Soonish: ten emerging technologies that'll improve and/or ruin everything by Kelly Weinersmith & Zach Weinersmith Summary

1. Reusable rockets could cut space launch costs by 90% through vertical landing technology
2. Asteroid mining may enable off-planet fuel production using metallic space rocks
3. Programmable matter research seeks self-assembling materials through evolutionary algorithm optimization
4. Brain-computer interfaces risk neural surveillance while offering paralysis treatment breakthroughs
5. 3D-printed organs face vascularization challenges but promise transplant list eliminations
6. Robotic construction could slash housing costs but risks job displacement
7. Augmented reality’s success depends on solving real-time spatial mapping challenges
8. Synthetic biology enables custom microbes for pollution cleanup with containment risks
9. Space elevators require carbon nanotube advances to overcome material science limitations
10. Weinersmiths argue fusion power’s feasibility hinges on material science breakthroughs
11. Soonish narrows 50 future tech candidates to 10 transformative fields
12. The nasal cycle discovery reveals unexpected paths for drug delivery innovation

About the Author

Kelly Weinersmith and Zach Weinersmith, bestselling authors of Soonish: Ten Emerging Technologies That’ll Improve and/or Ruin Everything, blend scientific rigor with irreverent humor to explore cutting-edge innovations.

Kelly, a Rice University biologist and parasite ecology researcher, pairs with Zach, creator of the popular Saturday Morning Breakfast Cereal webcomic, to demystify complex scientific concepts for general audiences. Their debut collaboration examines futuristic technologies like space elevators and robotic construction through interdisciplinary lenses, combining Kelly’s academic expertise with Zach’s storytelling flair.

The duo expanded their science communication work in the Royal Society Trivedi Prize-winning A City on Mars, analyzing space colonization challenges. Regularly featured in The New York Times, BBC World, and TEDx talks, they co-host the Science... sort of podcast to make research accessible.

Soonish became a Wall Street Journal "Best Science Book of the Year" and NYTimes science bestseller, establishing the Weinersmiths as essential guides to humanity’s technological future.

FAQs About This Book

What is Soonish by Kelly Weinersmith about?

Soonish explores ten emerging technologies—like space exploration, fusion energy, programmable matter, and brain-computer interfaces—that could reshape society. Authors Kelly and Zach Weinersmith blend humor, comics, and in-depth research to explain how these innovations work, their potential benefits, and the scientific hurdles delaying their adoption.

Who should read Soonish?

Science enthusiasts, futurists, and casual readers curious about cutting-edge technologies will enjoy Soonish. Its accessible writing and witty illustrations make complex topics like synthetic biology and augmented reality engaging for non-experts, while still offering depth for tech-savvy audiences.

Is Soonish worth reading?

Yes—Soonish balances optimism with skepticism, offering a nuanced look at technologies like 3D-printed organs and nuclear fusion. Praised by Cory Doctorow and Science Friday, it combines rigorous research with humor, though some note rapid tech advancements may date certain sections.

What are the key technologies discussed in Soonish?

The book highlights:

• Cheap space access (e.g., asteroid mining)
• Fusion energy and programmable materials
• Robotic construction and augmented reality
• Synthetic biology (e.g., eradicating malaria)
• Bioprinting organs and brain-computer interfaces

How does Soonish address ethical concerns?

It examines dual-use risks, like synthetic biology’s potential to cure diseases or create bioweapons, and discusses the moral implications of bioprinting and AI-driven technologies. The authors emphasize balancing innovation with caution.

What are notable quotes from Soonish?

• “Soonish is an exceptional science book… [it] keeps the excitement intact.” – Cory Doctorow
• “Lays out… exactly what it might take to get us [to the future].” – Tasha Robinson, NPR

How does Soonish compare to other tech futurism books?

Unlike academic texts, Soonish uses comics and humor to demystify topics like programmable matter. It focuses on near-future tech rather than speculative sci-fi, offering a grounded yet entertaining perspective.

What criticisms exist about Soonish?

Some argue rapidly evolving fields like AI and synthetic biology may outpace the book’s 2017 insights. However, its exploration of foundational challenges (e.g., fusion energy bottlenecks) remains relevant.

Why is Soonish relevant in 2025?

Technologies like brain-computer interfaces and mRNA vaccines (a precision medicine subset) have advanced significantly since publication, making Soonish’s analysis of their early-stage potential particularly insightful today.

How does Soonish use humor to explain science?

The Weinersmiths’ comics and witty analogies simplify concepts—comparing nuclear fusion to a “toaster powered by a star”—while interviews with scientists add credibility.

Can Soonish help understand current tech trends?

Yes. Its chapters on augmented reality, robotic construction, and bioengineering provide context for modern developments in AI-driven design, 3D-printed homes, and CRISPR gene editing.

What ethical issues does Soonish highlight?

Key concerns include programmable matter’s misuse, bioprinting’s societal impact, and brain-computer interfaces’ privacy risks. The book urges proactive ethical frameworks alongside innovation.