Do-it-yourself optimisation - biohacking between the kitchen table and the lab

One part of biohacking is about helping people "take control of their biology" (making small but significant changes in our lifestyle). Another, less common part is about "democratizing biology as a science", i.e. giving all people the opportunity to conduct scientific experiments themselves at home ("do-it-yourself biology"), usually without expensive equipment and proper facilities (this is the prelude to the "extreme biohackers" who try to enhance their humanity using modern technologies such as robotics, implants and genetic engineering that are inaccessible to most people).

Recently, one of these DIY biohackers has come into the media spotlight. His name is Will Canine, and the news is reporting on a "robot" (which is actually more of an "automated lab machine" than what we usually call a robot) that he and his team originally developed several years ago to make it easier for themselves and other DIY biohackers to conduct their own experiments, but which can now be found in official labs of major companies around the world!

The "robot" is a biotechnology tool that makes some experimental tasks that are usually done manually easier and faster. For example, during pandemics, the robot has helped to do more tests, faster and more efficiently.

Stories like this remind us that biohacking is not just "a hobby" or "a game" as some people believe. Instead, it is a powerful field with the potential to help the entire world. Whether it's in the areas of health, 3D bio-printing, DNA hacking, and body hacking through implants.

We should think about it.