biohacking
noun

- attempts to improve the condition of your body and mind using technology, drugs, or other chemical substances such as hormones

- a do-it-yourself (DIY) form of personal improvement in which people attempt to change aspects of their biology to improve their health, performance, or well-being.

Cambridge Dictionary, Medical News

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WORD ORIGIN

The compound word "biohacking" from Greek bios - “one's life, course or way of living, lifetime”, and “hacking" originally from computer culture, referring to a person who enjoys exploring the details of programmable systems and how to stretch their capabilities.

“Biohacking" was first used by Michael Schrage in a minor article published in The Washington Post in 1988 “What Is Biohacking? How to Biohack Yourself for Better Health - Dr. Axe under the title "Playing God in your Basement”. Schrage proposed that the analogy between personal computers and biotechnology was ripe and would focus on doing biotechnological experiments at home. He predicted that amateur genetic engineers would use the growing techniques of molecular biology and genetic engineering to manipulate life forms.

The term has evolved from its original laboratory-focused meaning to encompass multiple approaches, including self-optimization and body modification with technology.

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THE BIOHACKERS INVENTORY

Biohacking often involves experimenting with different methods to see what works best for an individual's unique biology:

- Lifestyle Modifications
   
Intermittent Fasting: Restricting eating to certain time windows to potentially improve metabolic health and promote longevity.

- Sleep Optimization
   Using techniques like blackout curtains, white noise, or weighted blankets to improve sleep quality and duration.

- Cold Exposure
   Briefly exposing the body to cold temperatures (e.g., ice baths or cold showers) to potentially boost the immune system and improve circulation.

- Movement and Exercise
   
Engaging in regular physical activity to improve physical and mental health.

- 
Dietary Changes
   Focusing on nutrient-rich foods, eliminating processed foods, and potentially using supplements to optimize nutrient intake.

- Nootropics

   Using substances like caffeine, L-Theanine, and Modafinilto to enhance cognitive function and mental performance.

- Technological Biohacking

   Wearable Devices: Using devices like fitness trackers to monitor activity levels, sleep patterns, and other health metrics.

- Brain-Computer Interfaces

   Exploring the use of technology to interface with the brain to potentially enhance cognitive function or treat neurological conditions.

- Genetic Testing and Modification

   Analyzing genetic information and potentially making targeted modifications to influence health outcomes.

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SYNONYMS

amateur genetic engineering, bio-optimization, bio-engineering (-control, -mechanics, -modding, -modification), biological enhancement, BIOHACKING, biotuning, body hacking (modification), brainhacking, citizen science, cyborgisation, DIY bio, do-it-yourself biology, garage biology, genemodding, genetic modification, genotuning, hacking your biology, health hacking, healthcrafting, human augmentation, human augmentation (via electronic devices), human enhancement, humanmodding, life extension, lifehacking, lifestyle-modding, neurohacking, nootropics, nutrigenomics, performance/personal enhancement, quantified self, science of becoming superhuman, self-experimentation (-optimization), synthetic biology, tech-enhanced wellness, transhumanism, upgrading the human body

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SMUGGLE
 OWAD into a conversation today, say something like:

“When BIOHACKING meets super-AGI, personal health care will predict and prevent illness before it starts.”

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