Buzz
The term "Biohacking" is becoming more prevalent. It refers to a type of citizen science, where most experiments are conducted in independent labs by individuals during their free time. These experiments often involve activities like altering plant DNA for growth optimization or extracting specific genetic material to enhance or modify it. Essentially, the movement revolves around improving biological systems, akin to upgrading your computer.
Biohacking spaces are emerging globally, offering people all the resources needed to explore the world in a biological—and occasionally unsettling—manner. Critics argue that the term “hack” historically had a negative, illicit connotation. Despite being rooted in curiosity, some truly bizarre developments have come out of this movement, particularly now that the focus is shifting from plants to humans.
10. The Dystopian Origins
The real potential of biohacking began to take shape at the University of Reading, led by Professor Kevin Warwick. Warwick and his team from the Cybernetics Division sought to explore whether it was possible to create a computer capable of interacting with the biological systems of a human being.
They were able to.
Known as “Project Cyborg,” Warwick implanted the first chip into his arm in 1998. The chip emitted a signal that allowed a computer to track Warwick’s movements, unlocking doors, activating lights, and powering on computers as he passed by. This experiment was soon followed by another, where Warwick implanted a similar chip in both himself and his wife. The chips synced up, allowing Warwick to experience a form of “electronic telepathy,” feeling what his wife was doing.
Unsurprisingly, Warwick is a controversial figure within the scientific community. More recent experiments have brought him closer to merging electronics with biology. In 2011, he used robots to transmit data through sensors into cultured brain cells, with the aim of getting those cells to process information and respond to external stimuli.
According to Warwick, the process is challenging because the cells don't always behave as expected and seem to develop their own unpredictable tendencies. Currently, Warwick is working with rat cells, but he hopes to advance to human brain cells in the coming years, with the goal of creating a human brain in a dish that can interact with its environment. Warwick, who also claims to have built the computer that passed the Turing test (a claim still subject to debate), is pushing the boundaries between biology and technology.
9. Genetically Engineering Bacteria Into Construction Material
Biohacking often involves genetic modifications to cells, and the capabilities of these cells are truly remarkable. JuicyPrint is a groundbreaking project that manipulates bacteria to respond to light. These bacteria naturally produce cellulose, and by modifying their genetic makeup, this cellulose production can be controlled by light. When exposed to light, they produce cellulose, and when the light is removed, the production halts.
As the name implies, JuicyPrint uses this naturally created cellulose as the raw material for a 3D printer. By exposing the bacteria layers to light, cellulose is generated in any desired shape. The potential applications for this technology are virtually limitless. By producing a biologically compatible, robust material that can be printed simply by using light, new opportunities emerge in medical technology. The project's creators envision it being used to regenerate organs, as well as fabricate new arteries and blood vessels. Because these organs and implants would be made from biological rather than synthetic materials, they are expected to integrate more smoothly into the human body, reducing the likelihood of complications such as blood clots.
The ultimate aim of the project is to feed fruit juice into the printer, allowing it to create the necessary shapes. The genetically engineered strain of bacteria used is commonly found in substances like vinegar, juice, and the leftover waste from beer brewing. This not only ensures a steady supply of raw materials but also builds on the success of using bacterial cellulose for skin grafts, opening the door to virtually endless possibilities.
8. Magnetic Sensitivity
Biohacking doesn’t always involve manipulating DNA or genetic material. It can also merge biological and technological elements, much like the vision of Kevin Warwick. Those who engage in this are known as 'grinders.' A pioneering example of this was the implantation of magnets into fingertips. This movement is largely underground, typically taking place in body modification studios and piercing parlors. It’s gaining traction, as seen in Pittsburgh’s Grindhouse Wetwares, which is managed by an electrical engineer and a software developer. The name 'Grindhouse Wetwares' reflects the combination of three components—hardware (the machinery and computers), software (the programs), and wetware (the humans).
