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.

순이시

모든 것을 개선하거나 혹은 망칠 10가지 신흥 기술

켈리 와이너스미스 & 재크 와이너스미스

3.94(5872 Reviews)

순이시 개요

뉴욕타임스 베스트셀러인 "곧(Soonish)"을 통해 미래를 혁신하거나 파괴할 수 있는 기술의 세계로 뛰어들어 보세요. 생명과학자 켈리 와이너스미스와 만화가 재크 와이너스미스가 함께 집필한 이 책은 레딧(Reddit) 공동 창업자의 추천을 받았으며 월스트리트저널(WSJ) 최고의 과학 도서로 선정되었습니다. 복잡한 과학을 유쾌하고 이해하기 쉽게 풀어낸 이 책과 함께 우주 엘리베이터의 세계로 떠나볼까요?

전달 방식을 선택하세요

한 권의 책, 다양한 듣기 방식.

순이시의 같은 아이디어를 담았습니다. 나에게 맞는 목소리, 깊이, 속도를 고르고 언제든 바꿔 보세요.

1장

The Future Is Coming, Ready or Not

Imagine a world where space elevators transport people and cargo to orbiting stations at a fraction of today's costs, where medical nanobots patrol your bloodstream hunting for cancer cells, and where your home transforms its shape based on your needs and the weather. According to Kelly and Zach Weinersmith, authors of "Soonish," this isn't just science fiction-it's where technology is headed, though the timeline remains uncertain. The book has garnered praise from tech luminaries like Elon Musk and Bill Gates, with the latter calling it "a wild glimpse into a future that may or may not be right around the corner." What makes "Soonish" stand out in the crowded field of futurist literature is its blend of rigorous scientific analysis and irreverent humor, making complex technological concepts accessible without sacrificing depth. As we navigate an era of accelerating technological change, the Weinersmiths offer a refreshingly honest roadmap to the future-one that acknowledges both the breathtaking potential and the messy, unpredictable path of innovation.

2장

Space: The Not-So-Final Frontier

Getting to space is absurdly expensive-about $10,000 per pound, which means sending a cheeseburger to orbit would cost roughly $2,500. This prohibitive expense explains why human space exploration has stagnated since 1969 despite our technological advances in other areas. The fundamental problem is that rockets are mostly propellant (about 80%), with only 4% dedicated to actual cargo. Yet ironically, the propellant is the cheapest component while the discarded rocket represents most of the cost. Several approaches could dramatically lower these costs. Reusable rockets, like those developed by SpaceX, potentially eliminate up to 90% of launch costs by recovering the vehicle instead of discarding it after one use. While Elon Musk's claims of 100x cost reduction seem optimistic, even SpaceX's more modest 30% discount could revolutionize space access. Air-breathing rockets and spaceplanes offer another solution by using atmospheric oxygen for part of their journey, reducing the propellant they need to carry. The British firm Reaction Engines is developing the Skylon vehicle with its SABRE engine, designed to efficiently switch between air-breathing and rocket modes. More exotic approaches include space guns-enormous cannons that would use a single ground-based explosion rather than carrying propellant to space. While the extreme acceleration would destroy any living cargo, "hardened" payloads like specially designed electronics and raw materials could be sent to orbital factories. The ultimate solution might be a space elevator-a 62,000-mile-long cable attached to a counterweight rock orbiting Earth. This would eliminate discarded parts, dangerous explosives, and atmospheric reentry problems, potentially reducing launch costs to under $250 per pound. However, cheap space access brings serious risks. Military applications like "rods from God"-heavy metal rods dropped from orbit with nuclear-bomb-like impact-could emerge. Environmental concerns include increased pollution from rocket fuels and worsening orbital debris problems. There's even concern about potential genetic divergence between Earth and space-dwelling humans as small isolated populations in different gravity and radiation environments could develop into distinct species. Despite these concerns, the benefits would be transformative. At prices of $250-$500 per pound, we could launch an International Space Station equivalent monthly for $5 billion instead of $100 billion. This would enable better satellite systems, improved communications, and precise GPS. Most importantly, space would finally open to adventurers and risk-takers, not just government agencies with their risk-averse approach to human spaceflight.

들리는 모든 단어를 눈으로 확인하세요

순이시의 각 단어가 오디오에 맞춰 실시간으로 강조되어 편하게 따라 읽을 수 있습니다.

