- April 3, 2025
Over the past ten years, biohacking has rapidly gained popularity. People around the world are spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on medical examinations, implanting chips in their hands, and even undergoing blood transfusions. But what exactly is biohacking, and why are so many people investing in it?
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Biohacking is the practice of improving the body’s functionality through medical supplements, nutrition, exercise, and other methods. These practices aim to stimulate brain activity and slow down the aging process.
For biohackers, the human body is akin to an operating system. Just like computers, the body can experience “bugs” such as fatigue, illness, and death. However, any system can be optimized and protected from external factors.
The term “biohacking” was first known in 1988, referring to genetic engineers conducting experiments outside of university labs. The concept gained traction in 2002 when the human genome was first decoded, sparking widespread interest in gene editing. Not all enthusiasts were professional scientists; many were hobbyists forming research groups.
Over the next decade, biohackers began to be mentioned in print and online publications. For example, in 2010, the scientific journal Nature published an article about Rob Carlson, a physicist who created a DNA research lab in his garage.
Today, biohacking labs exist worldwide, supported by organizations like DIYbio.org. In 2014, Silicon Valley entrepreneur and programmer Rob Rhinehart introduced Soylent, a meal-replacement drink designed to save time on food preparation and consumption. This innovation brought biohacking into the spotlight in Silicon Valley (though right now we know a bit better about what is an effective biohacking diet)
Since 2015, biohacking startups have received millions in investments. For instance, Andreessen Horowitz invested $2 million in Hvmn, a startup developing nootropics—substances that enhance brain function.
In Russia, biohacking gained attention thanks to businessman Sergey Fage. In 2017, Sergey wrote an article titled “I’m 32 and I’ve Spent $200,000 on Biohacking,” which garnered significant attention. Sergey detailed his biohacking methods, including sleep tracking, nutrition monitoring, exercise, meditation, psychological counseling, and blood and DNA analysis. Based on these analyses, he takes supplements and nootropics.
One of the most famous biohackers is American entrepreneur Dave Asprey, who has spent over $1 million aiming to live to 180 years old. Asprey is known for creating Bulletproof Coffee, a high-fat coffee blend that he claims improves concentration, prevents age-related diseases, and aids in weight loss.
American programmer Chris Dancy, known as the “mindful cyborg,” measures 300 to 700 metrics daily. Dancy believes this helps combat weight gain, diseases, and bad habits. For example, he noticed that he disliked tobacco smoke after consuming water, milk, or orange juice, so he increased his intake of these beverages to quit smoking.
Some biohackers conduct risky experiments on their bodies. For instance, American bioengineer Josiah Zayner injected himself with experimental DNA to block a gene that suppresses muscle growth.
Traditionally, biohacking methods are categorized into three main types:
In recent years, biohacking has evolved to focus more on preventive medicine. Modern biohackers use various methods to monitor and improve their health:
Many biohacking methods overlap with healthy living principles, such as diet and exercise. However, biohacking promotes a more personalized approach, using biomarkers to track how specific interventions affect the body.
Biohacking also aligns closely with evidence-based medicine, emphasizing the importance of consulting healthcare professionals before making any changes. Self-diagnosis and unsupervised use of supplements or medications can be dangerous.
Biohacking is rapidly evolving. In the near future, more people are expected to adopt healthy living practices, followed by additional biohacking methods. Advances in technology will likely enable individuals to track their biological data using smartphones, making preventive healthcare more accessible.
Experts predict that scientific progress will significantly extend human lifespan, potentially allowing people to live up to a thousand years while maintaining youthful vitality. As biohacking continues to grow, it promises to revolutionize how we approach health and longevity.
nataly@bioupgraded.com
@bioupgraded
Dallas, TX, USA
