DIY biology is on an upward trend, much like its computer counterpart that led to Apple and Microsoft. Instead of software though, this movement focuses on biology instead.
Some notable biohackers include Ellen Jorgensen who established Genspace – the first community biology lab – and Dave Asprey whose diet purports to extend life through calorie restriction. Other biohackers research cognitive enhancement by means of nootropics or brain-computer interfaces.
International Biohacking Community
The International Biohacking Community is an online network for individuals interested in exploring the intersection between science and self-improvement. It serves to both educate and inspire its members by offering them a forum where they can discuss their experiments and discoveries – such as grinding, life extension and DIY biology – with safety protocols, ethical considerations and various tools such as Kirlian photography, nootropics and ice baths for self improvement being regularly discussed within it.
Biohackers are individuals who employ various tools and techniques to enhance their health, cognitive ability, and physical performance. Biohackers believe they can create a better future through self-improvement and exploring emerging technologies; some even see biohacking as rebelling against an unfair world.
Biohacking communities have experienced exponential growth as DNA manipulation technology becomes cheaper and easier to access. An expensive DNA synthesizer costs approximately $100,000 today, but can be assembled for much less in a garage. Biohackers are using DNA editing tools to generate viruses targeting specific genetic pathways within cells while also exploring various bioprinting techniques to produce tissues and organs.
The International Biohacking Community offers many online forums to facilitate discussion and collaboration on an array of topics from DIY biology to transhumanism. Subreddits like r/biohacking and r/lifeextension provide forums dedicated to hacking in biology and related technologies, including advancements. Meanwhile, another forum dedicated solely to discussions regarding increasing lifespan and healthspan can also be found here. Cryonics and CRISPR technologies are also covered. Additionally, the r/WimHof discord server serves as a forum to discuss Wim Hof Method cold immersion techniques used by athletes and wellness enthusiasts alike. Finally, the r/transhumanism community offers cutting-edge ideas about creating a future of superintelligence and longevity.
Hackteria
Hackteria Network is an international group that engages in DIY and DIWO biology with an eye toward art and design, community engagement and interdepartmental cooperation. Members come from varied backgrounds such as artists, engineers, scientists and science communicators – using wiki-based platforms to share knowledge and collaborate among members.
The network is active throughout Europe and Asia, undertaking activities ranging from developing tools for studying fungi to designing experimental microscopy equipment used by artists. Furthermore, workshops on DIY biology, kitchen laboratories and related subjects are held regularly by members. A wiki documenting projects and events also serves to keep all members up-to-date.
Hackteria Network activities seek to advance DIY and DIWO biology by encouraging hands-on experiments and encouraging tinkering, while demystifying scientific research and technology. For this, mobile labs or temporary venues for workshops are used; additionally, working together allows Hackteria network members to co-create workshops or projects collaboratively.
Nomadic labs are an interesting trend within hackerspace and DIYbio movements, which has seen an evolution from building stable structures such as art labs or artist collectives to organizing more mobile R&D workshops that travel to festivals and exhibitions. Such projects represent science’s need for exposure in different groups, customs, and environments in order to have meaningful impacts on society.
This workshop will introduce participants to basic biohacking techniques and tools, including webcams for live observation and interaction with life forms. Furthermore, this session will explore the potential of DIY microscopes as a tool for art and biohacking; participants will assemble their own webcam-powered microscope, before learning how to use it for observation of cells and other living things.
This event is open and free to the public, while organizers seek funding in order to expand it and include more locations across Indonesia.
Hackuarium
Hackuarium, a biohackerspace in Ecublens, Switzerland offers all of the equipment a DIY biology enthusiast could ever desire for DIY biology projects. Ranging from PCR machines and 1,000-litre bio reactors, biohackerspace offers everything one could ever want for DIY biology enthusiasts. Every corner features boxes filled with equipment like chromatography columns and acid chambers waiting for opening up to their lab community.
However, these machines aren’t for sale or trade – as the association doesn’t aim to generate any profit. Instead, its goal is democratise science: anyone can join and use the laboratory whenever they desire an experimentation session – only requiring an eagerness to learn and contribute in return for membership fees. Members are encouraged to document projects openly while sharing findings with wider society.
Wikis are an excellent way to facilitate group biohacking projects as they allow multiple people from diverse backgrounds to collaborate and build on one another’s ideas. Wikis also help make the process more transparent and accountable – key ingredients of success for any successful biohacking endeavor. Using one to document biohacking projects may help avoid mistakes that might otherwise arise during group collaboration.
Transparency is at the core of building trust online; showing others your work and responding promptly to criticism are vital components. Wikis provide an effective communication platform for projects, connecting scientists around the globe and sharing research.
The Hackuarium is a non-profit Swiss association dedicated to democratising science through public engagement. Their laboratories in Ecublens are open to anyone who shares its values and agrees with following its DIYbio code of ethics; members come from diverse backgrounds such as scientists, engineers, architects, designers and even retired professionals.
They share an interest in open science and hacking. They believe technology has the ability to transform society, so they experiment with ways it could improve human experience. Furthermore, they’re interested in biotech development; recent projects include creating bioluminescent jellyfish and bio-inspired robots.
Biohacking Timeline
Biohackers, an emerging community of individuals using research, tools, and technology to enhance their health and performance, are using research, tools, and technology to maximize their health and performance. Dubbed biohackers, they experiment with various interventions designed to increase physical and mental wellbeing ranging from diet changes, supplements, exercise regimens etc. All driven by a desire to better their lives while pushing the limits of human potential.
Biohackers often draw their inspiration from discoveries in longevity science. Supplements like NAD+ booster NMN (an NAD+ boost), Resveratrol and Metformin have become popular with those interested in prolonging life; however more studies are necessary before these supplements can be considered reliable biohacks.
Biohackers may use AI tools to analyze their DNA and provide personalized dietary advice, while others take part in extreme experiments such as caloric restriction in order to extend lifespan by decreasing food intake; although, such practices may pose health risks to some individuals.
Biohackers often utilize self-quantification and tracking devices to measure their fitness, sleep patterns and activity levels – giving them access to data that allows them to identify trends and make informed lifestyle decisions. A subset of biohackers known as grinders even take this one step further by implanting devices into their bodies!
Biohacking has emerged as a social movement defined by an ethos of entrepreneurial self-experimentation and has an intricate relationship to contemporary cultural forces such as consumerism, individualism and neoliberalism. Biohacking has profound social ramifications and further research must be conducted to understand its influence on how we view health. Biohacking has also been associated with posthumanism, an ideology which challenges the hierarchical legacies of Enlightenment humanism by accepting humans as ecological beings in relationship to microorganisms and nonhuman entities. Research scientists view biohacking as an opportunity for humanity, while others are wary of its possible negative consequences. Therefore, it’s crucial that biohacking risks are identified and that a regulatory framework be put in place before proceeding further.
