
CRISPR Kit
CRISPR is a powerful gene-editing technology with immense potential to treat inherited diseases, boost agricultural yields and advance biological research.
But genetic engineering remains contentious; some fear its misuse may create “designer babies”, with desirable physical traits or abilities, while others worry that ongoing experiments to alter disease-spreading insects and animals, including tomatoes with larger tomatoes, longer lasting mushrooms, leaner pigs for “CRISPR bacon”, will further increase its use.
The technology underlying these concerns may seem complex and difficult to comprehend, yet its advantages are enormous. Based on an immune system mechanism used by bacteria cells to detect and fight invaders, scientists have utilized it as a method for editing genes in human and animal cells with exceptional precision compared with previous methods.
CRISPR can even make cells resistant to viruses or tumors by using DNA-targeting guide RNAs that direct cutting or inserting new genetic material into cells – this method is much simpler and cheaper than older tools that used proteins as cutting or adding agents.
One of the most promising applications of this technology is in treating monogenetic diseases that result from single mutated genes. Examples include cystic fibrosis, beta thalassemia and glycogen storage diseases like Behcet’s and Fabry.
Correcting mutations in stem cells that will become red blood cells carries oxygen throughout the body could provide hope to people suffering from sickle-cell disease by changing their defective stem cells into healthier ones that produce normal hemoglobin production.
But some DIY biohackers have gone even further. Australian biohacker Josiah Zayner, known as the “gothic mobster” of DIY biology movement, used CRISPR-based solution that eliminated his muscle inhibitor genes in order to get more ripped. According to Alex Kelly of Sydney citizen lab BioFoundry, CRISPR can be seen as similar to computer technology; once exclusively used by large labs but now freely accessible.
ODIN kits use bacteria that have a proven track record of safe use in schools and universities, are on Australia’s Gene Technology Regulation Act’s exempt dealings list, and allow students to conduct real CRISPR reactions in classroom settings – connecting cutting-edge research with meaningful classroom education.
Brain Stimulation
Biohackers employ various strategies to optimize their health, from simple lifestyle adjustments like sleep tracking or exercise trends, to more experimental strategies like nootropics and genetic modification. Many of these practices may also assist with addiction recovery or mental health maintenance programs as part of a wellness-based treatment program.
People undergoing depression treatment frequently use biohacking techniques as part of their regimen to help manage symptoms and aid recovery. They might use mindfulness practices and breathing exercises – common elements in meditation – to reduce stress and boost their mood, as well as supplements which increase neurotransmitters to regulate hormones and brain chemistry.
Other biohacking techniques, including cold/heat exposure therapy and nootropics, may also prove effective at decreasing inflammation while simultaneously increasing energy and resilience. Furthermore, many recovery programs provide therapies like Relapse Prevention Coaching; which utilizes tools like Biofeedback/Neural Feedback to assist individuals in taking control over triggers while developing healthy coping mechanisms.
Biohacking habits such as eating healthier and improving sleep are generally safe for most healthy adults, while others could pose potential dangers. For instance, taking prescription medication could interact with certain supplements that could cause serious side effects. As always, you should check with your physician prior to trying any new diet or fitness trend.
Medical procedures considered biohacks may also pose health risks to those with serious conditions. Deep brain stimulation (DBS), for instance, has become an established therapy to treat movement disorders like essential tremor and Parkinson’s disease as well as mental illnesses like Tourette syndrome and obsessive-compulsive disorder. DBS involves implanting electrodes in specific parts of the brain which produce electrical impulses to treat specific disorders; an electrical pulse pacemaker controls its frequency while an electrode wire connects directly from a small plastic box beneath skin directly to electrodes in the brain – an established treatment.
Grinders or self-experimenters, are part of the biohacking community. They conduct their own biological experiments outside traditional laboratories and share them on online forums. Grinders believe science should be more accessible, and hope independent experimentation can make a difference in biology and biotechnology research. While known for their enthusiasm, there may also be risks involved with DIY research.
