Technology fascinates us; it is one of our most obvious passions. This field seems to know no limits when it comes to evolution and growth, and some of its applications leave us speechless even today. Without going any further, there are people who try to «improve themselves» through the biohacking and transhumanist philosophy. What is biohacking? Read on, we'll tell you.
The concept of biohacking sounds like something out of a science fiction novel. Basically, it refers to transforming and empowering the human condition through technology. But we are not talking about an isolated fact; there is a cultural and intellectual movement around this term. In fact, some human beings are already using the tools at our disposal to boost their capabilities. We are talking about nothing more and nothing less than the cyborgs.
Examples of transhumanist biohacking
At the beginning of this article we mentioned the transhumanism. Normally, people who lose a body part, for example, try to recover that function through technology. However, transhumanists do not only seek to solve this problem, but also to differentiate themselves from other human beings on purpose. Here are some examples to illustrate this idea:
- Implants for blood analysis. In 2013, researchers at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology developed an implantable device that doubles as a portable blood testing laboratory. This tool consists of five sensors, a radio transmitter and a basic energy system to operate. The device analyzes blood enzymes and transmits the data via the Internet without further intervention.
- RFID and NFC implants. Do you know RFID and NFC technologies? They are radio frequency identification and near field communication, respectively. These tools make it possible to exchange data without the need to enter information manually. There are already implants that integrate all the personal information the user wants to interact more quickly with devices of all kinds, from ATMs to access door control. The only question remains as to how secure this option is.
- Cameras in the eyes. The Eyeborg Project has been dedicated since 2017 to the development of video cameras applied to prosthetic eyes. In fact, there is already a person wearing this device. Rob Spence, the first cyborg of this type, is a film director who lost his eye in an accident and decided to get this unique perspective. Now he can literally record everything he sees.
- Magnetic fingers. There are those who are not satisfied with having the usual five senses and want an extra one. We are talking about being able to perceive the electromagnetic spectrum thanks to the integration of small magnets in the fingertips. Depending on the power of the magnet, it is even possible to attract small pieces of metal.
- Neural interface. It is now possible to implant electrodes in the nerves to obtain and generate stimuli in prosthetic arms or legs. This is the most widely used method to enable an amputee to move the fingers of an artificial arm.
Cyborgs that have exploited biohacking
As we said, cyborgs are not part of the world of fiction. They exist and, in fact, live like any other human being. Some of them have applied technology to their bodies to experiment and others have done so out of necessity.
The most popular known case is that of Neil Harbisson, who was born with an eye problem that only allowed him to see in black and white. To solve it, he devised and implanted a tool that translates colors into sounds. This activist cyborg does not feel 100% human, so we are facing a new way of understanding humanity that could be claimed in the future.
Lepth Anonym is also a cyborg, but her goals are different from Harbisson's. Lepth, a well-known hacker, has had more than 50 implants inoculated over the years. Her purpose is clear: to experiment in order to gather data so that other hackers can exploit them to find specific purposes in these «augmentations».
Hugh Herr, an associate professor at MIT and head of biomechatronics research, suffered an accident that resulted in the loss of both of his legs. He pioneered a pair of advanced biotic legs that mimic the function of ankles and knees. The technical complexity of these devices escapes many of us, but there is no doubt of their usefulness and future projection.
Towards a transhumanist society
Biohacking is just one of the options offered by cutting-edge technology. How far will scientific advances go? What is clear is that, as these options become more democratic, they will become more and more common. Therefore, we should not be surprised to see the number of transhumanist cyborgs grow as the years go by. If you had the purchasing power and the right tools, what aspect of your body would you augment? Think about it, because maybe in the future it will be much easier to do than you think.
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