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He also runs Odin, a company selling DIY CRISPR kits designed for community labs and individual experimenters. These kits allow people to conduct gene editing experiments on microorganisms and even human cells. Zayner sees this as an educational tool, empowering citizens to understand and explore genetic science firsthand.
The Ethical Divide: Risk vs. Reward
Zayner’s approach has ignited fierce debates within the scientific community. Critics warn that DIY CRISPR experiments are dangerous, with untrained individuals risking unintended mutations or accidents. Megan Hochstrasser from the Innovative Genomics Institute emphasizes that self-experimentation can give false hope or lead to harm without proper oversight.