Part 4/10:
Despite its complexity, CRISPR’s potential is vast—including curing hereditary diseases, enhancing crop resilience, and even modifying human embryos. Zayner’s enthusiasm stems from its transformative power; he believes everyone should have direct access to this technology, not just elite scientists or well-funded labs.
From NASA Labs to Garage Experiments
After completing his PhD, Zayner worked at NASA, engineering organisms suitable for space environments. However, dissatisfaction with the slow progress and restrictive access prompted him to dive into DIY biology. He began experimenting in his garage, injecting himself with genetically edited DNA—an act that symbolized his push for open science and citizen participation.