Superkonwergencja. Jak rewolucje w genetyce, biotechnologii i AI mogą odmienić nasze życie

by Jamie Metzl

Przyszłość nie nadejdzie powoli. Ona już puka do naszych drzwi. Jeśli chcesz ją zrozumieć, musisz zacząć od tej książki. Żyjemy w epoce potężnej superkonwergencji - momentu, w którym trzy przełomowe rewolucje: genetyczna, biotechnologiczna i sztucznej inteligencji, zaczynają się splatać, napędzając zmiany szybciej, niż kiedykolwiek w dziejach ludzkości. Jamie Metzl - futurysta, doradca ONZ i wizjoner w dziedzinie nowych technologii - pokazuje, jak te siły przeobrażą nasze zdrowie, pracę, gospodarkę, relacje społeczne i samą naturę człowieczeństwa. To nie jest opowieść o odległej przyszłości rodem z fantastyki naukowej, lecz o świecie, w którym za chwilę będziemy żyć. Metzl zabiera nas w fascynującą podróż po laboratoriach, firmach technologicznych i ośrodkach badawczych, gdzie kształtuje się nowa rzeczywistość. Ujawnia szanse, jakie daje nam superkonwergencja - i ostrzega przed zagrożeniami, jeżeli nie przygotujemy się na jej konsekwencje.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Audiobook, Genetics, Medicine

544 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 2025

About the author

Jamie Frederic Metzl is an American technology futurist, geopolitical expert, and writer, a former partner in the global investment company Cranemere LLC, and a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council. He was formerly the Asia Society's Executive Vice President.

(wikipedia)

Reviews

[Bharath · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very detailed account on how biotech is evolving – gene editing especially has extensive coverage.

The book starts with the current state of gene editing. The world was taken aback when Dr He in China reported the birth of the first genetically modified babies, to confer resistance to HIV. This later led to widespread criticism of irresponsible use of scientific advances. Gene editing has made rapid strides in recent years, and we are well poised to address many gene originated conditions. AI will also make precision medicine a reality. The author has been a part of a WHO committee on gene editing, and he mentions that many congressmen seek his views. The Covid 19 pandemic finds mention including his doubts of it originating as a wet market phenomenon and feels the possibility of it being a lab virus should be investigated. There is also coverage of digital twins, genetically modified crops & animals, plant & lab grown meat. Over 60% mass is now of farm animals and we slaughter 73 billion land animals per year. The antibiotics given to animals in captivity has also led to resistant bacteria.

This is a book which has the right flow – context of the history of genetics and the recent rapid advances. The coverage is very detailed and comprehensive. There is not much coverage of AI, though it figures in a sketchy manner. There is also pessimism on people’s inclination to change their dietary habits – this is an urgent need, and I would have expected him to advocate it rather than make silly remarks like veggie burgers being a flop. Rather, healthy eating & planet action does not come across as a priority for the author. I also found the narration quite dry in many sections.

An informative book covering an interesting area, which I recommend.

Thanks to Netgalley, Timber Press and the author for a free electronic review copy.

[CatReader · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded down. My thoughts about Jamie Metzl's latest book Superconvergence are similar to what I thought about his 2019 book Hacking Darwin: Genetic Engineering and the Future of Humanity (see my detailed review here) -- I think his ideas are interesting and show at-times brilliant exercises in lateral thinking, but his credibility is spurious at best given that Metzl isn't a scientist or a doctor, so his appraisal of the current state of genetic engineering for clinical and agricultural purposes, as well as the strengths and limitations of AI/ML in revolutionizing these fields, will always be that of an outsider-looking-in.

The first third of this book rehashes many of of the arguments of Hacking Darwin re: genetic engineering, though Metzl has a too-rosy (in my opinion) view of the current state of AI/ML in advancing the field. In my particular practice area of precision medicine, we don't currently rely on ML to predict protein structure and mutation impact in classifying variants in humans because the predictions are wrong a significant amount of the time, as these models don't understand and weigh the nuances in variant classifications that expert humans do.

The final two thirds of the book talk alternately about Metzl's belief that the COVID-19 virus originated from a Chinese lab leak, and Metzl's thoughts on the future of agriculture, livestock, and sustainability.

Overall, an interesting, provocative read, but for laypeople reading this book, remember the source, and seek out other resources from experts in the field before jumping to conclusions.

My statistics:
Book 160 for 2024
Book 1763 cumulatively

[Nitin Rughoonauth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley.

As a physicist, I focus my review on the book's interdisciplinary insights and the broader implications of the technological revolutions it discusses.