3장

Mining the Cosmic Junkyard

The Earth's formation process sent heavy elements like gold and platinum toward its core, making them scarce at the surface. Asteroids-essentially planet-building junk that never fully coalesced-offer an alternative source of these valuable materials. These space rocks come in three types: carbonaceous (containing water and carbon), stony (rich in silicates), and metal (mostly iron and nickel). While mining these resources for Earth markets faces economic challenges, harvesting materials already in space could be crucial for future space settlements. Landing on asteroids presents unique difficulties-they have almost no gravity, so touching down risks bouncing off. Scientists have developed multiple solutions including drilling, harpoons, glue, clasping mechanisms, and gecko-like sticky "feet." Dr. Karen Daniels proposes a plant root-inspired system with little diggers that work between rubble pieces and link for support. Alternative approaches include netting entire asteroids or using TransAstra's APIS (Asteroid Provided In-Situ Supplies), which captures asteroids in bags and uses concentrated sunlight for "optical mining." As asteroid mining develops, we'll need space law enforcement to police these valuable floating resources. We'll also need to balance exploitation with preservation, potentially creating asteroid parks to protect unique space formations. Safety presents another concern-if asteroid-moving technology becomes widely available, it could become a dangerous weapon. Even a relatively small object like the one that caused the 1908 Tunguska event created an explosion 185 times more powerful than the Hiroshima bomb. While returning space-mined materials to Earth might be economically challenging, the greater benefit would be enabling space settlement and exploration. Using space resources to manufacture in space would dramatically reduce costs. Water and carbon from asteroids could be converted to rocket fuel, enabling travel between colonies or further exploration. This excites visionaries who see asteroid mining as crucial to humanity becoming a multiplanetary species.

4장

Fusion: The Ultimate Clean Energy

Nuclear fusion represents the ultimate clean energy solution, using common elements as fuel without risk of catastrophic meltdowns. Fusion occurs when two hydrogen atoms combine to form helium, releasing enormous energy in the process-similar to how a taut crossbow string contains more energy than a loose one, with this energy difference released when fusion occurs. Different hydrogen isotopes have varying fusion potential. Standard hydrogen (hydrogen-1 or protium) makes up 99.98% of all hydrogen and has just one proton. Deuterium (0.02% of hydrogen) adds one neutron, while tritium adds two neutrons but is unstable with a 12.32-year half-life. Heavier isotopes fuse more easily because they have more mass to overcome the electromagnetic repulsion between atoms. The fundamental challenge is creating sunlike conditions on Earth without using gravity. Amateur scientists like Richard Hull have achieved small-scale fusion using electrified cage devices called fusors, which can be built for around $3,000. However, these amateur devices are energy-negative, consuming more power than they produce. Professional approaches generally fall into two categories: blasting all fusion fuel at once (like NIF's approach) or confining and heating plasma over time using magnetic fields. The National Ignition Facility (NIF) splits a mega-powerful laser into 192 beams that converge on a gold cylinder containing fusion fuel. The MagLIF (Magnetized Liner Inertial Fusion) project at Sandia Labs works by taking a chilled cylinder of fusion fuel, blasting it with a powerful laser to rapidly heat it, then using an enormous electrical discharge to create a magnetic field that collapses the cylinder. ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor) is the biggest fusion experiment using a "tokamak" configuration-essentially a giant donut filled with plasma confined by magnetic fields. Unlike fission reactors, fusion reactors produce no greenhouse gases or long-lived radioactive waste-only helium and neutrons. Any irradiated reactor components would have relatively short radioactive lifespans and could be recycled within about a hundred years. Fusion reactors have no meltdown risk-they're so difficult to maintain that any containment loss would immediately stop the reaction "like a candle in the wind." Fusion energy would provide an essentially limitless fuel source with minimal environmental impact. Economically viable fusion would mean cheaper energy and subsequently lower prices for consumer goods, especially in energy-intensive industries. Fusion could also revolutionize space travel by providing safe, abundant energy for spacecraft that could potentially collect hydrogen fuel throughout the solar system.

