biohacking

noun

bio·​hack·​ing ˈbī-ō-ˌha-kiŋ 

: biological experimentation (as by gene editing or the use of drugs or implants) done to improve the qualities or capabilities of living organisms especially by individuals and groups working outside a traditional medical or scientific research environment

Every November, college kids from Michigan to Munich descend on MIT, eager to show off their biohacking skills. In the International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition, teams battle one another to build the coolest synthetically altered organisms.

—Alexandra Witze

often : such experimentation done on one's own body

… the debate has intensified over whether biohacking—body modification and augmentation with the aim of gaining enhanced abilities—should be subject to strict regulation. Other biohacking stunts have included DIY biologists injecting themselves with CRISPR and with experimental HIV treatments.

—Xavier Symons

Biohacking is still a niche field, but the possibilities are growing. The most successful innovations so far are small magnets that can be implanted in your fingertips, allowing you to feel electric fields. Also popular are … chips … which can be implanted under the skin and used as remote keys, wallets and data storage devices.

—Frank Swain

biohacker

ˈbī-ō-ˌha-kər 

noun

plural biohackers

[Dave] Asprey, 42, is a self-described biohacker—somebody who uses science and technology to make his or her body function better and more efficiently. There are about 100,000 biohackers worldwide, Asprey estimates, and among them, he's a celebrity.

—Gordy Megroz

Examples of biohacking in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Individuals will embrace biohacking, using wearables, implants, and personalized data to optimize health, cognition, and longevity. —Steve Andriole, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024

At roughly the same time, biohacking began to take off. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 10 Mar. 2024

As more young people quit consuming alcohol and turn to biohacking, the functional beverages market continues to explode. —Meimei Fox, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2024

The surge in the popularity of biohacking comes as no surprise, driven by a growing interest in optimizing performance and overall well-being. —Steven Le Vine, Rolling Stone, 18 July 2023

Real-estate investors Ari and Kellie Rastegar are devotees of biohacking, a wellness lifestyle aimed at optimizing physical and mental performance. —Jessica Flint, WSJ, 9 Aug. 2023

The biohacking movement is developing increasingly sophisticated devices to enhance the human body. —Sophie Bushwick, Discover Magazine, 10 Aug. 2012

Word History

Etymology

bio- + hacking, gerund of hack entry 1

First Known Use

1992, in the meaning defined above