Metzl’s book is a compelling exploration of the rapid advancements in AI, genome sequencing, and biotech, and how their intersection is poised to redefine various aspects of our existence. His concept of "superconvergence" captures the essence of how these technological streams are not merely progressing in parallel but are increasingly intertwined, leading to exponential changes in our capabilities and societal structures.

From a theoretical perspective, Metzl’s discussions on AI are particularly intriguing. He delves into how ML algorithms and neural networks are evolving, drawing parallels to complex systems theory. The potential of AI to augment human intelligence aligns with theories in quantum computing and the limits of computational capacity. His arguments resonate with the notion of a technological singularity, a point where AI surpasses human intelligence, which has been a topic of speculation and debate.

Metzl also touches on the implications of genome sequencing and gene editing. The CRISPR-Cas9 technology, which he highlights, can be likened to manipulating a complex system with a precise mathematical model. The precision of gene editing and its potential to eradicate genetic diseases or enhance human capabilities draw a fascinating parallel to control theory in physics, where the goal is to influence the behaviour of dynamic systems.

The ethical considerations Metzl raises are deeply rooted in the philosophical aspects of science. He questions how society will manage these godlike powers responsibly, a theme that echoes the moral quandaries faced in nuclear physics during the development of atomic energy. This intersection of ethics and technology is critical, as it underscores the need for a framework that guides the responsible deployment of these advancements.

Furthermore, Metzl's analysis of how these technologies can impact global health, the economy, and environmental sustainability provides a systems-level understanding of the interconnectedness of technological progress and societal well-being. His integration of historical, political, and international affairs perspectives enriches the narrative, making it a comprehensive guide to understanding the future landscape shaped by superconvergence.

In summary, "Superconvergence" is a thought-provoking read that effectively bridges multiple disciplines. For a physicist, it offers a fascinating glimpse into how technological revolutions can be understood through the lens of complex systems, control theory, and ethical considerations, all while emphasising the need for proactive and responsible management of these powerful tools. Metzl's work is an essential contribution to the discourse on the future of technology and its profound implications for humanity.

[Sierra Engdahl · Rating 2 out of 5]

Had to put this on 1.5x speed to finish it… the author found a way to make every chapter about COVID and how it was created in a lab in Wuhan and that was very bad and why we need safeguards on biotech etc etc. Waaay less actual science than I wanted, waaay more pop rhetoric than I ever needed.

[Sherif Gerges · Rating 2 out of 5]

What was that? Quite confusing to read. I mostly skimmed and I got about halfway and the entire time I wondered what the thesis of the actual book was? I guess Metzl wanted this to be some grand synthesis of the history of science, modernization and addressing urgent things about climate change. Instead much of it rehearsed familiar terrain that any reasonably well-read, bookish nerd would already be familiar with.

[Michelle]

DNF. After intro and first chapter.
As interesting as the topic is, it is IN DEPTH science recounts and was not as accessible as I was hoping for as someone interested but with no background or deep knowledge in anything this sciencey.

[Rebecca Heintz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very depressing. But tons of interesting information.

[Mitchel Cordy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the beginning of the book, but it seemed much longer than it needed to be. Great principles and ideas.

[Dan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I expected a more detailed explanation of exactly how AI accelerates biotech and genetic engineering, and a more structured and comprehensive discussion on what kinds of innovations to expect as a result. The book lacked depth in both.

I was going to give the book three stars, but during the last hundred pages the book got really tedious as the author launched on a voluminous rant on two pet topics, the Wuhan lab leak theory and the need for a UN authority over AI and genetic engineering.

[Amstriker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Occasionally an author writes an important book that leaves the reader astonished. Jamie Metzl is the author and “Superconvergence” is the book. Before reading this outstanding book, please read Dr. Metzl’s resume to understand why he is eminently qualified to write this tome. In this complicated and often depressing world of confusion and possible calamity an author with positive creativity translates many of our deepest concerns into a positive, well-orchestrated look at what the future could hold if handled correctly. It also gives notice of what could happen if not conducted correctly. This superb book of hope is supported by facts and suppositions that could through biotechnology, genetics, and the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution control the huge growth of our population from 8 to 10 or more billion in the next few decades or less. Dr. Metzl also devoted considerable emphasis in this book on the source of the coronavirus which he believes, based on supportable facts, originated from a research related incident in a lab in Wuhan, China. The reason he did this, I believe, is to demonstrate what can happen if things go wrong.
We are right now at the precipice of being able to control to a large extent what happens next. Suppose that the many involved countries of the world were to recognize this and create an organization that would develop standards by which cooperation rather than competition to gain some advantage could be constructed to coordinate what comes next. In my opinion, there is no one more qualified to lead this huge undertaking than Dr. Jamie Metzl. He is, in addition to many other qualifying endeavors, the founder and chair of One Shared World, “a broad and inclusive movement of stakeholders working collaboratively across diverse cultures, communities, ethnicities, organizations, entities, interests, generations, and nations to ensure a better future for humankind and the sustainability of our common home.”