순이시에서 더 많은 것을 얻으세요

매일 새로운 인사이트를 10만 개 이상의 레슨에서 만나보세요
단어가 강조되어 오디오와 실시간으로 동기화됩니다
내 라이브러리를 저장하고 모든 기기에서 이용하세요

5장

Matter That Programs Itself

What if all your possessions could transform like your computer can run different programs? Unlike most physical objects that serve single purposes, programmable matter represents the dream of making hardware as adaptable as software. Scientists worldwide are working toward materials that can morph between forms-from bicycles that become chairs to phones that unfold into laptops. MIT's Professor Skylar Tibbits specializes in materials programmed to transform themselves without human intervention. His "4D printing" creates 3D-printed objects that change over time based on environmental triggers like moisture or temperature. Similarly, the "HygroScope" features wood pieces that bend in response to humidity, creating biological-looking structures without motors or computers. Origami robots represent another powerful approach through their ability to transform from flat materials into complex functional structures. Dr. Daniela Rus at MIT has developed a remarkable biodegradable robot made from pig intestine that can be swallowed in an ice pill. Once in the gut, it unfolds and can perform medical tasks like retrieving swallowed batteries before naturally dissolving. These origami principles could enable even smaller medical robots capable of delivering medicine to specific locations or forming surgical tools inside the body. In dense urban environments, reconfigurable houses demonstrate space efficiency with rooms that serve multiple functions. The Animated Work Environment features a scorpion-like tail of six aluminum panels containing screens, whiteboards, lights and sensors that can transform to create privacy dividers, group displays, or personalized work environments. The LIT ROOM takes this concept further with movable, bendable walls that respond to storytelling-creating immersive environments like mountaintops or rainstorms. Roombots from Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne represent a breakthrough in reconfigurable furniture. These rounded cubes can rotate, move by wiggling or forming wheels, and dock with each other or specially designed receivers. This allows them to climb walls, transform ordinary objects like wooden planks into functional furniture, or create adaptive pieces that adjust height and shape for elderly or disabled users. David Duff's "Bucket of Stuff" vision represents the ultimate programmable matter-material that transforms into any needed tool. Rather than requesting specific tools, you might simply state your goal ("loosen this screw") and the substance determines the best approach. However, significant challenges remain. Each bit needs versatility (combining strong and flexible properties), and the intelligence problem is thorny-too little smarts makes functionality difficult, while too much requires miniature power sources for each particle. Programmable matter introduces serious security concerns. Hacking becomes more dangerous when your household objects can physically reshape themselves. Reliability is another major issue-as Professor Tibbits notes, "We're giving agency to the materials," raising questions about responsibility when programmable materials fail. Military applications range from soldier-carried reconfigurable tools to surveillance-imagine microscopic programmable matter creating cameras and transmitters anywhere. Despite these concerns, programmable matter could revolutionize efficiency through adaptation. Just as plants change with seasons and human bodies adapt to conditions, buildings and vehicles could dynamically respond to their environment. A shape-changing house could maximize use of sunlight, heat, and water while remaining aesthetically pleasing. Cars could have tires that automatically adjust their grip based on weather conditions, and scramjet engines could morph their shape for optimal performance at different speeds and altitudes.

6장

Robots Building Our Future

Thomas Edison proposed in 1917 that houses could be built by pouring concrete into configurable molds, but the idea never gained widespread acceptance. Despite remarkable advances in robotics, artificial intelligence, and computing power, modern house construction remains surprisingly similar to methods from a century ago. This stands in stark contrast to most consumer goods, which are now manufactured quickly and cheaply through automated processes. The challenge is that houses are large, complex structures built from diverse materials that must be assembled in specific sequences at unique locations. Unlike cars manufactured in factories, houses can't be easily mass-produced in standardized environments. However, recent advances suggest robot-made housing might finally be possible, potentially increasing construction speed, improving quality, and lowering costs while enabling more creative architectural designs. Three main approaches represent construction's future: robotic construction workers, giant 3D printers, and swarm robots. The challenge of creating robotic construction workers illustrates Moravec's Paradox-tasks easy for humans (like laying bricks) are surprisingly difficult for machines. Despite these challenges, companies like Construction Robotics have created SAM (semi-automated mason), which can lay bricks three times faster than humans when paired with a worker. 3D printing houses presents unique challenges requiring materials that start malleable but become structurally sound. Dr. Khoshnevis's Contour Crafting system uses a gantry-mounted robotic arm to build concrete layers while incorporating plumbing and window/door spaces, potentially building a 2,000-square-foot house in just 24 hours at 60% of traditional costs. Dr. Keating and Dr. Oxman at MIT have developed a more versatile alternative: a self-driving truck-mounted robot that can 3D print while moving, adjust for wind fluctuations, work with various materials (including glass), and operate on solar power. Instead of a single giant robot building your house, swarm robots work together like termites, which build structures thousands of times larger than themselves without central coordination. Researchers like Dr. Justin Werfel and Dr. Kirstin Petersen have developed independent construction robots with "whegs" (wheel-leg hybrids) that pick up specially designed bricks and place them according to simple programmed instructions. Robot-built housing might actually be safer than human construction, as integrated sensors can constantly monitor the building process to prevent errors. But what about construction jobs? The field already lost over 837,000 jobs between 2004 and 2014, though projections show potential gains through 2024. The economic impact is complex-technologies like SAM that replace multiple workers might not reduce total employment if construction becomes cheaper and demand increases. Robotic construction could address urgent humanitarian crises. For refugee populations like the 11 million Syrians displaced by civil war, technologies like Contour Crafting could rapidly provide housing with basic plumbing. For average homeowners, robotic construction could democratize beautiful architecture. With open-source designs and robots doing the work, the cost difference between simple and complex layouts might become negligible. For space exploration, robotic construction offers particular advantages-Dr. Khoshnevis is working with NASA on using Contour Crafting for building landing paths, roads, and habitable structures on Mars before humans arrive.

