Biohacking Biohacking

Biohacking, a cult trend on a par with computer hacking in the 1980s and 1990s, has reached Europe from the United States. Its adherents explore the alterability of life through means such as DNA modification and support free access to genetic data. At this event that was moderated by the screenwriter Ine Poppe, we looked at the ethics and politics of biohacking, with reference to video images of biological experiments. There was also onstage Q&As with the biologist and philosopher Ellen ter Gast and the artist Floris Kaayk.

What do you need to make a living organism in a lab? Why do we experiment with stem cells? Kaayk, Poppe and Ter Gast offered a peek into the engine room of a contemporary DIY-biologist. During a dazzling media-show at the cross-road of art, science and ethics the state of the art of biological research and imagination were discussed. We showed footage of biohacker and stem cell researcher C. Vlasmans DIY-bio lab and several extraordinary experiments.

How to play God yourself?

C.Vlasman wants to create life. Vlasman experiments with life forms: blobs of flesh and blood. And even bones. You don't need a high-tech lab to live your dream of being a molecular biologist nowadays: as a bio-hacker Vlasman works (beside in an official laboratory) in the garage. With a few hundred quid and some kit, you can play God, albeit with lower organisms -- for now. Or??

You will see several experiments and hear stories about ethics, politics and get a glimpse of the creation process.