[Jeff Skinner · Rating 3 out of 5]

3-Star Review: Informative but Biased

Super convergence is undeniably informative, offering a deep dive into various modern practices such as genetic modification, alternative energy sources, and climate change. The author clearly knows the science behind these topics and presents it in a way that is accessible and engaging. However, despite the wealth of information, the book is hindered by the author's evident bias in favor of these practices, often treating them as settled science without sufficient consideration of the opposing viewpoints or the complexities involved.

One of the most significant issues is the author’s unwavering trust in the scientific consensus on topics like climate change and genetic modification. He seems to assume, without question, that humanity is a major contributor to climate change, and from this assumption, he advocates strongly for moving away from fossil fuels. While transitioning to renewable energy is indeed a worthy goal, the author’s suggestion to raise the costs of fossil fuels to "encourage" other options feels somewhat heavy-handed and overlooks the potential economic impact on those who rely on these fuels.

Moreover, the author completely sidesteps the negative environmental impacts associated with electric vehicle batteries. The extraction of minerals like lithium and cobalt, essential for these batteries, often leads to environmental degradation and the exploitation of workers in developing countries. This is a significant omission that undermines the book's credibility, especially in a work that purports to be comprehensive in its analysis of modern technologies.

The author’s support for gene editing in food production is also problematic. He justifies it by claiming that humanity has "always modified and interfered with the natural order." However, this sweeping statement ignores the nuanced and potentially harmful effects that modern genetic modification may have on health and the environment. The author does not explore whether there is any correlation between the rise in chronic illnesses—such as certain cancers, diabetes, IBS, and Celiac disease—and the increased consumption of genetically modified foods. Furthermore, he fails to consider the stricter GMO standards in Europe, where lower rates of chronic illness have been observed. While this correlation might be coincidental, it warrants further investigation, which the author neglects.

Additionally, the author seems to overlook the ethical and social implications of these technologies. He appears to justify their use by anticipating a population explosion, despite evidence that birth rates are declining in major countries like China and the USA. This assumption feels outdated and fails to address the current demographic trends.

At times, the author even seems to lament the improved standard of living in developed countries, implying that it leads to a larger environmental footprint. This perspective comes across as somewhat dismissive of the genuine benefits that technological advancements have brought to human well-being.

While the book is not entirely one-sided—there are moments where the author does acknowledge opposing views—these instances are too few and far between to provide a balanced perspective. The author’s failure to thoroughly investigate the potential downsides of the practices he champions weakens the overall argument and leaves the reader questioning the completeness of the analysis.

In conclusion, *Superconvergence* offers a wealth of information and is worth reading for those interested in the intersection of technology and society. However, the author’s biases and omissions significantly detract from the book’s value. For a more balanced exploration of these topics, readers may need to look elsewhere. I give it 3 stars, acknowledging the book’s informative content but recognizing its shortcomings in providing a truly comprehensive and unbiased analysis.

[Ashwin Purushottam · Rating 4 out of 5]

An eye-opening but overly lengthy book on the future of biotech and AI with some rough edges.

Superconvergence offers a big-picture look at how genetics, biotech, and AI are merging to reshape healthcare delivery, medicine, warfare, and human identity. The book shares a large list of interesting, but unstructured examples that show both the promise and dangers of these powerful tools.

Some parts I liked:

1. Real-world examples of biotech and AI for good (or bad): AI diagnosing diseases before symptoms show up; genetically engineering crops to resist climate change; predictive genetic testing for cancer or Alzheimer’s; using AI to design drugs in days and not years; gene editing tools (like CRISPR) that could cure rare diseases, and military and surveillance applications of bio-AI which raise ethical concerns. Most of us have read about these in some form of the other in other books. There were few truly novel examples highlighted here.


2. Sharp warnings on misuse of biotech:
The author gives compelling historical context—like unethical medical experiments during WWII, China’s overly rapid deployment of high-tech biotechnology labs without proper safeguards, and recent surveillance using genetic data. He warns that unchecked biotech could lead to genetic discrimination, bio-weapons, or privacy invasions. His main advice - We need global oversight, ethical guidelines, and transparency before the tech moves faster than our ability to control it. He repeatedly focuses on China as the central threat, while ignoring the only other superpower known to globally abuse its military powers.

