Coronavirus: Anonymous bitcoin users try to make their own DIY vaccine | Science & Tech …

A group of anonymous bitcoin enthusiasts are attempting to crowdfund their own DIY vaccine for the coronavirus, saying clinical and animal trials will need to be “hashed out by the community”.

The self-described “collective of biohackers” calling itself CoroHope claims to be working alongside a biologist with over a decade of relevant experience, specifically including manufacturing vaccines.

No evidence has been provided of this person’s identity or qualifications, nor have any other senior members of the group identified themselves as being involved with the project.

The group, which is soliciting donations via the cryptocurrency, says it intends to develop and manufacture a plasmid DNA vaccine, an experimental type of vaccination which has only ever been approved in the US for use on animals.

This will be done completely outside of academia and without the involvement of either the pharmaceuticals industry or government…