Josiah Zayner, 36, recently made headlines by becoming the first person to use the revolutionary gene-editing tool Crispr
to try to change their own genes. Part way through a talk on genetic
engineering, Zayner pulled out a syringe apparently containing DNA and
other chemicals designed to trigger a genetic change in his cells
associated with dramatically increased muscle mass. He injected the DIY
gene therapy into his left arm, live-streaming the procedure on the internet.
The former Nasa biochemist, based in California, has become a leading figure in the growing “biohacker”
movement, which involves loose collectives of scientists, engineers,
artists, designers, and activists experimenting with biotechnology
outside of conventional institutions and laboratories.
Despite warnings from the US Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) that selling gene therapy products without regulatory approval is
illegal, Zayner sells kits that allow anyone to get started with basic
genetic engineering techniques, and has published a free guide for
others who want to take it further and experiment on themselves.
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2017/dec/24/josiah-zayner-diy-gene-editing-therapy-crispr-interview
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