3. Eye-opening insights on genome modification: this was the section, I found to have some novel insights I have not found in other books and blogs. I’m listing some main inferences here:
• I found the most interesting example to be around secure data storage using DNA - though I knew that it was possible, in theory, I didn’t know that it’s already being deployed at scale across multiple for-profit organisations.
- Editing genes not just for health but to boost memory and learning
• Genetically engineering animals to produce human organs for transplant - he refers to the well-known case of the kidney, grown in a pig and transplant in humans.
• Early experiments in modifying gut bacteria to affect mental health—like mood and anxiety
⸻

Where it fell a bit flat for me:
The book is too long—the final 20% felt repetitive and could’ve been cut down. Ethics, misuse, repeat repeat etc. Second, it’s not well-structured—so many ideas are packed in that it’s hard to walk away with clear takeaways. Finally, some examples are too speculative, and the line between real science and futurism gets blurry.

The book is a great pick for readers curious about the future of health, technology, and ethics—especially those working in tech, healthcare, policy, or education. It’s not a light read, but it rewards those who stick with it. If you want to understand where humanity may be headed— I also recommend Supremacy (Olson), Life 3.0 (Tegmark), and the Singularity is Near before reading this.

[Jeffrey Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jamie Metzl's ‘Superconvergence’ presents a riveting exploration of the future. It merges science fiction with speculative futurology in a way that is both thought-provoking and deeply unsettling. The book explores the convergence of artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and nanotechnology, painting a picture of a world on the brink of a transformative evolution.

At its core, ‘Superconvergence’ is a narrative about humanity's struggle to adapt to rapid technological advancements. The plot centers around a diverse cast of characters, each grappling with the implications of a world where AI and genetic engineering redefine the boundaries of human potential and ethical norms. Metzl masterfully intertwines their personal stories with more significant, existential questions, creating a tapestry that is both intimate and grandiose.

Metzl's work is steeped in themes of ethical ambiguity and the consequences of unchecked technological growth. The motif of ‘superconvergence’—where various technologies synergize to create unforeseen outcomes—serves as a central metaphor for the unpredictable nature of innovation. The book explores genetic manipulation, privacy erosion, and the potential for a new class divide based on access to technology.

The characters in ‘Superconvergence’ are well-drawn, embodying different aspects of the human experience in a tech-driven future. From scientists pushing the boundaries of knowledge to everyday individuals caught in the crossfire, Metzl ensures that the human element remains at the forefront. However, some characters feel underdeveloped, serving more as mouthpieces for philosophical debates rather than fully fleshed-out individuals.

Metzl’s writing is crisp and engaging, making complex scientific concepts accessible to a general audience. His ability to explain advanced technologies without resorting to jargon is commendable. Yet, at times, the narrative can become bogged down by exposition, which might detract from the pacing for some readers. His background as a futurist is evident, as he often ventures into detailed projections that, while fascinating, can interrupt the story’s flow.

‘Superconvergence’ is a timely book that reflects contemporary anxieties about humanity's future. Its speculative nature invites readers to contemplate the ethical and societal implications of the technologies we are rapidly developing. Metzl’s foresight into potential future scenarios is both a warning and a call to action, urging a careful consideration of how we shape our technological trajectory.

‘Superconvergence’ is a compelling read for anyone interested in the future of technology and its impact on society. While it occasionally falters in character depth and pacing, its strengths lie in its ability to provoke thought and discussion about the ethical dimensions of our technological advancements. Jamie Metzl offers a stark, insightful vision of the future that is as enlightening as cautionary, making ‘Superconvergence’ a significant contribution to contemporary speculative fiction.

[Samantha Lever · Rating 4 out of 5]

Superconvergence explores how AI is transforming biotechnology and accelerating our ability to understand and work with the fundamental code of life. Metzl explains that the more we decipher biology, the more we can guide, manipulate, and redesign it—not by creating life from scratch, but by harnessing and recasting its inherent magic into new possibilities. AI dramatically reduces the human effort required to analyse complex biological systems, helping us better understand ourselves and the ecosystems we depend on.

The book highlights how this convergence can reshape major industries. It shows the shift from generalised precision medicine to fully personalised and predictive healthcare, and examines how GMO crops can strengthen global agriculture—contrasting the successes of the Green Revolution in the US with its more limited impact in Africa. Metzl also explores genetic modification of farmed animals, revealing how it can reduce antibiotic use, protect habitats, and support sustainable food production. He dives into the emerging field of lab-grown meat, outlining its ecological benefits and potential to transform the protein industry.

