Biohacking

What

According to Wikipedia "[biohacker is] a term used to describe a hobbyist who experiments with DNA and other aspects of genetics. A biohacker (or "wetware hacker") is similar to a computer hacker who creates and modifies computer software or computer hardware as a hobby". - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biohacker#Biohacker

Why

DIYbio is awesome. Hackerspaces are awesome. From that follows that DIYbio in a hackerspace is double awesome.

On a more serious note, one really cool thing about this is that many people in the lab can get involved on different levels. The 3d printer and laser cutter aficionados can help in building equipment, programmers can get involved in the dryware hacking and other may like the actual lab work, making this a real "meta" effort.

Links

General info

• Metaday #25 Lisa Thalheim on Biohacking
• Wikipedia page on "Biohacker"
• Wikipedia page on "DIYbio"
• DIYbio mailing lists etc.
• Open Wetware Wiki
• Garage Bio Podcast
• CCC-Camp2011 Talk: Hacking DNA
• Hackteria
• SNPedia

Equipment etc.

• OpenPCR
• Light Bulb PCR
• Pearl Biotech Open Gel Box
• Registry of Standard Biological Parts
• The BioBricks Foundation
• International Genetically Engineered Machine competition
• eBioscience New Lab Startup Promotion (get some basic stuff for free)

Bio labs (in Hackerspaces)

• Boston Open Source Science Lab
• Biologi Garagen
• Genspace
• Project Biolab at brmlab (Prague)

Misc

• Genomera - Crowd-sourced health studies
• DIYgenomics - crowd-sourced clinical trials and personal genome apps
• WEHI.TV explains the discoveries of scientists at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute through 3D animation.

Challenges

• Find a space in the Metalab.
• Finance the initial lab.
• Deal with the authorities to convince them we are not bio-terrorists.

Planned Activities

• Excursion to one of the Mendel Lectures in the Mendel Museum in Brno

Past Activities

• Vienna Open Lab excursion (October 2011)

Who's interested

• citizen428
• Bons
• Cygenb0ck
• philleb
• Anita
• lydschi
• gaelic
• meta
• ndrst
• Cristina
• AndiS - I won't be much help due to time constraints but since I've actually studied Biotechnology I might have some good suggestions ;-) Count me in for some initial meetings at least.
• dreaa - also studied Biotechnology and can help when I find the time :)
• redtux
• Tie-fighter
• mrzack
• you?