들리는 모든 단어를 눈으로 확인하세요

순이시의 각 단어가 오디오에 맞춰 실시간으로 강조되어 편하게 따라 읽을 수 있습니다.

7장

Reality, Enhanced

Augmented reality (AR) overlays virtual elements onto the real world, enhancing reality rather than replacing it entirely like virtual reality (VR) does. While VR completely occupies your sensory inputs with computer-generated content, AR only partially alters your perception, allowing you to interact with both real and virtual elements simultaneously. Currently, AR primarily focuses on visual augmentation, though a complete system would eventually incorporate all senses. The key challenge in AR is achieving proper "registration"-ensuring virtual elements interact convincingly with real-world objects and maintain their proper position as users move. This requires sophisticated hardware, software, and understanding of human perception. Early AR systems used "fiducial markers" (similar to QR codes) as reference points for placing virtual objects in physical space. Modern systems have evolved beyond traditional markers, becoming smart enough to place objects independently by recognizing environmental features. GPS alone can't provide the precision AR requires, offering only meter-level accuracy that's even worse for elevation. Instead, modern systems use visual recognition techniques that mimic human orientation methods. More advanced systems use LiDAR (light detection and ranging) to create accurate 3D environmental models by bouncing laser light off objects. While visual AR dominates research, some scientists are developing technologies for other senses. Audio AR faces challenges like correctly timing sounds to reach each ear, simulating motion through changing pitch and intensity, and replicating environmental acoustics like echoes. Smell presents greater difficulties since odors can't be produced from simple component combinations. Touch research has produced "haptic pens" that provide resistance when users interact with virtual objects. Google Glass's public rejection demonstrated that social acceptance remains crucial for AR adoption. Companies like Innovega are developing less conspicuous alternatives, including contact lens systems. Current applications showcase AR's diverse potential: Dr. Billinghurst's "magic books" that make plants grow from pages; Dr. Ventura's outdoor system for visualizing landscape designs; Dr. Schall's "X-ray vision" for city workers to see underground infrastructure; and "virtual mirror interfaces" that create windows into augmented worlds. Privacy issues loom large with AR technology. Software like Recognizr can detect and track faces, potentially allowing reconstruction of your daily movements and emotional states. The ultimate AR machine wouldn't just track visual data but would scan everything in 3D, hear, and even smell-creating unprecedented data collection opportunities for companies. "Diminished reality"-the ability to selectively filter out unwanted aspects of reality-presents ethical concerns about avoiding uncomfortable truths like homelessness or enemy combatants' emotions. Beyond revolutionizing entertainment, AR offers transformative educational potential by allowing students to interact with complex concepts. AR represents the next step in our historical offloading of cognitive tasks. Just as writing freed us from memorization, AR could handle spatial reasoning and procedural memory-showing step-by-step instructions for tasks like printer repair or cooking, dramatically increasing efficiency and reducing training time. In medicine, applications range from virtual breast augmentation previews to surgical assistance, where MRI scans can be projected onto patients during operations. At its grandest, AR offers a reconciliation between our technological world and our imaginative one-letting us populate our environment with dragons, pixies, or even representations of departed loved ones. It's a technology that could remake reality according to our imagination, bringing wonder back into a world that has discarded many comforting myths.