Metzl then expands into the bioeconomy, arguing it will become a central pillar of a sustainable future. He introduces new generations of biofuels (like algae and seaweed), plant-derived plastics, alternative building materials made from “living systems,” and even the potential of DNA-based data storage—a step toward biological computing.

Throughout, Metzl emphasises that moving toward a healthier, more sustainable future requires us to connect individual choices with broader long-term goals across temporal and spatial scales, and to align local and global decision-making with shared visions such as the SDGs.

This is exactly the question I explore in my book, Coevolution—and where I offer a practical pathway forward. I show how the IEEE 2874–2025 Spatial Web Standard can operate across temporal and spatial layers, with active inference AI scaling intelligence seamlessly at both local and global levels. How it creates a unified structure capable of coordinating multiple industries while respecting security, privacy, and human values.

While the book acknowledges the dystopian risks that accompany rapid advances in biotechnology, its core message is ultimately one of responsible innovation. Metzl encourages us—as a global society—to recognise the shared challenges ahead and begin building the upgraded frameworks needed to navigate them wisely.

For readers with a curious or slightly scientific mind, this serves as an excellent text for exploring ideas in how we could design a sustainable bioeconomy and shape the systems required to support it.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book after attending a biotechnology conference, and I found the author’s insights into the convergence of biotech, genetics, and AI englightening. This book broadened my perspective on the definition of biotech to not only include healthcare and medicine, but also agriculture, food supply, industrial agriculture and animal health, biofuels, and material development. I knew relatively little about AI going into this book, and so learning about how AI can revolutionize our world across different industries was eye-opening (training AI to help radiologists and gastroenterologists identify polyps, predict protein folding conformations, decide which plants to crossbreed). With the genetics technology, we can start shifting from generalized to precision medicine by understanding the genomes of individual patients. New treatments like polygenic risk assessment, chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, and regenerative medicine are in the works. We need to ensure we have enough food to feed our planet’s growing population while minimizing the land used and greenhouse gases emitted. Offering alternative meat options such as plant-based meat (engineered plant proteins to feel and taste like meat) and cultivated meat (growing meat from bovine stem cells) are coming in our future. As for materials, we are working on tackling the cost and scale challenges of seaweed- and yeast-based biofuels, bioplastics, living building materials (bacteria converts nutrients into calcium carbonate for biocement), spider silk, and DNA data storage. These new technologies offer so many potential benefits, but we also must be conscious of risks such as gene drives, synthetic biology pandemics, and genome-edited babies. We must learn lessons from the COVID pandemic that we need to fund biosafety and biosecurity and govern biorisk management practices. We need to optimally organize our societies to solve global crises by creating global authority systems on public health and environment. The author emphasizes the importance of our world working together to ensure a better, sustainable future for humankind.

[Stronisko · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poprosiliśmy AI o zrobienie z nas naukowców pasujących do książki “Superkonwergencja”. Standardowym komentarzem w ostatnich czasach na taką przeróbkę jest: skoro to zostało stworzone przez AI, to nie muszę się bać, że sztuczna inteligencja zabierze mi pracę. Pamiętajmy jednak, że darmowy chat GPT, a zaawansowane AI to dwie różne rzeczy, a to drugie może zdziałać naprawdę dużo dobrego w skali ludzkości. 🤩 O tym, a także o biotechnologii i nowych technologiach jest książka “Superkonwergencja. Jak rewolucje w genetyce, biotechnologii i AI mogą odmienić nasze życie”.

Książka “Superkowergencja” jest z tych, które otwierają oczy. Tutaj nie ma miejsca na dywagacje czy przypuszczenia, wszystkie wnioski i obserwacje oparte są na faktach i przedstawianych badaniach. I, niestety dla przyszłości naszej planety, pokazuje sporo zagrożeń związanych nie z implementacją genetycznie modyfikowanej żywności, “naprawie” naszego genomu czy próbie interakcji z groźnymi wirusami odpowiedzialnymi za pandemie, ale właśnie z brakiem tych wszystkich działań. 😶

Wiele osób nie ma świadomości, jak wiele dobrego może zdziałać nowa technologia i jej zastosowanie w biotechnologii, bioinżynierii czy biopolityce. Oczywiście znajdą się tacy, którzy powiedzą, że to ich nie dotyczy. Nic bardziej mylnego. Dynamicznie zmieniająca się sytuacja przyrostu ludności w takich krajach jak Indie czy Chiny, wytwarzanie betonu w azjatyckiej fabryce czy nawet wzrost spożycia mięsa wśród Amerykanów mają bezpośredni wpływ na całą ludzkość, włączając w to nas samych. 😮