Inserting magnets into fingertips isn’t just about picking things up. According to those who undergo the procedure, the body slowly adjusts to the magnet as if it were a natural part of the body, allowing them to interpret the signals it receives. This is similar to how your body adapts when you start wearing glasses and your senses become sharper. The long-term effects of such modifications remain unclear. While some claim to experience the implanted magnets as an extra sense, others say that the novelty fades within a few weeks, leaving them with just a minor party trick—the ability to wield the Force on a very small scale.
7. Echolocation
The idea of implanting devices into the human body to enhance or create new senses isn’t limited to party tricks—many are now exploring biohacking as a means to enhance their quality of life.
Rich Lee, 34 years old, is facing the reality of going blind. After suddenly losing most of the vision in his right eye, he knows that a time is fast approaching when he’ll be legally blind. However, while he still has some sight, he’s preparing himself by learning to use echolocation.
This is accomplished with sound-transmitting magnets, which Lee has had implanted in his ears. Typically, these magnets are used for private listening, like hearing music without others noticing, but Lee has also been training himself to interpret the sounds they pick up. The body modification artist who implanted the magnets in Las Vegas ensured they act as sound receivers. To listen to music, for example, Lee uses a battery pack and amplifier that sends the sound through a coil, which in turn transfers the sound to the magnets. The magnets vibrate, letting Lee hear the music.
However, echolocation is more complex and requires extensive experimentation, including fine-tuning the amplifiers and battery packs. Eventually, Lee hopes to incorporate an ultrasonic rangefinder into the setup, which would allow him to 'see' through the sound transmitted by his implants.
6. Humanity+ And Transhumanism
Humanity+ is a global, nonprofit organization committed to advancing what many biohackers working from their basements are striving to do—enhance humanity through technology. The organization’s mission revolves around using technology for ethical purposes, while also focusing on expanding human potential to create the next phase of human evolution. This includes efforts to extend lifespan and overcome challenges in areas like smart prosthetics, cryonics, and regenerative medicine.
The organization aligns itself with the philosophical movement known as transhumanism. At its heart, transhumanism posits that the current state of humanity is merely an early prototype. With the aid of technology, implants, and genetic manipulation, humanity will evolve into something beyond human, referred to by transhumanists as the 'posthuman.' In addition to the physical transformations, transhumanists are also deeply invested in addressing the ethical and moral questions raised by these advancements, such as how we’ll wield the immense power that comes with technological enhancements.
Humanity+ insists that this is not a novel idea, even though transhumanism has only recently gained significant traction. They argue that the movement’s roots stretch far back in history, citing ancient Greek practices like using ambrosia to prevent aging, as well as alchemists’ attempts to create the elusive 'elixir of life.'
5. The Goal: A Posthuman
In the context of biohacking, the concept of the posthuman represents the ultimate aspiration in a constantly evolving field. Transhumanism—the pursuit of becoming transhuman—is just a stepping stone. The true goal is to reach the posthuman stage. A posthuman is a being that no longer conforms to current human standards. It would represent a form of humanity that is as distant from us as we are from our primate relatives. While we can recognize their thoughts, emotions, and social structures, we retain a sense of superiority, knowing that we no longer feel the need to throw our poop. Posthumans, on the other hand, would view us as we see primates today: as primitive creatures still caught up in outdated behaviors.
Supporters of the movement believe that we will eventually gain full control over our emotions and mental states, allowing us to experience enhanced abilities in areas like love, pleasure, and overall well-being. The posthuman may also experience types of consciousness that are beyond our current understanding. To achieve all of this, the posthuman will need to undergo a radical transformation, incorporating genetic modification, nanotechnology, neural interfaces, and implantable or wearable computers. This transformation will completely redefine our perception of self.
What remains entirely uncertain is how this will all unfold. Humanity+ suggests that the posthuman may take the form of a synthetic artificial intelligence or possibly even shed our physical bodies entirely to exist within digital networks, such as the Internet. The term 'transhuman' only applies to the interim stage—the transitional human—that will bridge the gap toward the posthuman.
