Bio-Hackers

I recently picked up a book called "Bio-punk" (http://www.amazon.com/Biopunk-Scientists-Hack-Software-Life/dp/1617230022/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1304978113&sr=8-1) that discusses the movement of DIY biologists "hacking life" in the style they describe as similar to the pirates of silicon valley. They have found some great ways to reduce the costs of excessively pricey items to do experiments in their garage, closet, basement, etc, mostly through the use of e-bay or other auction based procedures to grab equipment leaving the lab environment.

So, this brings me to two things.

1) Can this happen with a field that has not even fully developed in the lab community (bio-nano-technology). Actually, skip that question and go straight to this one: How can this happen in a field that is not even fully developed.

2) Why is there only vague communities of people doing things like this. There is a great deal of discussion in this book about communities that exist, but nothing that is very well organized (though, if I am wrong, please do point it out). What is standing in the way? Apathy? The strange paradox that we as a generation have between being in communication 24/7 and being unable to accomplish anything together? It seems that this line is being crossed though-- things are being done via the virtual world. Revolution, innovation, art, it can all happen, but someone needs to do it. What is necessary to take that step? Can we, here, accomplish something without meeting in person, or can we do something together?

There needs to be a direction here: a goal, a method, a way to define why so as to avoid the Sisyphean tragedy. We must imagine Sisyphus happy.