W dzisiejszych czasach często skupiamy się na rzeczach, których wpływ jest marginalny na nasze egzystowanie w ekosystemie. Polityczne boje i przepychanki na arenie międzynarodowej mogą doprowadzić nas do zguby, jeśli odpowiednio szybko nie zwrócimy oczu na dużo ważniejsze problemy. 🔥

Na kolejnych kafelkach przygotowaliśmy dla Was kilka ciekawostek, które można znaleźć w książce. Nas “Superkonwergencja” zmusiła do myślenia, mamy nadzieję, że zainteresuje i Was, bo na pewno zmieni Wasze spojrzenie na wiele z istniejących obecnie problemów naszej cywilizacji.

[BethK · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

While controversy exists regarding bioengineering, gene therapy, “frankenfoods”, and “designer babies”, bioengineering is here to stay. Controversy exists with other areas of science and technology, including artificial intelligence, vaccines, genetically-modified organisms (GMOs), climate science, and several other areas. These too, are not going away, nor are the problems they are trying to solve. Nor can we go back to only solving these problems within our nation state, using our experts and equipment and government measures. These things are here: Right now.

The question is how can we use all of these together to make a much better life for an even greater number of people, rather than allow these advances in science and technology become the dystopian hellscape described in many science fiction stories, or even drive humans – or life on earth – to extinction.

The stakes are high. Corporate and national “business as usual” is unlikely to lead any but a few to a better future. Most likely, it will lead to a bad outcome, and bad for everybody – whether or not they even know what any of this is. We need a different system, but the existing international system has failed miserably with treaties regarding weapons proliferation or climate change.

Solutions are suggested, but no “best” solution is offered. Rather, systems we have to have or expand to “democratize” the creation of these solutions, and what we need to think of are suggested. Especially, consider what could go wrong, and how far-reaching the consequences!

[Aaron Schumacher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Metzl rubs me the wrong way, a little bit, the way the heros of LinkedIn do. He's been bio-focused, and still is, but AI is hot so AI is in the book. He's not wrong, exactly, but it still feels attention-seeking. The book has very low information density, and then weirdly his main objective in the end is to get people excited about regulation.

Metzl advocates for the Ortega hypothesis, but mostly because it fits well with his story of exponential scientific progress: if we don't have to wait for geniuses, then progress can keep accelerating. Interesting take.

He talks a lot about god-like powers, and how we need to regulate them. He's at pains to say this shouldn't be a global body imposing rules, but that every country should do things in line with their own culture and values. Ignoring that requiring countries to regulate where they wouldn't on their own is already an imposition, this federated approach only works if we have fairly strong assumptions about every government's culture and values playing well with what we think is reasonable. But then he goes on to say that also there should be international coordination, seemingly with more teeth than the WHO and so on, so he is arguing for global control in the end as well.

Metzl also believes fairly strongly that COVID-19 was produced by humans. It makes sense to talk about this in the book because it adds weight to the discussion of risks, making it not just hypothetical. This kind of talk always makes me think of the assassination germ idea in The Three Body Problem. Scary stuff indeed.

[Cheryl Vickroy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Having worked with cutting edge technologies across a broad spectrum of industries for the last quarter century, I found this book to be a decent survey of many notable, more recent inventions in and around biotechnology and AI.

As a text or perhaps for laypeople unfamiliar with technology, this book could familiarize readers quickly with some major scientific achievements that can or may affect individual lives and that certainly impact all of humanity.

For those with more expertise in deep science or technology, I fear it can be boring and may be not be thought to be objective.

I read the first third pretty eagerly. On p 44, Metzl articulates an interesting idea about the evolution of novel ideas, and how certain science or technical building blocks, as proven, enable the next wave of innovation.

After 100 more pages, I saw the stunning graphic on p 194 showing that in 2015 only 4% of existing global 'mammal biomass' is comprised of wild mammals (62% is made up of livestock and pets, and 34% human mammals).

The more I read all the downsides of what humans have created, and as I realized there was little insight as to how to address many of the resulting challenges identified, I lost interest and skimmed the rest. I am curious - with recent changes in US politics if this were to be rewritten what else might be included or excluded as a result?

