Biohacking encompasses a wide spectrum of practices and movements ranging from “grinders” who design and install do-it-yourself body-enhancements such as magnetic implants to do-it-yourself biologists who conduct at-home gene sequencing.
Just in case you’re thinking of trying it out at home, this website has sterile scalpels, latex tourniquets and a pain management kit. Clearly not for the faint-hearted!
https://dangerousthings.com/shop/product-category/biohacking/
Hi Clare,
Related to this post, I’ve just tweeted a documentary about grinders at http://t.co/AnXptJ6W4O
The interview is mainly about those who claim to take a systematic approach but does mention those who, err, use vegetable peelers! I wouldn’t go as far as sticking a magnet in my finger but I think the desire to modify the body, from tattoos to surgery, is fascinating. Tech implants are a bit strange for sure but , as one of the grinders asks, maybe all this is not such a big leap?
Ed
Hi Ed,
Just read the link – the thought of using a vegetable peeler leaves me feeling rather queasy. Like you, I wouldn’t want to have a magnet implanted in my fingertip but I’d love to be able to experience magnetic fields. I think I would consider a 4G SIM card implant though for fast and easy wifi access when travelling!
Love the the description of computers as hardware, apps as software and humans as wetware!
Fascinating links – thanks for these Ed and Clare.