8장

Biology by Design

Humans have been manipulating biology for millennia, from transforming wolves into tiny dependent dogs to turning a single species (Brassica oleracea) into everything from broccoli to kale. Traditionally, we've done this through selective breeding, unknowingly altering DNA over many generations. But synthetic biology represents something more precise-deliberately engineering organisms by directly manipulating their genetic code. DNA is essentially a twisted ladder (double helix) where the "rungs" consist of paired molecules called bases-T always pairs with A, and C with G. If you read these bases in order, they form a code that's essentially the blueprint for making proteins. Genes are sections of DNA that appear to control particular traits, though most characteristics result from multiple genes working together in complex ways. Synthetic biology began in the 1970s with complex methods that nevertheless revolutionized medicine. Human insulin production in E. coli bacteria replaced animal-derived insulin, eliminating allergic reactions and the need for mass animal slaughter. While we've controlled many diseases, malaria remains stubborn with 214 million cases and 438,000 deaths in 2015. Scientists engineered brewer's yeast to produce artemisinic acid (easily converted to artemisinin) after a decade of complex genetic modifications. More ambitiously, researchers developed gene drives that could spread malaria resistance through mosquito populations. Dr. Pamela Silver's lab at Harvard created bacteria that can "remember" their environment by encoding experiences into their DNA. They designed synthetic DNA loops that activate under specific conditions and continue producing detectable chemicals across cell generations. These programmable bacterial sensors could detect conditions like oxygen deprivation in tumors. When paired with Silver's work on "protein pistons" that break cell membranes to release cargo, this creates the possibility of targeted drug delivery systems. Xenotransplantation offers tremendous potential through "humanizing" pig organs. By genetically modifying pigs to produce organs molecularly similar to human ones, scientists have already kept a pig heart alive in a baboon for over two years. The technology works by altering pig genetics to make their molecules less recognizably foreign to human immune systems. A major concern is preventing the transfer of porcine endogenous retroviruses (PERVs) from pigs to humans-a challenge researchers at eGenesis are addressing using CRISPR-Cas9 to cut these viral elements out of pig DNA. Cells are nature's master chemists, and synthetic biology is harnessing this power for fuel production. Dr. Dan Nocera discovered a catalyst that splits water into hydrogen and oxygen-mimicking photosynthesis. Dr. Pamela Silver's lab improved the concept by introducing genetically modified bacteria that combine the hydrogen with carbon dioxide to produce isopropanol, a usable fuel. Their system now exceeds the efficiency of algae, nature's best photosynthesizer. The revolutionary CRISPR-Cas9 system has transformed genetic modification from difficult and expensive to accessible and precise. Discovered by Drs. Jennifer Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentier, this technique leverages bacterial immune systems that remember viral attackers by storing snippets of their genetic code. Scientists have adapted this system to precisely edit genes in living cells-when DNA is cut, cells attempt to repair themselves, allowing researchers to insert new genetic material at targeted locations. The democratization of synthetic biology raises serious security concerns. As technology to manipulate life becomes cheaper and more accessible, bioterrorism risks increase dramatically. Another concern is ecological-synthetic organisms might become invasive by accident. Bacteria designed to produce chemicals like jet fuel could escape into natural environments, potentially exchanging genes with wild organisms despite scientists' efforts to prevent this. Despite these concerns, synthetic biology promises to transform our world in astonishing ways. As Dr. George Church notes, scientists are now "limited by imagination" rather than tedious experiments. The technology could enable storing massive amounts of data in DNA-up to 10 billion gigabytes in a space smaller than a water drop, with a 500-year half-life. In space exploration, synthetic organisms could manufacture products and recycle waste, making settlements on other planets more feasible. Perhaps most remarkably, scientists have already created entirely new forms of DNA with additional letters beyond the natural A, C, T, and G. This expanded genetic alphabet can produce 172 amino acids instead of the natural 20, opening possibilities for proteins never before seen in nature.

순이시에서 더 많은 것을 얻으세요

매일 새로운 인사이트를 10만 개 이상의 레슨에서 만나보세요
단어가 강조되어 오디오와 실시간으로 동기화됩니다
내 라이브러리를 저장하고 모든 기기에서 이용하세요

