Taking Self-Experimentation to the Next Level (DIY Stem Cells)

[The Red Viper]

Somewhat radical idea, but here goes. Is anyone here familiar with cell biology, genetics, etc? The reason I ask is because we read about all these "discoveries" regarding stem cell research, yet there isn't widely available information on how to actually create them. All we know is that they are taken from a source, like adipose for example, grown and then observed. However, I haven't found anything on DIY stem cells. What I mean is, if I want to fix my car or build a shelf, there's all sorts of information online. There's even information on how to build complex circuits and advanced coding.

It wouldn't be too hard (or expensive) to purchase a microscope and some growth plates and then try to make our own stem cells. There would clearly be issues in trying to use animals or other people in experiments, but there is no legal hurdle to backyard/garage experimentation. It would be exactly like Newton, Boyle, and other famous scientists in the old days. Just a thought.

P.S. Think Will Smith in the movie "I Am Legend"

 

[The Red Viper]

This is kind of what I'm talking about:

 

[Cityjohn]

Somewhat radical idea, but here goes. Is anyone here familiar with cell biology, genetics, etc? The reason I ask is because we read about all these "discoveries" regarding stem cell research, yet there isn't widely available information on how to actually create them. All we know is that they are taken from a source, like adipose for example, grown and then observed. However, I haven't found anything on DIY stem cells. What I mean is, if I want to fix my car or build a shelf, there's all sorts of information online. There's even information on how to build complex circuits and advanced coding.

It wouldn't be too hard (or expensive) to purchase a microscope and some growth plates and then try to make our own stem cells. There would clearly be issues in trying to use animals or other people in experiments, but there is no legal hurdle to backyard/garage experimentation. It would be exactly like Newton, Boyle, and other famous scientists in the old days. Just a thought.

P.S. Think Will Smith in the movie "I Am Legend"

This might be a sensitive issue for many people, but you know.. science and transhumanism..

I actually talked to my partner about this, stemcell treatment is something we may opt for in the near future. Since we're partners you might see where this is going, we won't have to find a compatible donor.
I'm already familiar with methods of lighting a sample but I do need a much better microscope which is easy to find here.
Haven't looked into it very well but as far as I know the hurdles here are extracting eggs and growing stemcells outside the womb. The only way to practically acquire them would be through an abortion, and this is why it's a sensitive subject.

Let's do some research on the subject in this thread, eventually I think the stem cell route will yield the best results for everyone.

 

[The Red Viper]

This might be a sensitive issue for many people, but you know.. science and transhumanism..

I actually talked to my partner about this, stemcell treatment is something we may opt for in the near future. Since we're partners you might see where this is going, we won't have to find a compatible donor.
I'm already familiar with methods of lighting a sample but I do need a much better microscope which is easy to find here.
Haven't looked into it very well but as far as I know the hurdles here are extracting eggs and growing stemcells outside the womb. The only way to practically acquire them would be through an abortion, and this is why it's a sensitive subject.

Let's do some research on the subject in this thread, eventually I think the stem cell route will yield the best results for everyone.

I'm thinking alternate sources besides embryos. I believe there were Japanese researchers that were able to convert adult stem cells into pluripotent stem cells:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Induced_pluripotent_stem_cell

What I propose would involve self-experimentation, because that would bypass any legal barriers. Just extract some adipose cells or whatever and try to replicate what the Japanese did. From there it would be experimentation with different growth factors, etc. to try to keep a cell line intact. With regards to cochlear cells, it will be a big hurdle to get self-samples of those...

 

[The Red Viper]

This would be a good start:

http://www.amazon.com/Human-Stem-Ce...&qid=1464104003&sr=8-1&keywords=9780123854735

 

[Cityjohn]

I read about what they did there. I'm afraid my knowledge of genetics won't quickly be of the level required here, if ever. I've sourced some books, I'll have to get much more familiar with the subject.

I will know a lot more about stem cells soon.
One concern I have with reprogramming is tumor formation. My tinnitus is annoying but not as annoying as the risk of that.

 

[Cityjohn]

Bill of materials:

I'm quite the bargain hunter:
Phase contrast microscope 1200,-
Co2 incubator 400,-
Centrifuge 400,-
Glass, pipettes, mouth guards, etc 200,-
Backup generator 150,-

2350,- just the equipment.

Correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[The Red Viper]

That's a great price for the incubator!

http://www.the-odin.com/diy-lab-starter-kits/

 

[Cityjohn]

That's a great price for the incubator!

Yeah, too good to be true in fact, let's just dial that back 1000,- (non Co2 was 400,-)
So total would come to between 4000-5000.