1. Regulating Nootropics
Biohacking doesn't always require surgery or sharp tools. The growing movement of 'nootropics' revolves around using cognitive-enhancing drugs to improve focus, speed of thought, and productivity. Silicon Valley has become a major hotspot for nootropic experimentation, and thanks to Reddit, this field has become a fascinating example of crowdsourced innovation in the pursuit of mental optimization.
This global movement is massive, especially given that there’s no precise definition of what’s actually happening. One key element is 'stacking,' which involves combining various pills and substances to achieve specific effects. Some individuals take this to the extreme, consuming up to 40 different pills in a day. For those just starting out, the most common substances are caffeine and L-theanine, found in coffee and tea, which are relatively mild. On the other hand, habitual users may turn to substances like Ritalin, Adderall, and modafinil. Mainstream advocates of nootropics claim these substances aren’t technically nootropics, but the underlying idea remains the same—altering brain chemistry to enhance productivity.
So what’s the long-term effect of taking these brain-enhancing drugs and mixtures? No one knows for sure, despite the fact that the idea is far from new. Nootropics first emerged in 1964 with a chemical concoction named piracetam. This compound was developed by Romanian chemist and psychologist Corneliu Giurgea, whose work helped lay the foundation for modern nootropics. According to Giurgea, nootropic drugs should enhance learning, improve brain processing, and boost activity between the two hemispheres of the brain, all while being non-addictive and non-toxic.
At this point, it’s impossible to predict the long-term consequences of these brain-altering substances. Legal concerns also come into play. For instance, modafinil, which has been used to treat narcolepsy and has been proven safe for use by Air Force pilots on long missions, is illegal to sell in the UK without a prescription. However, selling untested nootropics remains legal. Those who are more cautious about these substances point to early biohacking experiments such as Project MKULtra, and we all know how that turned out.
4. The Political Party
While it may seem like the transhumanist movement belongs in a sci-fi movie or is simply about people trying to become their favorite characters from the X-Men, supporters of biohacking and the movement want to make it clear that they’re serious. They've even formed a political party and are running for the office of US president.
The party's platform aims to create a government that prioritizes science, technology, and health. Their ambitions are highly ambitious, especially considering that biohacking is still in its early stages. The party already adopts the classic politician’s approach by promising the extraordinary. They aspire to bring biohackers and body modification enthusiasts out of their basements and workshops and push technological and scientific progress to the point where aging and death are no longer concerns—within just 15–20 years. They’re also committed to establishing ethical guidelines for emerging technologies and moving away from a culture obsessed with death, one that spends vast sums on medicine that may only extend life a little. Zoltan Istvan, the founder of the Transhumanist Party, says their approach will be not just to advocate for science but to actively apply it. They even support ideas like mind-reading devices and suspended animation.
They acknowledge that their chances of making significant headway in the 2016 election are slim, but Istvan, who is also running for president, sees it as a promising beginning. And while it may seem improbable that a candidate advocating for telepathic devices and immortality through technology could succeed, something similar has already happened in Italy. In 2012, Italy's first Transhumanist Party candidate, Giuseppe Vatinno, was elected to parliament. Vatinno, who embraced the ideas of Humanity+ and its action-oriented approach to solving global issues, placed significant emphasis on advancements in nanotechnology, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence as key areas for progress.
6. Humanity+ And Transhumanism
Humanity+ is a global, nonprofit organization focused on bringing the work of biohackers out of the shadows and into the mainstream, aiming to improve humanity using technology. The organization's mission is grounded in using technology for ethical purposes while working to expand human potential, ultimately creating what could be considered the next stage of human evolution. This includes efforts to extend life expectancy and push the limits of human capabilities through advancements in areas like smart prosthetics, cryonics, and regenerative medicine.
They are also embracing transhumanism as their guiding philosophy. This school of thought posits that humanity, in its current form, is merely an early draft of what we can become. With advancements in technology, genetic modification, and implants, humans will eventually evolve into something beyond our current capabilities—referred to by transhumanists as the 'posthuman.' While physical transformations are central to this shift, there is also a significant focus on the ethical dilemmas and responsibilities that accompany such powerful advancements. What will we do with these newfound abilities?
