Module 2: Biohacking and Body Modification Flashcards
Modernization and aging theory
-suggests that families have little interest in caring for or supporting older adults
Social constructionism
-proposes that aging is a problem, not because of intrinsic issues such as physiological changes, but because certain societies define it as a problem
What is primary aging
-involves accumulation of macromolecule damage throughout the lifespan which ultimately impacts physical performance and fitness
What is secondary aging
-based on external factors such as diseases, environmental exposures, and lifestyle
Categories of biohacks
-optogenetics
-neurogenesis
-nutrition
-nutrigenomics
-calorie restriction
-CRISPR-Cas9
Optogenetics
-refers to an emerging technique that uses light to control neurons within the brain
-involves a light sensitive ion channel that opens in response to light which is then utilized to evoke neuron activity
What are the benefits of increasing neurogenesis in older adults
-plays a role in learning and memory
-reduce depression
-protect against Alzheimers
-increase memory capacity
-improved mood
Different nutrients that may affect primary aging
-omega-3 fatty acids
-fibre
-vitamin C
Omega-3 fatty acids
-help fight chronic inflammation, which makes your cells divide faster and prematurely wears down your telomeres
How much fatty acids should older adults include in diet
-1000 mg daily
Fibre
-also helps fight chronic inflammation by preventing insulin spikes
How much fibre should older adults have daily
-25 grams
Vitamin C
-helps protect cells from oxidative damage, which can shorten telomeres and helps to increase bone and muscle growth
Vitamin D deficiency
-seems to play a role in Crohns disease
What does nutrigenomics do
-influence gene expression
-modify cellular processes
Influence gene expression
-food you consume can have a direct or indirect influence on the human genome and thus influence the expression of genes
Modify cellular processes
-dietary patterns and/or specific dietary components may modify multiple cellular processes, including aging
What is calorie restriction
-diet-based biohack that focuses more on a behavioural change (eating less) than what you are actually consuming
Continuous calorie restriction
-refers to a sustained reduction of 20-50% of normal calorie intake
Intermittent calorie restriction
-involves phases of severe energy restriction and regular energy intake
What is CRONIES
-calorie restriction society
-voluntarily restrict their calories to 50% of a typical western diet
Effect of calorie restriction alone on primary aging
-significantly decreases cell damage associated with continued metabolic function
Effect of calorie restriction alone on secondary aging
-reduces weight and fat composition
-lowers blood pressure
-reduces inflammation
-improves insulin sensitivity
Effect of exercise alone on primary aging
-moderately decreases cell damage associated with continued metabolic function
Effect of exercise alone on secondary aging
-may reduce abdominal fat
-reduces inflammation
-improves insulin sensitivity
Additional effect of calorie restriction
-decreases bone density
-increases risk of frailty
-decreases cardiorespiratory fitness
-decreases muscle strength, mass, and quality
-good for initial weight loss, but if CR is discontinued there is often a weight gain
Other effects of exercise
-increases bone density
-decreases risk of frailty
-increases cardiorespiratory fitness
-increases muscle strength, mass and quality
-bad for initial weight loss but good for maintaining weight loss
What proteins are used in CRISPR-Cas
-telomerase
-myostatin
Telomerase
-enzyme that restores telomeres, which typically shorten as we age
Myostatin
-protein produces and released by muscle cells that inhibits muscle cell growth and differentiation
-has been shown to promote muscle growth in some people with a type of muscular dystrophy
How is biohacking affected by SDoH
-income and social status
-education and literacy
-physical environments
Income and social status
diet-based biohacks, such as nutrition and nutrigenomics, can be quite expensive and may not be available to individual of lower socioeconomic status
Education and literacy
-an individual education can influence their ability to participate in biohacking
Physical environments
-depending on an individuals location, this may influence their ability to hack their diet
Biohacking through body modification topics
-voluntary
-aesthetic
-non-medical
Voluntary
-an individual must voluntarily make these modifications to their body
Aesthetic
-body modifications are aesthetic, they are intended to alter the appearance of the human body
Non-medical
-they do not change the functional and/or physiological processes of the body
The huns in europe
-used bandages to intentionally modify cranial structure
Colonialism in Africa
-aesthetic surgery was used to change the shape of noses or eyes, or to modify african features to produce bodies that more closely approximated those of white colonizers
Maori
-new zealand native people tattooed their faces and body as a mark of identity and social standing
Modern perspective
-there are now non-invasive options for treating fat deposits, cellulite, and skin laxity
Motivations for body modification
-expression of agency
-psychological healing
-body modifiers
Expression of agency
-promotes the idea that any person has the right to express themselves to the world in a way that matches their inner person
Psychological healing
-individual may be more accepted by social groups because they meet societal standards of beauty
Body modifiers
-changing their physical appearance purely to fit the normative beauty ideal
-not because they are expressing an aspect of their personality
Types of hair transplants
-this procedure can counter balding which is an issue commonly associated with aging
Shaping implants and lifts
-involves the installation of something into a person
-this can be used for a wide variety of body areas to counter loss of tissue and/or stretching and sagging
Body sculpting, liposuction, and fat transfer
-all involve the removal of fat to shape the body into a more culturally acceptable form
Complications with shaping implants
-temporary
-permanent
-life threatening
Temporary
-swelling
-bruising
-bleeding
-accumulation of fluid under the skin
Permanent
-asymmetry
-implant shifting
-cosmetic dissatisfaction
-scarring
-leakage
-muscle or nerve damage
Life threatening
-infection
-pooling of blood outside of a blood vessel
Non-surgical procedures
-ultrasound technology
-microwave technology
-cryolipolysis
Ultrasound technology
-to rejuvenate skin has been shown to significantly increases skin elasticity over 3 to 6
Microwave technology
-uses radiation to treat fat deposits, cellulitis, and skin laxity, and significantly reduces abdominal circumference
Cryolipolysis
-process of applying cold to fat cells to cause apoptosis which is programmed cell death
-it has been shown to significantly reduce fat at the target site from a single low pain treatment
Issues with body modifying technology
-issues around medical/legal support for those who have complications arise
-accessibility to those with lower income
Global access to body modification
-for people with low income, as well as those who live in countries without extensive medical infrastructure, these body modifications may not be an option for those who want to conform to western society’s norms of attractiveness
Implications of medical tourism
-lack of follow up care after the procedure since the patient returns to their home country
-increase in the demand of the home country when complications do arise
-even though the procedures themselves may be cheaper, there is an increased cost associated with extended stays abroad
-language and communication barriers can pose significant problems
