The Former NASA Scientist Who Once Gene-Edited Herself Says a Unicorn Horn Could Be 5 to 10 Years Away (Exclusive)

**Biohacker Josie Zayner Aims to Create Gene-Edited Animals and Mythical Creatures**

Josie Zayner, a prominent figure in the biohacking community, is embarking on an ambitious venture to genetically modify animals with the goal of exploring new possibilities in biotechnology. Leading The Embryo Corporation, Zayner is utilising cutting-edge techniques in genomics and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to develop enhanced breeds of horses, cattle, and hypoallergenic cats. Additionally, she has set her sights on even more fantastical aspirations, such as creating unicorns and potentially dragons.

Zayner gained notoriety a few years ago when she livestreamed a personal CRISPR experiment, injecting herself with modified genes as part of what she described as a performance art piece. This act of self-experimentation sparked a broader conversation about the ethical implications of gene editing and the responsibility of scientists in manipulating life. Now aged 45, Zayner reflects on her journey and transforms her original mission into ambitious plans for the natural world.

Raised in a modest environment on an Indiana farm, Zayner became the first in her family to achieve a university degree, eventually earning a Ph.D. in biophysics from the University of Chicago. Her career path took her to NASA, where she engaged in genetic engineering projects. However, disillusioned with the pace of innovation, Zayner left to establish her first enterprise, offering DIY gene-editing kits to the public.

Throughout her career, she has focused on the intersection of biotechnology and societal impact. Zayner’s approach often blends science with a touch of rebellion, believing in the empowerment of individuals to shape their own realities. “Nobody’s coming to save you, especially not the government,” she asserts, underscoring her philosophy of self-reliance which now extends into her work with animals.

Operating from Austin, Texas, Zayner leads a dedicated team of 15, conducting research with a variety of species, including 20 horses, four cattle, and five cats. The organisation’s innovative initiatives are bolstered by an extensive database of horse genomes, comprised of over 1,300 whole genomes. This data, when analysed alongside artificial intelligence, allows the prediction of elite performance traits in equines, leading to several ongoing genetically selected embryo pregnancies.

Central to Zayner’s work is the restoration of a specific muscle gene known as myosin 2B, which she theorises could enhance the speed of horses if reintroduced. The gene, part of the myosin II family of motor proteins, has been lost over time in these animals. In cattle, Zayner focuses on improving meat marbling and feed efficiency, while her work with cats aims to create hypoallergenic versions, potentially appealing to pet owners with allergies.

The process of gene editing begins with in vitro fertilisation (IVF), a standard technique in animal breeding. Zayner’s team introduces CRISPR to the embryos at the single-cell stage, using methods such as microinjection or electrical shocks to ensure the editing is incorporated as the embryo develops. Zayner emphasises her commitment to animal welfare, stating that the company conducts initial prototype tests in mice and adheres to regulatory guidelines established by the FDA and USDA.

Regarding the ultimate goals of her work, Zayner envisions the creation of a unicorn, predicting that such an innovation could take five to ten years, pending adequate funding. Initial experiments would likely commence with small mammals, while creating a dragon presents a more complex challenge due to the unique biological characteristics of flying mammals.

Zayner acknowledges her relationship with other gene-editing firms, particularly Colossal Biosciences, known for their work on de-extinction projects. She describes their dynamic as “frenemies,” acknowledging their contributions while expressing scepticism over their ethical practices and financial motivations. This critical perspective echoes her broader concerns about the implications of altering genetic structures for profit.

In this rapidly evolving field of synthetic biology, Josie Zayner’s efforts at The Embryo Corporation illustrate both the potential and the risks inherent in advanced genetic engineering. As she forges ahead with her team, the lines between science fiction and reality continue to blur, raising important questions about the future of genetic manipulation and the essence of life itself.