Oversight of biohacking when the stakes are high: Ethics police or FBI?

doi:10.7916/VIB.V6I.5898

Paper

Oversight of biohacking when the stakes are high: Ethics police or FBI?

Published Mar 26, 2020 · C. Castelyn

UNKNOWN SJR score

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Abstract

Biohackers should fall within the scope of research ethics boards, known as the “ethics police,” regardless of FBI involvement in reeling them in if they break the law. It may even be argued that the bioethical principles, often discussed in research ethics, may align with the goals of biohackers. Both bioethicists and biohackers argue that equitable access and justice should be pursued, however, the means by which this is achieved differs greatly. Bioethicist and journalist, Alex Pearlman, is leading a project to help biohackers setup their own norms. This paper argues that ethical conduct of biohackers falls within the broad scope of research ethics, with special consideration of practical implications and recommendations. Biohacking refers to any form of optimizing or improving one’s body or mind and is part of synthetic biology and the DIY (do-it-yourself) community.

Study Snapshot

Biohackers' ethical conduct should fall within the broad scope of research ethics, rather than being subject to FBI involvement in cases of law-breaking.

PopulationOlder adults (50-71 years)

Sample size24

MethodsObservational

OutcomesBody Mass Index projections

ResultsSocial networks mitigate obesity in older groups.

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Paper

Oversight of biohacking when the stakes are high: Ethics police or FBI?

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References

Citations

Limiting open science? Three approaches to bottom-up governance of dual-use research of concern

Three approaches, involving technology, stakeholder dialogue, and personnel, can effectively manage dual-use research of concern in life sciences.

Commoning genomic solidarity to improve global health equality

Somatic human genome editing requires active "commoning" to foster responsible research coordination and non-discriminatory healthcare, addressing a "genomic sovereignty" mindset and societal interests.