Simple Bacteria Genetic Engineering
Why Hacker News recommends it
HN points to it as proof that DIY genetic engineering is feasible and as an example of a rigorous hands-on biology channel.
What it is
The Thought Emporium shows how easily bacteria can be genetically modified to produce fluorescent proteins and even bioluminesce, with techniques doable at home. It links to companion videos on incubators, DNA extraction and gels.
Recommended by 1 HN commenters across 1 different months, 2023 to 2026.
What Hacker News said
Recommends samplatt · 2026-04 · on “Air Is Full of DNA”
Not OP, but The Thought Emporium is a personal favourite. Their name belies the hands-on nature of their videos. [this video]
Cites Dig1t · 2023-02 · on “The Odin – DIY genetic engineering”
The Thought Emporium is one of my favorite YouTubers, he makes videos about DIY genetic engineering and I have a huge amount of respect for his rigor and detail. In one of his videos he talks about sourcing lab supplies and he listed The Odin as the one place you should "avoid at all costs". "Not a single kit they sent me worked", was pretty damning. He lists all the reasons he doesn't like using them including the fact that they have sent him totally wrong supplies, and overcharge for most of their stuff. Source: [this video] He lists better alternatives that are both cheaper and more reliable.
Cites Bjartr · 2024-06 · on “Why Nothing Can Grow on Mars”
You can do genetic engineering in your kitchen these days. It wouldn't be easy to build a mars-worthy microbe, but it's not other people that's going to stop you. [this video]