Superconvergence

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! One thing that is a given is that the public needs to be on-board with it, to accept the technology and its uses. Many people in the US would be appalled to discover that nearly all of their food is genetically-modified.

I gave it 4 stars because although most of it was good, in places the author went too far into optimism, and suggested that the US might get better at healthcare as it sees that more centralized countries' systems provide better outcomes at lower cost - they do, have for some time, and this has not happened. He also envisions a future where people work together using blockchain, which has shown itself to be a dismal failure, and very wasteful of resources, with little to no gain.

"Superconvergence: How the Genetics, Biotech, and AI Revolutions Will Transform our Lives, Work, and World" by Jamie Metzl is a bold, insightful, and comprehensive exploration of the transformative potential of cutting-edge technologies.

Metzl masterfully integrates expertise from diverse fields, including science, history, politics, and international affairs, to paint a vivid picture of the technological precipice on which humanity stands.

He eloquently describes how the convergence of artificial intelligence, genome sequencing, gene editing, and other revolutionary advancements hold the power to dramatically improve our health, feed the global population, and supercharge our economies.

However, Metzl also cautions that these same capabilities, if not harnessed responsibly, could also inflict immeasurable harm. The author's clear-eyed analysis of both the immense promise and peril of these technologies is a testament to his expertise and foresight.

Superconvergence is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the profound transformations shaping our world and the critical importance of developing robust governance frameworks to guide us through this pivotal moment in human history.

Metzl's work is a masterful blend of scientific rigor, geopolitical insight, and a visionary outlook that will captivate and enlighten readers.

I loved it.

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.

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.