Pushing the Boundaries of Human Performance and Health: Four Types of Biohacking Technology and Five Types of Popular Apps

Posted on 7th July 2023

---

Article written by Valentin Kuzmenko, Chief Commercial Officer/ VP of Sales | Andersen 

The dream of eternal life has accompanied humanity throughout its development. People have tried to find a way to live longer, and to some extent, they have made progress. Life expectancy has increased markedly through the ages, thanks to innovations in medicine and technology as well as civilizational changes. And yet, many people would like to extend that life span even further.

One popular trend for those actively seeking to influence their health and significantly extend their lives is biohacking technology. Leading healthcare facilities, IT providers offering healthcare solutions, pharma software development companies, and other businesses do their best to promote this innovation across the globe. 

Let’s find out what biohacking is.

What is biohacking technology?

Biohacking technology implies the use of scientific and technological advancements to enhance human biology and performance. It involves various techniques. The primary objective of the entire approach is improving physical and mental health, cognitive function, and overall well-being. Other frequently used terms for this are human augmentation or human enhancement.

This phenomenon encompasses a wide range of practices, including genetic engineering, nootropics, wearables, nutrition, and supplementation. They are often used in combination to optimize human performance and achieve various health goals.

Some biohackers strive to increase their physical strength and endurance. Others monitor their biometric data, such as heart rate variability and sleep patterns, to gain insight into their body’s functioning and make adjustments to their lifestyle accordingly.

People are fascinated with biohacking and pushing their biological limits for a range of reasons. For some individuals, it serves as a way to take control of their health and wellness beyond what traditional medicine can offer. Others are interested in looking into novel and out-of-the-ordinary concepts concerning the human body and its possibilities. Certain individuals are inspired by the thought of stopping or reversing the aging process in an attempt to prolong their life.

Biohacking is evolving by leaps and bounds. More and more people are joining the game to achieve remarkable results. In 2020, the global biohacking market hit $15.42 billion. According to Grand View Research, it keeps on growing at a CAGR of 19.4%. 

Types of biohacking

As biohacking trends are gaining momentum, the variety of practices is striking. However, they can be divided into several groups. 

Health-/mind-hacking

Health/mind hacking involves various methods and techniques to enhance both physical fitness and mental state. This comprehensive strategy seeks to maximize overall well-being through integrating multiple techniques, for example, mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and supplementing with vitamins and minerals. One can also use wearable technology to track biometric data and analyze factors such as heart rate variability and sleep patterns. This information helps people to modify their lifestyle and thus enhance physical and mental health results.

The key aim here is to gain better control over health and achieve optimal levels of wellness and vitality. It’s an individual exploration to figure out what works best for one’s body and mind and then personalize lifestyle decisions accordingly. This kind of hacking is often paired with activities such as exercise, a balanced diet, and good sleep habits to get the best results.

3D bioprinting

3D bio-printing is an innovative process of creating three-dimensional structures using living cells through layer-by-layer printing. The technology involves the use of a digital blueprint of the structure to be printed, created through a CAD model. A bioprinter is then used to deposit cells and biomaterials layer by layer until the final 3D structure is formed.

The cells can be sourced from a variety of origins, including stem cells, primary cells, or cell lines. The biomaterials used may include biodegradable polymers, hydrogels, and other supportive materials for the cells to grow and differentiate into the desired tissue or organ.

The potential of 3D bio-printing is immense, as it can transform the fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine by creating complex, functional tissues and organs that can be utilized for transplantation or drug testing. It also serves as a platform for studying disease progression and developing new treatments.

This striking innovation holds great promise for the future of medicine and biotechnology, and research is ongoing to enhance its applications and effectiveness.

DNA/RNA hacking

DNA/RNA hacking is a process of manipulating genetic material, particularly the molecules that carry the genetic information of an organism. Through this method, scientists can make intentional modifications to the genetic code, which can be used for various purposes such as research, medical treatment, and genetic engineering.

The potential applications of DNA/RNA hacking are vast and wide-ranging, from studying the function of specific genes to creating genetically modified organisms with desirable traits. One of the most significant breakthroughs in this field is the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing system, which enables precise modifications to DNA sequences and has tremendous potential for treating genetic diseases.

However, DNA/RNA hacking also raises ethical and safety concerns, especially when it comes to human genome editing. While the technology holds immense promise, there are still ongoing debates about its appropriate uses, potential risks, and the ethical implications of altering the genetic code of living organisms. Therefore, careful consideration and regulation are necessary to ensure that DNA/RNA modifications are used for the greater good of humanity. And these practices shape the future of biohacking. 

Body hacking/implants

Enhancing one’s body through the use of technology or other methods is referred to as body hacking. Inserting microchips, wearing tech to monitor biometric data, and even more extreme alterations like magnetic implants or biometric tattoos are some of the activities that could be involved.

