In the late 70s something special happened to the computer: It became affordable to dorky kids who lived in their parents’ garages.

A million monkeys will eventually get something right, and so it was in the case of Bill Gates, Steve Jobs and company. The same is happening now in the genetics game. The equipment necessary to perform experiments in DNA coding has begun to reach the masses.

Biohacking could well be the next techno-cottage industry. Based on the computer model, this ‘crowd-sourcing’ could exponentially increase the rate of technological progress in genetics. The Economist reported in their technology quarterly that this equipment has already become so affordable that amateurs have started to tinker with genes in their very own homes. At this year’s International Genetically Engineered Machine competition, which is held annually at MIT, several impressive ideas came out. One team figured out a way to improve the scent of E.coli, which is used frequently in laboratories and has an awful odor. The team used tools and materials from Ginkgo Bio-works, a Massachusetts company to make the E.coli smell like ripe bananas. The kit costs $235. Should the public be scared of bio-technology becoming accessible to the masses? It’s true that there are possible dangers in the future, but the ability of individuals to participate in this sort of science is very egalitarian. And is it any scarier than Monsanto Corporation?-g