We may have heard about coworking spaces or Hack-spaces like the Hive and Network Hub where people come together, use the shared desks/boardroom and work on the own projects. But have you heard about Community Laboratories?
Neither did I until I came across this DIY-Bio meetup where people of all background can come together and learn things about science or carry out experiments they normally would not be able to afford to carry out without an academic laboratory. Apparently there are around 1-2 dozen DIY laboratories around the world where members of the community can apply for membership and use some community lab equipments and conduct their own experiments similar to the shared laboratories at Centre for Drug Research and Development.
This event was held at MakerLabs, a coworking workshop space for people who want to use 3D printers, laser cutters and other materials manipulating devices.
Though unlike traditional laboratories, these laboratories are all DIY laboratories and cannot guarantee the same level of quality assurance and features as more established laboratories (Max is Bio Safety I). Despite the shortfalls, these laboratories introduce science and knowledge to the masses with affordable or self made scientific equipment. Users of community laboratories can be scientists not associated with a laboratory or lay people who are curious about biology methodologies and techniques. Our first experiment consisted of extracting our own DNA from spit. a rather simple procedure using household products. As a B. Sc. I would say that these space may not be ideal to run a full scale drug research experiment but may be useful for simple tests where quality is not a limiting factor. The group seeks to be a centre of education and inspiration for non scientists who are curious to learn about biology but do not want to commit to a 4 year degree.
This DIY biomovement is definitely spreading and getting popular all across the world, and i am excited to see Vancouver DIY Bio get their own space soon and fulfil their mission of democratizing science and knowledge to everyone.
Neither did I until I came across this DIY-Bio meetup where people of all background can come together and learn things about science or carry out experiments they normally would not be able to afford to carry out without an academic laboratory. Apparently there are around 1-2 dozen DIY laboratories around the world where members of the community can apply for membership and use some community lab equipments and conduct their own experiments similar to the shared laboratories at Centre for Drug Research and Development.
This event was held at MakerLabs, a coworking workshop space for people who want to use 3D printers, laser cutters and other materials manipulating devices.
Though unlike traditional laboratories, these laboratories are all DIY laboratories and cannot guarantee the same level of quality assurance and features as more established laboratories (Max is Bio Safety I). Despite the shortfalls, these laboratories introduce science and knowledge to the masses with affordable or self made scientific equipment. Users of community laboratories can be scientists not associated with a laboratory or lay people who are curious about biology methodologies and techniques. Our first experiment consisted of extracting our own DNA from spit. a rather simple procedure using household products. As a B. Sc. I would say that these space may not be ideal to run a full scale drug research experiment but may be useful for simple tests where quality is not a limiting factor. The group seeks to be a centre of education and inspiration for non scientists who are curious to learn about biology but do not want to commit to a 4 year degree.
This DIY biomovement is definitely spreading and getting popular all across the world, and i am excited to see Vancouver DIY Bio get their own space soon and fulfil their mission of democratizing science and knowledge to everyone.
Attendees extracting their own DNA.
Brainstorming what we need to have a DIY community laboratory.
My own DNA extracted and condensed into a ball.