 

[Cityjohn]

Oke so I checked around a bit and I found a Novex B trinocular phase contrast microscope with digital camera for 800,- and an Inventum 37C incubator for 200,-
I'm looking at the second hand market but I'm not quite sure what I need yet.

 

[Ian Mac]

Hey I'll put up the money for a lab I've been wondering what to do with my extra business income and I've literally been thinking I'd like to fund researchers in our own lab that we create working with stem cells specifically for H and T. We're only talking $2000 /mo at this point (im 26) my monthly income will increase as long as I keep doing this real estate thing and this is going to happen, I was thinking maybe in ten years when I've got serious cash but I'm ready. I'm in to fund research if you can work with something like $1000/mo for supplies and $1000/mo to build the lab and gather technology. I am serious, I wish I was 35 and I could throw massive dollars at you. It might have to start in a garage as the lab. I don't know enough yet to buy stem cell equipment or anything, I plan too, but if we can get an early start and you figure out the science I will fund experiments - and we'll split the profits if we find a cure.

 

[Cityjohn]

Hey I'll put up the money for a lab I've been wondering what to do with my extra business income and I've literally been thinking I'd like to fund researchers in our own lab that we create working with stem cells specifically for H and T. We're only talking $2000 /mo at this point (im 26) my monthly income will increase as long as I keep doing this real estate thing and this is going to happen, I was thinking maybe in ten years when I've got serious cash but I'm ready. I'm in to fund research if you can work with something like $1000/mo for supplies and $1000/mo to build the lab and gather technology. I am serious, I wish I was 35 and I could throw massive dollars at you. It might have to start in a garage as the lab. I don't know enough yet to buy stem cell equipment or anything, I plan too, but if we can get an early start and you figure out the science I will fund experiments - and we'll split the profits if we find a cure.

Hi Ian,
It's amazingly reassuring to know we can organize and fund some serious research as a community, but in all honesty I myself wouldn't be able do such funding justice in the short term. Being a student of physics I'll still have to spend an eternity on propulsion and some other things I'm really into. Besides my academic courses I also keep busy to try and set up my own businesses, time is therefor really scarce. One wouldn't think it possible but I have hobbies and a partner too
I'll be spending this month on light therapy research, some brainstem autiometric diagnostics and audio-electric stimulation, if that doesn't work I'll come right back to diy stem cells. Of course I'll spend this month on all three but I don't see myself doing a stem cell experiment before the end of the year.
After my summer break I'll be walking around and personally getting to know (bother) every single researcher of interest in Amsterdam, and there's a ton I'm very grateful and I'm sure Red is too, but for now I think it's best to save up that money. Once we exhaust all other options we're doing this sooner or later.
Thanks, you're a great guy.

 

[Ian Mac]

Hi Ian,
It's amazingly reassuring to know we can organize and fund some serious research as a community, but in all honesty I myself wouldn't be able do such funding justice in the short term. Being a student of physics I'll still have to spend an eternity on propulsion and some other things I'm really into. Besides my academic courses I also keep busy to try and set up my own businesses, time is therefor really scarce. One wouldn't think it possible but I have hobbies and a partner too
I'll be spending this month on light therapy research, some brainstem autiometric diagnostics and audio-electric stimulation, if that doesn't work I'll come right back to diy stem cells. Of course I'll spend this month on all three but I don't see myself doing a stem cell experiment before the end of the year.
After my summer break I'll be walking around and personally getting to know (bother) every single researcher of interest in Amsterdam, and there's a ton I'm very grateful and I'm sure Red is too, but for now I think it's best to save up that money. Once we exhaust all other options we're doing this sooner or later.
Thanks, you're a great guy.

Ok that's ok. Thanks just throwing it out there. I have lots of free time so I'm trying to help with T.

 

[candyce]

Hi there,
came across this post doing research for a design project.
did any of you get any where regarding diy stem sell therapy?

The Red Viper i watched the TED talk you suggested and 100% pro that!
My project is speculating, that when humans live forever, what would the materiality of the the body be.
Thus i am very interested in the DIY bio hacking aspect of this and what future lies ahead : if we could ever possibly grow and cultivate oragnas and tissues on our homes, like the way 3D printers have turned desktop and you can now buy kits to make beer at home....
any thoughts?

 

[John Meyers]

Ok that's ok. Thanks just throwing it out there. I have lots of free time so I'm trying to help with T.

Someone would make a lot of money if they invent a cure for tinnitus. -- There are literally millions of people with T worldwide.

I would be all in on a venture like this if I had the cash..