[Lisa Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's annoying that there is so much controversy around biotechnology. So many people politicize science that people are unable to take advantage of safe, effective processes and products. Jamie Metzl does a great job in this book of breaking down several topics, explaining how they work and going through current developments. He makes complicated topics easy to understand, showing how different things work together.
The most important message, here, though, is making sure that we are honest about our capabilities while being responsible for the outcomes. Covid is one example -- it may or may not have come from a lab, and who knows why it all happened, but the safeguards that would have helped individuals protect themselves fell apart when China took multiple measures to cover it up. While that may be the topic most in the news lately, there are many examples where people aren't responsible with the limited resources we have and other examples where we could do so much better if we worked together.
I highly recommend this book -- I am not a scientist, but I think everyone should be willing to learn some basics to make better choices and decisions. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

***.5

As the subtitle boldly proclaims, the book covers an ambitious scope encompasses the cutting edge of biology and computers, and how the latter is being used to make changes to the former.

Metzl struggles valiantly to strike the right balance between getting caught in the technical weeds and not getting deep enough into the details to justify his conclusions. Depending on the reader's previous knowledge of the subject matter, YMMV with reactions ranging from overwhelmed to bored stiff, or both depending on the chapter.

But after tackling an array of related issues involving Healthcare and Agriculture such as GMO foods, vat-grown meat, designer babies, etc. he goes on to rant and whine about a bunch of other stuff like Climate Change, Covid, nuclear weapons, etc. The problem isn't that he's wrong (I agree with most of his conclusions), it's that he's all over the place, and by touching on so many different topics he's not really able to do any of them justice. He tries to sum everything up at the end with a lecture on governance and policy, but it's too high level to provide the reader with a clear idea of where to go or what to from here.

[Fredric Gluck · Rating 4 out of 5]

An elegant and well written summarizing three big technologies of our time (AI, biotech and genetics). Written so that each of these technologies is covered in a way that makes it easy to understand the critical core concepts. Good discussion about how these technologies will soon be an integral part of our life (e.g. predictive healthcare instead of preventative healthcare, accelerated enhancements to and new types of foods, better solutions to environmental and health challenges). Some really well thought out views of how Covid was a lesson for problems and challenges that will be part of our near future.

Most importantly Metzl points out that the current organization of our society, as separate countries each with its own self interests, is not sufficient to deal with the promises and dangers that these technologies present.

Metzl gives a great introduction and overview of these technologies and pushes for a case where the world as a global society must change it "operating system" so that it has the capability to deal with the promises and dangers that these technologies will bring to mankind.

[Charles Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

88%

Great reading material. What is really nice here is thinking about all of the different factors that come together when we're experiencing life as it is. That's really what superconvergence is about in all contexts. What is contributing to the current future that we have here? What shifts can we make to change our current trajectory? What shifts can we make today that actually change the path itself that we're on? It's all about decisions. Decision elimination, decision bias, taking steps forward, taking steps backward. Where do we want to go? Negative things aren't always negative, and it's important to look at these factors and ask ourselves, what do we want? This book does a great job of generalizing some very unique information here. I didn't like the morality aspect of it. Since morality is so subjective, it's hard to say definitively one thing. I like definitives, solid facts. This book gives us a lot of great factors to analyze and act on, regardless if they're right or not.

[Христо Блажев · Rating 3 out of 5]

Свръхконвергенцията ще промени света: https://knigolandia.info/svruhkonverg...

Мецл разделя визията си за бъдещето на няколко отделни части, като още в самото начало обаче посочва, че само и единствено през призмата на конвергенцията на всички тях може да се създаде реалистична картина на близкото бъдеще: „И както слепците в притчата трябва да свържат индивидуалния си опит, за да започнат да разбират по-голямата реалност около тях, така и ние трябва да видим как свърхконвергенцията на пресичащите се технологии отприщва чудото на човешките иновации на планетарно ниво и ни дава свръхспособности, които все повече ще засягат почти всеки аспект на света вътре и около нас.“ Той е недвусмислен: „Биоинженерното бъдеще идва, независимо дали ни харесва, или не. Същественият въпрос не е дали го искаме, а как можем най-добре да го управляваме. Фактът, че почти със сигурност ще редактираме гените на бъдещите си деца, ще преработим почти всички одомашнени и някои диви растения и животни и ще трансформираме икономиките си, за да отворим път за биоматериалите, биопроизводството, био��оривата и биокомпютрите – при това с добри основания – не означава, че трябва да го направим безразборно.“

Издателство "Изток-Запад"
https://knigolandia.info/svruhkonverg...

