With my own hand
Former NASA biochemist changed his own genes
Anatoly Glossev, Vesti
Josiah Zainer is a 36–year-old biochemist, a former NASA employee and one of the leaders of the biohacker movement. These people are engaged in biological research independently, without resorting to the help of scientific organizations (and, as a result, without issuing scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals).
Recently, Zainer decided on an unusual experiment. He tried to change the DNA in the muscle cells of his own arm using the famous CRISPR technology. This may be the first time in history that a person has edited their own genes. He needed an ordinary medical syringe filled with the appropriate composition. The experimenter posted a video of the process on the Internet.
As explained According to Gardian, he embedded a gene encoding the protein myostatin in the DNA of his hand cells. This substance promotes muscle growth (or prevents them from getting old with age). The choice of the American fell on this gene, because it is well studied, and similar experiments have been conducted many times on animals.
The biochemist explains that in experiments on our younger brothers, the first results became noticeable after four to six weeks. At the moment, the researcher is developing tests that will allow him to check whether the DNA in the muscle cells of his arm has really changed. At the same time, as Zainer notes, he is skeptical about the possibility of increasing the volume of muscles visible to the naked eye.
Based on his own knowledge of biology, the experimenter considers the risks of his experience to be minimal. Mainly because we are talking about adding a well-known gene to the cells of the hand with a local injection. Editing DNA throughout the body would be much more dangerous.
Zainer explains his motives simply. While the methods of gene therapy are being tested, millions of people who could have already been cured are dying. He does not deny that DNA editing methods are potentially dangerous, and it is necessary to find a balance between risks and possible benefits. But, according to biohacker, now the balance is strongly shifted towards reinsurance. With his experiment, the biochemist wants to demonstrate that another approach is possible.
Zainer stands for a society in which gene therapy methods are available to everyone. His motto is: "Anyone can do anything with their own body." Nevertheless, he urges people to treat themselves responsibly and rely on proven scientific knowledge in their experiments.
As the biochemist explains, all the necessary tools are available and inexpensive. For example, a laboratory can synthesize the necessary DNA fragment for ten US dollars, and it does not matter whether a scientific organization or an individual has applied to it.
According to Zainer, the irrational fear of GMOs in society is caused by the division into "we" and "they". "They" (biologists) have the right to edit genes, and "we" (society) do not know and do not understand what they are doing, so it's better not to do it. When every person is "his own GMO", everything will change.
However, it is possible that some people will want to grow tails and other additional organs. But in the conscious and voluntary change of the body, Zainer sees nothing wrong.
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru