#ARCHIVE NOTE
The latest version is now available at: Biohackers Digital - KnowledgeBase - Frequently Asked Questions. This version has been archived.
Biohacking refers to the use of implanted technologies such as NFC/RFID, magnets, LEDs, and similar enhancements.
AUGMENTING: To enhance or amplify something by adding to it, or in this context, to modify or improve the human body.
BIOHACKING: The unconventional or subversive application of technology to enhance or alter the human body's structure or capabilities. A portmanteau of BIO and HACKING.
GRINDING: A subset of biohacking that focuses on more radical and customized implants, augmentations, and body modifications.
Biohacking is defined as the integration of implanted technologies, focusing on physical augmentation rather than biological experimentation or philosophical ideologies. It differs from DIY-Bio, citizen science, nootropics, and transhumanism by emphasizing practical, accessible enhancements to the body using technology.
DIY-BIO: Scientific research in biology undertaken by individuals outside the traditional setting of academic or research institutions, utilizing home labs with methods comparable to those in research facilities.
CITIZEN SCIENCE: Scientific research conducted by non-professionals outside the traditional setting of academic or research institutions.
NOOTROPICS: Commonly known as "smart drugs" or "cognitive enhancers," these synthetic and natural compounds are purported to enhance cognitive function.
TRANSHUMANISM: A philosophical movement that promotes the use of technology to augment human existence as a way to improve individual abilities, life quality, and to mitigate disease and suffering.
Unlike Bryan Johnson’s focus on longevity through biomedical intervention or Andrew Huberman’s emphasis on optimizing brain and body function through evidence-based practices, this guide’s centers on integrating implanted technologies. It prioritizes practical, hands-on augmentations over biological optimization or health monitoring.
An implant refers to embedded devices like microchips, flexible implants, magnets, and similar technologies.
IMPLANT: Inert material or object embedded within the body.
Do you feel like a cyborg? This question delves into personal identity and opinion, and there's been extensive discussion on the topic. Check-out some of the following readings:
CYBORG: A person whose physiological abilities are extended beyond normal limitations by human-machine systems. A portmanteau of CYBERNETIC and ORGANISM.
COMMON CYBORG: The experiences of a woman who considers herself a cyborg due to her use of prosthetics. Explore the complexities of living with a technological limb, societal perceptions, and the exclusion of disabled perspectives in discussions on cyborg identities.
CYBORG MANIFESTO: SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIALIST-FEMINISM IN THE LATE TWENTIETH CENTURY: 1980s American socialist feminism through the lens of C3I (command-control-communications-intelligence) systems, exploring the amalgamation of sciences and natural-social realms within this framework.
CYBORGS, AGENTS, AND TRANSHUMANISTS CROSSING TRADITIONAL BORDERS OF BODY AND IDENTITY IN THE CONTEXT OF NEW TECHNOLOGY: Delves into the significance of the body's continuous interaction with the world, suggesting that attempts to alter or control the body through technology stem from a desire to manage the unpredictable and unconscious aspects of human life.
CYBORGS AND SPACE: Examines the transition towards integrating humans with machines, or "cyborgs," to adapt to space environments, detailing technological and biological modifications necessary for survival in extraterrestrial conditions.
CYBORG MORALS, CYBORG VALUES, CYBORG ETHICS: Discusses the state and ethical implications of the emerging era of cyborgs, exploring pathways to becoming a cyborg, various types, and the author's personal experimentation, highlighting the importance of addressing ethical issues as advancements impact human and cyborg relations.
CYBORG PEDAGOGY PERFORMING RESISTANCE IN THE DIGITAL AGE: Posits the cyborg as a metaphor for critiquing the influence of information technology on posthuman identity and bodies, through the examination of performance artists like Stelarc and Orlan, introducing "cyborg pedagogies" as a means to explore digital culture's impact.
HEAVENLY BODIES: WHY IT MATTERS THAT CYBORGS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN ABOUT DISABILITY, MENTAL HEALTH, AND MARGINALIZATION: The importance of inclusivity, adaptability, and honoring lived experiences in shaping future understandings of the cyborg and human existence.
I, CYBORG: The journey of Kevin Warwick, a trailblazer in the field of cybernetics, who has taken extraordinary steps to become part human, part machine.
LAW AND POLICY IN AN ERA OF CYBORG-ASSISTED-LIFE THE IMPLICATIONS OF INTERFACING IN-THE-BODY TECHNOLOGIES TO THE OUTER WORLD: Advancements in medical technology are poised to integrate high-performance computational processors and synthetic DNA with human anatomy, promising to extend lifespans, enhance intellect, and introduce smart nano-prosthetics, but also raising critical ethical questions about accessibility, security, and the very definition of "human" in a future dominated by human cyborgs.
