April 5, 2015|The Open Discovery Institute

Biohacking

I(Josiah Zayner) grew up in the 90s Computer hacker movement. What I saw was a bunch of people who had access to free information and a computer. This created open source and changed the world. Now our phones use the Android operating and I am writing this from Firefox, Wikipedia is based on this!

What if the same thing happened with Biological Research? What if skilled Biohackers were as skilled as computer hackers? What if the number of Scientist doubled? The goal of The Open Discovery Institute (ODIN) is to try and instigate these things by providing inexpensive supplies.

If there ever is any other way you think we can help please email us odin@the-odin.com. We enjoy reading emails from people and trying to help them out!

Ready to Start?

The experiment in The ODIN's CRISPR kit is elegant in what it teaches. You're going to use CRISPR to edit a specific gene in E. coli bacteria - the rpsL gene - in a way that makes the bacteria resistant to an antibiotic called streptomycin. Without the edit, the bacteria die on streptomycin plates. With a successful CRISPR edit, they survive. Your petri dish becomes the readout: colonies growing where nothing should grow.

Here's how you do it.

CRISPR Bacteria Gene Editing Kit

The CRISPR Bacteria Gene Editing Kit is $59 for the basic kit and ships in 2–3 days within the US.

No overnight shipping required.

Everything you need is inside.

Buy the Kit

Bioengineering 101 Lab Kit & Course

If you want to go deeper from the start, the Bioengineering 101 Lab Kit & Course includes the CRISPR experiment as part of a full curriculum.

Buy the Kit

Not Sure Where to Begin?

Take a look at our guide to getting started or email us at odin@the-odin.com - we actually read and respond to these.

How to Get Started Biohacking

Have Questions Qbout the Experiment

or Want to Share Your Results?

Tag us on Instagram @theodininc

Get Lab Notes in Your Inbox.

Stay Updated

Keep Reading

From $3 Billion to $599: The Complete History of Genome Sequencing

Dariia Dantseva, Lead Product Development Scientist

From the first DNA sequencing methods in 1977 to the $3 billion Human Genome Project and today's $599 whole genome sequencing, discover how one of biology's most powerful technologies went from a scientific moonshot to something anyone can access.

Why We Built Our Genomics Service Around Your Privacy - and What That Actually Means

Dariia Dantseva, Lead Product Development Scientist

Your genome belongs to you, not to a company. Here's how The ODIN handles genomic data, why we never sell or monetize it, and how we give customers control over storage, deletion, and sharing. Plus, how animal genomes can contribute to open science, entirely by choice.

What is Whole Genome Sequencing — and What Can It Tell You About Yourself?

Dariia Dantseva

Whole genome sequencing (WGS) reads your entire genome — approximately 3 billion base pairs of DNA — rather than a pre-selected set of genetic markers. Now available for $599, WGS provides raw genetic data in industry-standard formats within 2–3 weeks. Discover how it works, what 30x coverage means, and how individuals, breeders, clinicians, researchers, and agricultural producers can use comprehensive genomic data.

How to Do CRISPR at Home: Beginner's Complete Guide (2026)

Dariia Dantseva

Discover how to get started with CRISPR gene editing at home. This beginner-friendly guide explains the science behind CRISPR, the tools you need, and how to approach your first experiment with The ODIN’s CRISPR Bacteria Gene Editing Kit – no prior biology experience required.

How to Extract and Grow Your Own Stem Cells

Josie Zayner

What happens when biohackers decide to grow their own stem cells? In this experimental project, Josie Zayner explores DIY biology, the science behind mesenchymal stem cells, and the boundaries between scientific experimentation and performance art. A personal story about curiosity, risk-taking, and the future of accessible biotechnology.

Biohacking the Apocalypse

Jo Zayner, PhD

What if biology could help you survive the apocalypse? From antibiotic-producing microorganisms to edible mushrooms, algae, and bacteria that could help generate electricity, explore the science behind The ODIN's Apocalypse Prepper Biohacker Kit and how living organisms might become essential survival tools.