Andersen’s experts say that the uses of body hacking can vary greatly, from boosting physical performance to augmenting sensory ability. For instance, an athlete might don wearable technology to observe their heart rate and optimize their exercise regimen, while someone with a sensory issue might employ a microchip implant to amplify their ability to recognize their surroundings. 

However, this practice is not without risks, and there are potential health and ethical concerns associated with some of the more extreme modifications. Individuals should thoughtfully weigh the risks and benefits of any hacking practice of this kind before they make any lasting modifications to their bodies. But some people go beyond the boundaries of light practices and opt for extreme biohacking, no matter the consequences. For instance, a British biohacker called Lepht Anonym has been experimenting for years and has implanted dozens of electronic devices in their body.

All the above practices taken together contribute to human health and intellectual capacities. They are transhumanism in action, with an emphasis on technologies and enhancement of the human life.  

Popular types of biohacking software

The term biohacking is relatively new; however, certain practices go back to antiquity. But with time, the entire process has gone beyond mere physical practices. Now, to keep up with the latest biohacking trends, adherents of this lifestyle need efficient software. Plenty of apps are available on various platforms. Let’s see what key types are there to download:

Recovery apps

This type of biohacking software has gained popularity as it helps people optimize the recovery process after physical exercise or other types of stress. By combining data tracking, analysis, and personalized recommendations, they can improve recovery time and reduce the risk of injury for users.

These tools can track the type, duration, and intensity of physical activity. By utilizing this, people can recognize patterns in their exercise practices that may be influencing their recovery.

Recovery apps can monitor physiological markers such as heart rate variability, sleep quality, and stress levels. This helps users to spot elements that might be affecting their recovery and gives them the capability to take the necessary action to quicken their recovery time.

Based on the data collected, biohacking recovery apps provide personalized recommendations for recovery strategies such as stretching, massage, foam rolling, or cold therapy. These strategies can help users recover faster and reduce the risk of injury.

Many recovery apps can integrate with wearable devices such as smartwatches or fitness trackers to collect more detailed data on physical activity and physiological markers.

Some notable examples include EliteHRV and Bioloop. 

Diet and nutrition apps

Such apps as Cronometer and Zero are not just another fad or trend in the health and wellness industry; they represent a paradigm shift in how we approach our nutrition and overall well-being. By harnessing the power of data analytics, AI, and ML, these mobile tools provide users with unparalleled insights into their dietary habits and nutritional needs. 

The ability to track calorie intake, macronutrient ratios, vitamin and mineral intake, water consumption, and even sleep patterns allows people to make informed decisions about their health and wellness. With personalized meal plans, recipes, and nutritional advice tailored to their unique needs and goals, users can optimize their diet and nutrition for optimal health and performance.

Whether you’re an athlete looking to improve performance or an individual seeking to strengthen your overall state of health, this type of biohacking software can give you cutting-edge tools and guidance to achieve your goals and unlock your full potential.

Lifestyle apps

The health and wellness industry has been transformed by the emergence of software that revolutionizes the way people take care of their bodies and minds. Biohacking lifestyle apps are at the forefront of this advancement, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to help users optimize their daily routines and lifestyle habits. No wonder, they are available as proprietary software of world-leading brands. For example, SamsungHealth and Apple Health have many users.  

Such features as sleep monitoring, physical activity tracking, and mindfulness exercises give individuals valuable insights into their habits and suggestions on ways to improve. These digital products may also offer personalized coaching and workout routines based on unique needs and goals.

Whether it’s managing stress, improving sleep quality, or increasing physical activity, these apps are indispensable for anyone looking to take control of their health and wellness. Personalized coaching and advice ensure that users can make informed decisions and take the steps necessary to achieve their full potential.

Stress reduction apps

This software is on the cutting edge of the growing trend toward tailored stress management. It offers users a wide range of techniques, including meditation, breathing exercises, and cognitive-behavioral therapy, to promote relaxation and manage stress. What sets it apart is its incorporation of data analytics, AI, and ML. These technologies offer real-time tracking of stress levels and tailored advice for stress relief.

Not only do these products come with advanced features, but they also focus on a comprehensive approach to stress management. Thanks to such apps as Insight Timer or HeadSpace, people build plans for managing stress in the long term and acquire the necessary resources to make this happen, like personal guidance and tracking goals. All in all, this type of software is a must for those looking to better manage their stress and improve their overall health. 

The future of biohacking

Biohacking technology is advancing at a breakneck pace, offering new and exciting possibilities for human performance and health. From wearable devices that track every aspect of our physiology to personalized nutrition and fitness plans, this technology is revolutionizing the way we approach health and wellness.

We can expect to see even more groundbreaking innovations and striking trends in the years to come. From advanced implantable devices that can monitor and regulate our body’s functions to personalized gene therapies that can cure diseases and extend lifespan, the possibilities are truly endless. However, it is important to approach biohacking with caution and responsibility, ensuring that ethical considerations are taken into account and that any new technologies are thoroughly tested and regulated.