While reading Biopunk I've been able to explore the issue of "bio hackers" and "citizen science". Should the general public take science into their own hands and conduct their own experiments? This is an interesting question that is posed throughout Biopunk and thus, I wonder how I would respond to a situation of citizen science?
Supposed that I have come back from summer break to find that my roommate has set up a wetlab in our apartment in order to experiment with genetic material. My first response would be concern and serious doubt. While I advocate that everyone should try and educate themselves on some aspect of science, one cannot deny that areas like genetics require serious understanding of the scientific literature. Is it safe for someone with no background in genetics to suddenly start experimenting with genes? I do not think I would participate in my roommate's experiment because I tend to err on the side of caution and would not feel qualified to conduct such experiments. The situation would be different if I were being monitored by someone who has great expertise in the field of genetics. Not only could I safely (and correctly) conduct any experiments I want to, but I could be mentored in the field of genetics further, and perhaps I would learn much more than I would have on my own. Not only would I be getting the "hands on" expertise that is sometimes necessary for studying science, but I would also be taught by a professional who can impart far greater knowledge on me than just my own experimentation.
I agree, I don't think it's safe for someone with no knowledfe on proper procedure to be conducting expironments in their own home. Not only is it dangerous to the inhabitants it's also dangerous to anyone that comes in contact with you. I used to watch the show Frige (before it got to complitcated for me) and it sort of reminds me of the Biopunk book turned bad.
ReplyDeleteIf my roommate wanted to learn and get mentored on correct procedure, I think I would feel a bit better, but until then, I don't think it's such a good idea. Good Job, I enjoyed your post!
I think instead of being completely turned off by the idea...I would try and help my roommate find places where they could be educated on DIYbio. I would definitely feel uncomfortable with them handling a lab in our space, since we eat and sleep there! But, I would help them find a place, like the house in Austin (I think it was out of Biopunk) where they were able to conduct experiments away from their homes but close enough in the neighborhood, you know? Like you said, it would be different if they, or you for that matter, were being monitored by someone who has the expertise in the field.
ReplyDeleteSometimes, you just have to do things, and sometimes it's not always bad that you don't know everything. I think that the hazards have been kind of overblown, and no one is really going to make. Superbug that can kill everyone. I think most people who do this do it for the right reasons, and the knowledge needed is available online, and isn't truly ll that complicated, especially to anyone with a high school level knowledge of biology. It isn't rocket science, but, that said, there should be precautions taken to ensure virulent things shouldn't be in the hands of terrorists.
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