NATURAL-BORN CYBORGS MINDS, TECHNOLOGIES, AND THE FUTURE OF HUMAN INTELLIGENCE: Challenges the depiction of cyborgs in popular culture, arguing that humans are inherently cyborg-like due to our natural ability to integrate tools and technologies into our existence.
Implants are available in a wide range of forms, with the most common including:
There are numerous prototypes too:
Transdermal implants, which reside both above and beneath the skin, are generally considered suboptimal due to their increased risk of infection and rejection.
Implanted technology offers a wide range of applications, from restoring and enhancing human senses to providing digital identification and data storage. Here are some of the most common applications.
Visual implants are designed to enhance or restore vision by interfacing with the visual system. This technology aims to assist individuals with vision impairments or augment the natural capabilities. Examples include infrared eye drops and Neil Harbisson's "Cyborg Antenna."
Auditory implants aim to restore or enhance hearing by stimulating the auditory pathways. These devices assist individuals with hearing loss or augment auditory perception beyond natural capabilities. Examples include tragus magnets.
Tactile implants enhance or restore the sense of touch by interfacing with the nervous system. These devices can aid individuals with sensory impairments or augment tactile perception for enhanced interaction with the environment. Examples include implanted sensory magnets.
NFC (Near Field Communication) and RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) implants serve as digital identification tools. They enable wireless communication with compatible devices for authentication, access control, and information storage. Examples include the Dangerous Things NeXT and xEM.
Payment implants facilitate electronic transactions by storing payment information. They enable users to make purchases without traditional payment methods like credit cards or smartphones. Examples include the Walletmor.
Illumination implants incorporate light-emitting components into the body, providing aesthetic enhancements for decorative purposes. Examples include the Dangerous Things xSIID and xLED.
The short answer is no.
The long answer is no because RFID/NFC with GPS tracking, is 'Active RFID location tracking integrated with a GPS tracking system'. This differs from simple RFID/NFC identification, which is passively powered and remains inactive the majority of the time. Consider pet microchips: If your dog is lost, someone must take it to a veterinarian to have the microchip scanned. There's no way to GPS locate a lost animal solely from it's microchip.
If you suspect that you have been implanted against your will, reading the following forum thread is highly recommend: So You Think You've Been Implanted Against Your Will
Implants are generally considered safe, comparable to other body modifications like tattoos or piercings, though they carry similar risks, including rejection, infection, or allergic reactions.
The majority of implants lack FDA approval, but that doesn’t mean efforts aren’t underway to obtain it as is the case for the VivoKey Spark 2.
Early animal studies suggested an increased risk of cancerous tumors developing near implants, but the detail most often left out is that cancer was being induced and accelerated in these studies. There's very little real medical risk.
Infection, allergic reaction, or rejection are rare and typically the result of poor aftercare or subpar DIY coatings.
Medical imaging is a non-issue except for implanted magnets. Dangerous Things provides an MRI compatibility guide for glass microchips, and a few individuals have undergone MRIs with magnets, although this isn't recommended.
The short answer is no.
The long answer is no, as metal detectors, millimeter-wave scanners, and x-ray imaging lack the sensitivity to detect the minute amounts of metal present in implants.
The type of implant you should consider depends on your goals, intended use case, and comfort with risk. Below is a guide to help you determine the best implant for your needs:
Best For:
- Access Control: Unlock doors, start cars, or log into devices.
- Identification: Store digital business cards or personal identification.
- Data Storage: Store small amounts of information like URLs or passwords.
Popular Options:
- xNT (13.56 MHz): Compatible with many high-frequency NFC systems.
- xEM (125 kHz): Used for low-frequency access systems.
- NeXT: 13.56 MHz (HF) NFC and 125 kHz (LF) RFID
Considerations:
- Compatibility: Ensure compatibility with the system you plan to use.
- Ease of Installation: Injected subdermally with minimal discomfort.
Best For:
- Magnetic Field Detection: Sensing electromagnetic fields from devices or machinery.
- Enhanced Sensory Perception: Ideal for electricians or artists wanting increased tactile feedback.
- Magic Tricks: Simple tricks like lifting small feromagnetic objects like bottlecaps.
Popular Options:
- xG3: Designed for lifting and encapsulated in a bioglass microchip form factor.
- Titan: Encapsulated in medical-grade titanium and optimized for sensing applications.
Considerations:
- Placement: Implanted in fingertips for optimal sensory perception or in the hand for lifting.
- Strength: Choose between sensing-focused or lifting-focused magnets.
- Risks: Be aware of coating failure, migration, or reduced sensation over time.
- Ease of Installation: Injected subdermally with mild discomfort or implanted in the fingertip, typically using a scalpel and appropriate pain management protocols.
Best For:
- Contactless Payments: Tap to pay at NFC-enabled terminals.
