Biohacking is a DIY approach to optimizing one’s life. From cold showers and nootropic supplements, to intermittent fasting and red light therapy – biohacking offers many techniques that may improve overall wellness.
These techniques aim to reduce inflammation, enhance digestion and gut health, boost mental acuity and focus, build resilience over time and prevent future discomfort. But starting the biohacking journey requires specific biohacking supplies.
Reagents and Chemicals
Biohackers often rely on various chemicals and reagents in their experiments, from polymerase chain reaction (PCR) kits to DNA markers. CRISPR gene editing tools may also be utilized; these affordable kits enable people to modify any organism’s genetic composition including humans.
Before embarking on any DIY biology experiments or creating your own lab equipment, it’s wise to know exactly what lies ahead. While DIY biology enthusiasts might use their tools to produce glow-in-the-dark plants or a cure for cancer using this approach, such projects could prove dangerous or illegal if mishandled improperly.
Biohacking may pose the potential risk of introducing new viruses or bacteria into a community, although biohackers generally follow proper laboratory practices and take appropriate safety precautions when working with biological materials.
Biohackers often get a bad rap for being rebellious or intimidating to authority figures; in reality they’re simply enthusiastic about science and excited to show novices what can be accomplished using cutting edge technologies. Kay Aull became an icon in biohacking world when her makeshift genetic testing lab in her apartment quickly identified genetic mutations associated with haemochromatosis, an iron overload condition. By using simple tests and secondhand equipment she quickly identified one relating to haemochromatosis that were linked with excess iron levels in blood.
Biohackers may set up laboratories at home, but most work from public spaces such as hacker collectives or co-working spaces like London Hackspace which boasts an impressive laboratory half the size of a garage complete with PCR machine, shelves of chemical reagents and Petri dishes – everything one would find in an actual molecular biology lab.
Most of these spaces are subject to local regulations that apply equally to any other workshop or garage, such as India where there are regulations governing the distribution and sale of biological products like vaccines or cell culture media; there are also guidelines pertaining to environmental sustainability; for instance using organisms to degrade pollutants, sequester carbon or produce renewable energy is part of this.
Lab Equipment
Biohackers looking to take their biohacking game a step further have access to an assortment of tools and gadgets designed to assist them. From ultra-tech (such as DNA kits that enable people to genetically edit themselves) to simple wellness tactics ( such as tracking sleep patterns or taking nootropics, commonly referred to as smart drugs), there is something available that will suit everyone.
Lab equipment is essential for biohackers looking to experiment with various techniques and protocols. A Bunsen burner, for instance, provides an open flame capable of heating glass beakers and test tubes as well as heating up liquids that could potentially be flammable or reactive. Other lab tools that enhance biohacking experience include high-quality microscopes that offer sharp resolution and clarity as well as spectrometers which analyze chemical composition of materials.
Cold water immersion tubs can also assist biohackers, providing users with a healthier way to hydrate and detoxify than hot showers or baths can. Furthermore, this tub can be used to reduce inflammation and improve circulation as well. EEG headsets are another helpful piece of equipment, monitoring brainwaves to trigger specific brain states like meditation or focus.
Entrepreneurs and health-conscious individuals are driving demand for these devices. On average, these individuals spend over $2,000 annually on personal wellness and fitness activities. To meet rising consumer needs, companies are developing innovative technology such as Oura Ring, Biostrap and Apollo Neuro that track health metrics like sleep quality and stress level as well as metabolism levels and cell energy production – with apps like Calm and Daylio used alongside these devices to enhance mental wellness.
Apps designed to track and visualize health and wellness data also offer suggestions for improvement. For instance, Oura Ring and Biostrap feature a “crowdsourced” feature that allows users to compare their metrics against those of others – encouraging them to strive towards improvement for better results.
Safety
Though biohacking might conjure images of mischievous amateur scientists trying to develop deadly viruses, this is far from reality. Most DIY biohackers simply seek to enhance their lives through wellness-focused practices like taking supplements and exercising; more advanced practitioners may experiment with nootropics (cognitive-enhancing drugs and supplements) and neurofeedback – EEG monitoring combined with games offering positive or negative feedback to promote brain plasticity.
However, biohackers employ scientific tools that haven’t been extensively tested, raising serious safety issues. A recent article in Science examined whether or not this group should be subject to more stringent regulation; while supporting professional researchers is essential, education about safe use should also take place among lay people who choose DIY projects as part of their healthcare regimen is equally necessary.
As an initial step, increasing the presence of trained biohackers in schools and community labs where these techniques can be taught and practiced is vital. Furthermore, creating ethical guidelines which all parties involved can accept will also be essential – this must include acknowledgment of risks involved.
Owing to DIY biohacking‘s open nature, some biohackers use these tools simply for personal experimentation; others go further by pushing scientific consensus beyond what has been considered ethical. One group utilizes genetic engineering to expand muscle cells; another has created a vaccine against influenza virus. While saving lives may be their goal, such projects may have unexpected side-effects that are even more dangerous than the diseases they aim to remedy.
Delegitimizing and criticizing these people may seem appealing, but this will only drive them underground where it becomes harder to regulate them. A more effective strategy would involve these community members in developing best practices and offering training – something Genspace does to provide access to laboratory equipment at a fee as well as providing specialized safety education programs to its membership.
Tools
Biohacking is the practice of altering biology through DIY methodologies, employing tools and products that enhance performance and wellness. Such products include fitness and health trackers that provide top-notch data to assist individuals with reaching their goals; sleep improvement devices to enhance restorative cycles; stress relief technologies; these devices also allow biohackers to monitor and analyze their diets while using supplements to boost immunity or cognitive function; or cold water immersion therapy to decrease oxidative stress levels and facilitate cell repair.
Biohacking practices that utilize nootropics – substances designed to enhance mental performance and concentration – tend to be safer and better researched than illegal drugs such as amphetamines; however, every individual must find what works for themselves when it comes to biohacking. Heart rate variability training provides another holistic solution, using technology to assist individuals better manage stress and increase resilience and emotional stability.
These devices, designed to be worn on wristbands and smartwatches, detect the time it takes for someone’s heartbeat and detect patterns associated with a given situation, providing users with feedback and instructions on how they can shift focus away from negative emotion and toward calm and relaxation. Examples include the HeartMath Inner Balance sensor/app that attaches to an earlobe and vibrates at different frequencies and pressures to induce feelings of peace and serenity; Sensate 2 wearable stress relief device vibrating at various frequencies/pressures which vibrates at various frequencies/pressures which induce feelings of serenity and peace – examples that wearable devices can give users feedback and instructions on how they can shift focus away from negative emotion toward calm relaxation.
Biohackers value diet as an integral component of their wellness practices, often emphasizing nutrition and decreasing toxic exposure. For instance, they might take steps such as eliminating processed food from their diet in favor of organic produce; or perhaps try intermittent fasting or ketogenic diets which have proven successful at helping individuals lose weight faster while slowing biological aging processes.
Other biohacking techniques, like inversion therapy and brain training, aim to enhance both mental health and productivity. One popular biohack involves deliberately placing oneself in cold environments – it has become an increasing trend among those seeking to maximize their lives and extend lifespans.