Exploring biohacking: Opportunities and risks

Innovation meets health
Francouis Pretorius
  • 2 Days Ago
Biohacking, a fusion of biology and the do-it-yourself mindset, is transforming how people approach health, performance and longevity. Once seen as the domain of tech innovators, biohacking is increasingly relevant worldwide, including in Namibia.

From dietary experiments to wearable devices and DIY genetic tinkering, it offers exciting possibilities, but also raises ethical, safety, and health concerns.



Nutritional biohacking

Nutrition lies at the heart of biohacking. Practices such as intermittent fasting (IF) and natural nootropics are gaining attention. A 2025 study suggests that nootropics may enhance “brain network cohesion,” though evidence for sharper decision-making remains limited. IF has been linked to improved metabolism, longevity and slower ageing. Clinical trials show that fasting three times a week can reduce body mass by 7.6% over a year, outperforming daily calorie restriction. However, strict fasting windows, such as the 16:8 method, may raise cardiovascular risks by 91–135%. For Namibians facing rising rates of diabetes and heart disease, nutritional biohacking highlights the need for moderation alongside innovation.



DIY Biology (DIYbio)

Citizen scientists are increasingly experimenting outside traditional laboratories. Networks such as DIYbio.org promote ethics and biosafety, while organisations like Genspace provide oversight. Affordable CRISPR kits, sometimes costing as little as US$2, are helping to democratise science but carry contamination and biosecurity risks, drawing attention from authorities such as the FBI. In Namibia, DIYbio could provide low-cost science education and spark innovation, but appropriate safety frameworks will be essential.



Wearable technology

Wearables, from fitness trackers to devices monitoring glucose or hydration levels, are booming. The global market may nearly double from US$84.2 billion in 2024 to US$186 billion by 2030. Cutting-edge devices offer near-medical-grade monitoring, but regulation is lagging, raising data privacy concerns. Fifty-eight per cent of users worry about data breaches, and only 34% trust companies to handle health information responsibly. For Namibians, wearables could help bridge healthcare gaps, particularly in rural areas, if supported by strong data-protection measures.



Genetic and implantable biohacking

The most controversial forms involve genetic editing and implants. Self-injected CRISPR experiments highlight the growing accessibility of biotechnology but expose significant ethical and safety gaps. Implantable RFID chips and experimental enhancements raise similar debates. While not yet mainstream, these technologies continue to influence global discussions and foreshadow future trends.



Why this matters for us

Biohacking is no longer purely futuristic. Nutritional interventions can help address lifestyle-related diseases, wearables could ease healthcare burdens, and DIY biology offers educational opportunities. The challenge for Namibia is achieving balance; embracing innovation while prioritising safety, ethics, and sustainability. Biohacking offers new ways to optimise life, but careful consideration of what is responsible and realistic in the local context remains essential.