- Convenience: Replace wallets and cards with an implant.
- Ticketing: Use your implant for public transportation or event access.
Popular Options:
- Walletmor: Payment implant compatible with many systems.
Considerations:
- Region Support: Verify compatibility with local payment systems.
- Expiration: Implants tied to payment cards may need replacement after expiration.
- Ease of Installation: Typically using a scalpel and appropriate pain management protocols.
Best For:
- Aesthetics: Glow-in-the-dark for decorative purposes.
Popular Options:
- xSIID or xLED: LED-based implant.
Considerations:
- Purpose: Primarily aesthetic with limited practical application.
- Ease of Installation: Injected subdermally with minimal discomfort.
Purpose: Determine the specific problem the implant solves or enhancement it provides.
Body Placement: Consider where on your body the implant will be most effective and comfortable.
Risk Tolerance: Assess your comfort with potential pain, rejection, or migration.
Budget: Implants range from $50 to several hundred dollars, plus installation costs.
Professional Installation: Recommended to ensure safety. Not all installers are qualified or willing to perform all types of implants, with most comfortable installing in only injectable microchips.
Dangerous Things: US-based retailer with a wide range of consumer implants and biohacking supplies.
VivoKey: Secure, programmable cryptographic implants.
Symbiont Labs: Implant prototypes.
KSEC Solutions: UK implant retailer.
I am Robot: German/EU implant retailer.
Digiwell: EU/German implant retailer
Your implant's functionality depends on its type and capabilities. Below are some common and creative uses for various implants.
Access Control: Unlock doors, start cars, or log into devices.
Device Unlocking: Use your implant to unlock your smartphone or computer.
Digital Business Card: Store and share contact information via NFC.
Medical Records: Store emergency medical data like blood type or allergies.
Authentication: Log into systems using two-factor authentication (2FA).
Custom Apps: Program NFC tasks, such as automating smart home devices.
Interactive Art: Create installations or projects that respond to your implant.
Cryptographic Operations: Use secure implants like VivoKey Apex for digital signatures or blockchain wallets.
Magnetic Field Detection: Sense electromagnetic fields from devices or wires.
Subtle Notifications: Pair with wearables for vibrational alerts via magnets.
Magic Tricks: Perform tricks like lifting small feromagnetic objects like bottlecaps.
Interactive Art: Build DIY projects that use magnets for tactile feedback.
Augmented Perception: Sense otherwise imperceptible environmental changes.
Contactless Transactions: Pay at NFC-enabled terminals by tapping your hand.
Ticketing: Use your implant for public transportation or event access.
Custom Financial Systems: Integrate with decentralized financial tools or cryptocurrency wallets.
Aesthetic Enhancements: Glow-in-the-dark for decorative purposes.
Body Art Integration: Combine illumination implants with tattoos for dynamic effects.
Setup will largely depend on the type of implant technology and its intended use case.
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RFID reader compatible with 125 kHz (e.g., Proxmark3 or a Flipper Zero).
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RFID-compatible tags or locks.
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Connect your reader to a computer or smartphone.
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Place the implant under the reader.
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Write the desired data (e.g., access keys, user ID) to the implant.
- After programming, test the implant by scanning it with the reader.
- Pair the implant with RFID-enabled devices like door locks or security systems.
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NFC-enabled smartphone or device (most modern smartphones).
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NFC apps (e.g., NFC Tools, TagWriter by NXP) for programming.
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Open an NFC app on your phone.
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Bring the implant close to the phone's NFC reader.
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Write data, such as a URL, contact information, or custom commands, to the implant.
- Use the same or a different device to read the implant and confirm the data was successfully written.
- Sync your implant with NFC systems like smart locks or custom automation systems.
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Ferromagnetic metal objects (e.g., small pins, screws).
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Gradually explore the magnet's ability to detect electromagnetic fields by moving it near electrical devices or wires.
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Test its strength by attempting to pick up small metallic objects.
- Allow time for your body to adapt and become sensitive to changes in magnetic fields.
There are several methods for getting an implant installed, each varying in risk. Professional installers are the safest option, while DIY installation carries significant risks and is strongly discouraged.
A professional installer can be located via the Dangerous Things Professional Partner Map.
You may find a willing installer by engaging with the Dangerous Things Forum, Biohackers Digital Discord Server, Reddit, Facebook groups, reaching out to local piercing studios, or by connecting with a consenting medical or veterinary professional. If you're consulting a professional for an implant installation, it’s highly recommended to review the following resource: How to Approach a Professional
Although self-installation (DIY) is technically possible, it is strongly discouraged due to the significant risks involved. Any DIY installations are at your own risk. It's strongly advised to have medical training and contingency plans in case the installation fails or complications arise!
Grindfest is an annual implant meetup held in the desert north of Los Angeles.