Humanity+ emphasizes that the idea behind transhumanism is hardly a recent concept. While it's only in the past few decades that we’ve had the tools and knowledge to explore it on a grand scale, its roots trace back much further. They point to ancient ideas, like the Greek myth of ambrosia, which was believed to prevent aging, and the alchemical pursuit of the 'elixir of life,' as precursors to the modern movement.
5. The Goal: A Posthuman
In the realm of biohacking, the posthuman is considered the ultimate objective, though this is always a work in progress. Transhumanism—the endeavor to create the 'transhuman'—is only one step in the journey. The true end goal is the posthuman. A posthuman being is so far removed from what we consider human today that it would be as different from us as we are from our primate ancestors. While we can understand their emotions, thoughts, and social structures, we still regard ourselves as superior, knowing we have evolved beyond their primitive behaviors. Posthumans, in turn, will likely view us as a distant, less evolved form of life.
Advocates of the movement argue that we will eventually have complete mastery over our emotions and mental states, experiencing enhanced capabilities for things like love, pleasure, and longevity. There may also be states of consciousness that we cannot even imagine today but that the posthuman will experience as part of their daily reality. To achieve this, the posthuman will need to be a completely re-engineered human, incorporating technologies like genetic modifications, nanotechnology, neural interfaces, and implantable, wearable devices. This transformation will dramatically alter our fundamental concept of the self.
What remains entirely unclear is what the future will actually look like. Humanity+ speculates that it could involve a type of artificial intelligence or, perhaps, we will abandon our physical forms entirely and exist solely within digital networks like the Internet. The term 'transhuman' is meant to describe the 'transitional human,' the intermediary step towards a future that is yet to be fully imagined.
4. The Political Party
If the transhumanist movement seems like something straight out of science fiction or if it’s hard to picture people trying to become characters from the X-Men, the supporters of biohacking and the transhumanist agenda are making it clear that they mean business. They’ve established a political party and are even running candidates for the US presidency.
The party’s platform is dedicated to prioritizing science, technology, and health in government. Their goals are bold and ambitious, particularly considering that biohacking is still in its early stages. They are taking a typical political approach of promising extraordinary changes, hoping to bring radical transformations such as eliminating aging and death in just 15 to 20 years. Their vision includes moving away from a culture obsessed with death and instead investing in technology and science to extend life. Zoltan Istvan, the Transhumanist Party's founder, emphasizes that they are not merely advocating for science—they are determined to use it. They even support ideas like mind-reading headsets and suspended animation.
Though they acknowledge their slim chances of success in the 2016 election, Istvan, who is also the presidential candidate, considers it a worthwhile start. While the idea of a campaign focused on telepathic technology and immortality might seem far-fetched, it's already made strides in Italy. In 2012, Italy elected its first Transhumanist Party member to parliament. Giuseppe Vatinno, a Transhumanist MP, was drawn to the ideas of Humanity+ and their action-oriented approach to solving the world’s problems. High on his list of technological priorities were advancements in nanotechnology, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence.
1. Regulating Nootropics
Biohacking doesn't always require surgical tools. The 'nootropics' movement is rapidly gaining traction and centers around the concept of using brain-boosting substances to enhance focus, accelerate thinking, and improve efficiency. Unsurprisingly, Silicon Valley has emerged as a key hub for nootropic experimentation. Thanks to Reddit, the field has become an innovative crowdsourced effort.
This worldwide trend has become a significant phenomenon, despite the lack of a clear and universally accepted definition. One major practice is 'stacking,' where individuals mix various pills and substances to achieve desired effects. Some people take it to extremes, combining up to 40 different pills a day. For newcomers, the most commonly recommended starting substances are caffeine and L-theanine, found in coffee and tea. These are on the more conservative side. At the more extreme end, some habitual users turn to medications like Ritalin, Adderall, and modafinil. Mainstream nootropic supporters argue that these substances may not technically be nootropics, but the principle remains the same—altering brain chemistry to boost productivity.
