Are Scientists Guilty of Experimenting on Themselves?

It might come as a surprise to many that scientists, especially those in the field of human biology, frequently conduct experiments on themselves. However, this practice is far less common than one might expect. Contrary to popular belief, most scientists rigorously avoid experimenting directly on themselves for several compelling reasons.

Personal Experiments: A Common Practice

Far from being a rare occurrence, scientists often engage in various personal experiments to test different hypotheses or theories. For instance, many have tried different diets, exercises, hairstyles, supplements, and even hobbies and work schedules to assess their effectiveness. This practice can be seen as a form of self-experimentation, albeit not on a large scale or with the meticulous planning and controls required for scientific research.

For example, the author has experimented with numerous diets, supplements, and sleep patterns to determine which work best for them. They have even developed a systematic approach to their sleep schedule, using alarms to wake up at specific intervals of 90 minutes. This personal experimentation is done out of pure curiosity and is not typically part of formal scientific research.

Minimal Risk and Controlled Environment

Some personal experiments, like trying out new diets or supplements, involve minimal risk and can be conducted in a controlled environment. However, when it comes to more serious experiments, the risks can be significant. Scientists must adhere to strict ethical guidelines to ensure that any experiments involving human subjects are conducted safely and with proper oversight.

For instance, the author mentions learning techniques to fall asleep quickly, knowing their sleep cycle, and discerning which diets and supplements work best for them. These are examples of personal experimentation that can be beneficial but are not typically considered scientific research in the traditional sense.

Scientific Experiments: A Different Ballgame

The question of whether scientists conduct experiments on themselves becomes more nuanced when discussing scientific research. Generally, scientists rely on cell lines and other methods rather than directly experimenting on their own bodies. Here are some reasons why:

Cell Lines and Standard Procedures

In many cases, scientists use already well-studied cell lines for their experiments. These cell lines are standardized and widely available, reducing the need for scientists to rely on their own cells. Undergrad bio labs often use simple cell lines derived from cheek cells obtained through spitting, which is a non-invasive and painless procedure.

Using one's own cells for experimentation is usually avoided unless these cells are highly specific and not widely available. For example, certain conditions like Crohn's disease might theoretically allow a scientist to use their own cells for research. However, this would require a colonoscopy, which is not a simple procedure and comes with its own set of risks. Similarly, skin cells could be used, but this would require an iPSC (induced pluripotent stem cell) differentiation process, which is also complicated and not without risk.

Ethical and Practical Considerations

Ethical concerns often prevent scientists from conducting experiments on themselves. Clinical trials, for instance, are required by regulatory bodies to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of new treatments. However, ethical guidelines often prevent scientists from being their own subjects in these trials for multiple reasons:

It is difficult to be properly blinded if you are the subject of your own experiment.

There is always the risk of self-harm, which is not acceptable in scientific research.

Ethical concerns about consent and potential harm weigh heavily when considering self-experimentation.

Moreover, conducting experiments on oneself can be impractical and unnecessary. Many cell types, such as neurons, cannot be easily accessed or manipulated without significant risk or ethical concern. Performing brain surgery to obtain neurons for research is a highly unethical and impractical solution.

Conclusion

While personal experimentation is a common practice among scientists, actual scientific experiments are conducted with great care and caution. The idea of conducting experiments on oneself is not only rare but also fraught with ethical and practical challenges. Scientists rely on existing cell lines, controlled environments, and rigorous ethical guidelines to ensure that their research is both safe and effective.