[Al · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm giving this book five stars not because it's a page-turner, but because I can't imagine a more comprehensive and clearly written exposition of the current state of the technologies exploding around us. Metzl deals with artificial intelligence, gene sequencing and editing, including genetic modification in agriculture and meat, and related biotech matters. It's sophisticated, detailed and in places, bewildering. It's not an easy or comforting read. Metzl is an optimist, but he makes it clear that if we don't get our act together in all these areas we are facing serious problems. And by this he means that the only way to control these new technologies is to find ways to bind all countries and peoples together in pursuit of workable solutions and applications. I think he's right, but looking at the world in turmoil as it is today, it's sadly difficult to see this joint effort happening before it's too late.

[Steven Clark · Rating 2 out of 5]

First of this book had a lot of promise and something I really wanted to like.

Jamie Metzl’s Superconvergence does ambitiously tackles the intersection of genetics, AI, and global sustainability—but it stumbles. The book reads more like a futurist’s TED Talk than grounded science.

The first third of the book largely revolves especially around genetic engineering. Here, Metzl leans too heavily on the supposed power of AI and machine learning to revolutionize biotech. For example, tools like protein structure prediction are still too unreliable for use.

The book then veers into COVID-19 origins- discusses agriculture, livestock, and sustainability. This is where the book falters most: his faith in government regulation as a tool to shift individual behavior—particularly in food and climate policy. This analysis feels uncritical and almost infantile. The argument is mostly mainstream policy dogma without offering fresh insight or technical expertise.

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

Superconvergence delves into the intersection of genetics, biotech, and AI with our everyday lives. While I may not agree with all of Metzl's conclusions, I appreciate the well-rounded picture he paints - sometimes bleak but also hopeful for the future.

As a lay reader of the subjects, I cannot speak highly enough of how accessible and engaging the writing style was for me. Metzl has a knack for explaining complex ideas in relatable, understandable ways without making the reader feel ‘talked down to.’ At times, there’s certainly an air of grandiosity and self-importance coming through, but for the most part, this is a down-to-earth read about some hefty subject matter.

Overall, worth reading for those with an interest in learning more about how these fields have advanced and what might come next.

[Kalyan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book started off well, but halfway through, particularly in chapters 3 and 4, the author suddenly adopted a style reminiscent of Václav Smil. While these chapters were a bit jarring, the later chapters—6, 7, and 8—were much more engaging. Overall, I liked the book; its simple, no-nonsense, to-the-point approach was refreshing. However, I’m not sure how someone could pick it up and read it without prior context.

I listened to it as an audiobook, and even then, it felt long—around 13 hours, I think. An audiobook might still be a better option, but I felt that the level of detail, particularly with the statistics, was excessive. A more concise and insightful analysis would have sufficed.

The book made me realize that human intelligence isn’t the only measure of intelligence. It comes in many forms and can be applied in various ways. Machines may never be as “intelligent” as humans, but they excel at what they do. We can harness their potential, as seen with AI applications like AlphaFold2, developed by Demis Hassabis and John Jumper in 2020. This AI model predicts the structure of nearly all 200 million known proteins and has helped researchers tackle issues like antibiotic resistance and even create enzymes to break down plastic. Predicting protein structures and designing our own proteins could be one of humanity’s greatest benefits from AI—at least for now.

AI is inevitable, much like past revolutions. The key consideration is how humanity can best harness it for our benefit. The last chapter, "Castles in the Air," is thought-provoking.

Finally, Jamie, you need to develop your own writing style. Imitating Václav Smil doesn’t work; his approach is overdone, at least for me, and I tend to avoid his works.

[Lauren Moen]

I've heard several interviews with the author in recent months, so finally decided to give the book a try. Metzl does a good job of explaining the history, current status, and future challenges of three very scientific subjects. Further he gives great examples of how the convergence of the three subjects are already affecting our lives.

Metzl further explores the many ethical and regulatory challenges confronting humanity with moving forward with these technologies. Based on history, the issues of economic and weaponizarption versus the collective good will loom very high.

The book does not dwell on the heavy technical details of the technologies, is very readable and will equip you with many interesting conversation topics for your next coffee break.

[Breana Sprinkle]

I decided to DNF as I really couldn't get interested after the first chapter or two.
It's very tech heavy. I guess I thought that it would be more on the biology side & found the data aspect overwhelming. I'm not familiar with tech knowledge. While the beginning explained quite well some concepts.
I couldn't continue.

Was a Netgalley approved ARC that I just couldn't finish. It slumped.
Perhaps I'll get a copy eventually so I'd have time to get through it & dissect.
Especially the correlation between tech & amino acid strings.
It's the wrong time.

If you're more knowledgeable in tech & biotech, you should check it out.