What are the long-term consequences of using these drugs and combinations? The truth is, no one really knows. Despite the fact that the concept isn't new, its impact remains uncertain. Nootropics began in 1964 with the creation of 'piracetam,' a chemical concoction developed by Romanian chemist and psychologist Corneliu Giurgea. His work and the guidelines he set forth paved the way for today's nootropic practices. According to Giurgea, these substances must enhance learning, improve cognitive processing, and facilitate better communication between the two hemispheres of the brain, while also being non-addictive and non-toxic.
At this point, it's impossible to accurately predict the long-term effects of these brain-altering substances. There are also legal considerations to contend with. For instance, modafinil is a drug that's been used to treat narcolepsy, proven to be safe, and even utilized by Air Force pilots to stay alert during extended missions. However, in the UK, selling modafinil without a prescription is illegal, while selling untested nootropics remains within the law. Those who advocate caution often point to early biohacking experiments like Project MKUltra, and we all know how that turned out.
2. Steve Kurtz and the Biological Countermeasures Unit
If you believe there's a significant risk involved when people start experimenting with DNA, you're not alone—the FBI shares that concern.
In 2006, the FBI established the WMD Directorate, which includes the Biological Countermeasures Unit. Its main responsibility is preventing bioterrorism, a task that has become more difficult with the rise of biohacking. This challenge isn't necessarily caused by biohackers themselves, but rather the increasing ease with which lab equipment and biological agents are accessible. Each of their 56 field offices has at least one person trained in biosecurity. They’ve also begun reaching out to scientists of all levels, not only to stay informed but to help ensure that DIY researchers are conducting their work safely. In 2013, a group of biohackers was invited to meet with the FBI in California, where they were questioned about what they were doing and why. This outreach program is part of the learning process necessary to balance encouraging citizen science while preventing the accidental release of dangerous pathogens. Sadly, one of the most well-known cases of suspected bioterrorism is a deeply tragic story.
Steve Kurtz, a professor of art at SUNY Buffalo, found himself in a nightmarish situation in 2004. While preparing an exhibit with his wife, Hope, for the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, she unexpectedly passed away from heart failure. When Kurtz called 911, first responders noticed petri dishes that were part of the exhibit's preparations. Although the materials were harmless, Kurtz was arrested, and his wife's body was seized by authorities for further investigation. Bioterrorism experts, including officials from the Department of Defense, Joint Terrorism Task Force, and Homeland Security, descended on his home and office. His residence was condemned as a potential health hazard. It wasn't until a week later, after thorough testing by New York State's Commissioner of Public Health, that it was confirmed the samples posed no danger. Only then could Kurtz recover his wife’s body. Even his cat was taken away, suspected of possibly carrying a disease, though it was later returned once he was freed.
3. So What Are The Potential Dangers?
While many biohackers argue that agencies like the FBI are overreacting to potential threats, others are actively demonstrating how implants, such as those used under the skin, can be exploited for malicious purposes. One such demonstration came from US Navy petty officer Seth Wahle, who took a chip intended for cattle monitoring and implanted it into his hand, rendering it undetectable by the human eye.
Wahle has shown how the chip, equipped with a Near Field Communication (NFC) antenna, can transmit signals to any nearby Android phone. This prompts the phone user to open a file, and once they click on the link, they unknowingly grant full control of their device to a remote computer. Although the technology is still in its early stages, the concept is sound. The required programming to make the link appear authentic is minimal. Currently, the remote computer disconnects when the phone is powered off, but this can be easily circumvented by installing software on the hijacked phone that activates upon powering it back on.
One of the most chilling aspects is how impossible it is to detect. Wahle, who was in the military at the time, had the chip implanted without anyone ever noticing. He went through daily military scanners, airport security, and checkpoints, yet no one ever realized he had an implant that could give him control over any Android phone.
With the help of a security consulting firm, Wahle and his colleagues demonstrated how easy it is to implant a device that activates merely through contact with its target, while remaining entirely undetectable by current military and airport security systems. They argue that this is just the start of the biohacking threat and emphasize that the materials needed for such implants are accessible to anyone.
