Biohackers

The idea of everyday citizens doing genetic experiments in their own home is not something that I thought was possible a week ago, but after the readings so far in BioPunk my perception has changed.  It would be an interesting scenario if my roommate decided to start his own genetic experiments in our apartment. I'd have to say that my main concern first and foremost would be that he would keep the experiments confined to his room for the most part, so as to keep the apartment tidy.

As for how I would personally feel about his decision to partake in this experiment, I would probably be supportive. I never realized how it was everyday people instead of scientists and engineers who took the early computer and made the first steps to what would become the types of personal computers that we have today.  If that was possible by non-scientists then there are all kinds of possibilities with genetics outside of the official laboratory.  So I would be very interested in the experiments and results that my roommate was recording and I would possibly participate.  Though I would probably have a minimal role, since I barely have time to do my work now, let alone for something that is completely optional.

Now this isn't to say I would be ok with everything that my roommate would be doing with these experiments.  If he decided to start bringing in animals from the street and killing them for research purposes, then I would likely object. An experiment in good taste and a clear hypothesis would be something I would support.