9장

Medicine Tailored Just for You

Modern medicine represents a dramatic improvement over pre-19th century treatments like bloodletting and hedgehog grease. Today's doctors act as detectives, interpreting clues about your body's condition through careful observation and scientific knowledge. This partnership between practicing physicians and scientific researchers ensures treatments are based on empirical evidence rather than tradition. The field of precision medicine has transformed dramatically in recent decades. Dr. John Mendelsohn of MD Anderson Cancer Center notes that when he began his career, scientists didn't even know DNA was our genetic material, and experimental data could fit on a single sheet of paper. Today, sequencing one human genome generates five billion data points, and MD Anderson sequences thousands of cancer patients' DNA annually. While genome sequencing has become relatively affordable, curing genetic disorders remains challenging because you'd need to alter DNA in all relevant cells throughout the body. For conditions like cystic fibrosis, which causes thick mucus buildup in organs, treatments have traditionally managed symptoms rather than addressing root genetic causes. The drug ivacaftor targets a specific mutation found in only 5% of cystic fibrosis patients-exemplifying precision medicine's goal of matching treatments to specific genetic variants. CRISPR gene-editing technology offers hope for actually fixing these mutations, having already shown promise in lab tissue samples. Cancer cells are dangerous because they resemble normal cells while evading immune detection. Early diagnosis dramatically improves survival rates-lung cancer detected early has a 55% five-year survival rate versus just 5% when found after metastasis. Blood biomarkers like microRNA offer promising detection methods for various cancers. These small molecules help regulate gene expression by adjusting how many times proteins are created from genetic instructions. Another breakthrough is ctDNA (circulating tumor DNA), which can detect stage 1 lung cancer 50% of the time and stage 2 cancer 100% of the time. Cancer cells evade your immune system like killer robots mimicking humans. The solution? Teaching your immune system to recognize and destroy these imposters. T cells are particularly valuable because they can both kill other cells and maintain "memory" of threats. By genetically modifying T cells to target specific antigens like CD19 on cancerous B cells, we can create powerful weapons against blood cancers. For solid tumors like brain cancer, Dr. Maus engineers T cells to attack only cells with specific markers like EGFRvIII, which appear on tumor cells but not healthy brain tissue. Your metabolome-the roughly 42,000 small molecules your body operates on-explains why medications affect people differently. While one person stays awake after coffee, another sleeps soundly after espresso. These metabolic variations might explain why some depressed patients don't respond to any drugs. Understanding your unique metabolome could revolutionize treatment selection, allowing doctors to avoid ineffective medications and find the perfect match. Precision medicine faces significant privacy challenges. As Dr. Matthews explains, "Once you connect genetics with your records...there is no anonymity anymore." This means employers or insurers could potentially access information about your likelihood for mental illness or disease. Insurance fundamentally works because it's difficult to predict who will get sick when. As medicine becomes more personalized, this system becomes less tenable-those with favorable genotypes might pay less while those with unfavorable ones pay more. While precision medicine techniques will initially be expensive, they ultimately have the potential to drive medical costs down by detecting diseases earlier, selecting the right treatments immediately, curing genetic conditions rather than just treating symptoms, and benefiting from the tendency of computer-related industries to deliver more for less over time. Companies like Google's parent Alphabet are already investing in biomarker identification through the Baseline Study. Precision medicine offers the appealing approach of asking "What's wrong with you?" instead of "What's wrong with people like you?"-bringing the personalized dreams of the magical age into scientific reality.

10장

The Future Arrives in Fits and Starts

Before writing this book, Kelly and Zach were the sort of people who nitpicked minor inaccuracies in popular science books-"the geeky equivalent of the nacho enthusiast who spits insults from the sidelines of a football match." Now finding themselves on the field, they've attempted to balance information and humor while maintaining accuracy, though they acknowledge the challenge of condensing so much material. The book evolved from its original concept of brief overviews ("tapas for meganerds") to more in-depth explorations with weird specifics and obscure stories. This transformation meant many originally planned topics were cut or combined. These abandoned chapters included space-based solar power (which fails economically even at optimistic future launch costs), advanced prosthetics (where the most exciting developments overlapped with brain-computer interface technology), room-temperature superconductors (which would enable frictionless connectors and high-speed maglev trains), and quantum computing (which nearly "broke" the authors with its complexity). If you're young, many of these technological revolutions may happen in your lifetime, and you can participate by reaching out to the academics working on them. Most aren't famous-they're working scientists who can be approached with simple gestures (even cookies might suffice). Unlike many futurist books, the authors avoid selling you on a specific philosophy or vision of the future. The excitement lies in knowing that brilliant minds are currently working on reading your thoughts neuron by neuron or extracting alien minerals from distant worlds. L.P. Hartley wrote that "the past is a foreign country," and the future is equally foreign. We're trapped in the landlocked nation of The Present, with only a narrow band of horizon visible before the future curves away. But what a magnificent horizon it is!

★★★★★

순이시 완독을 축하합니다

100만 명 이상의 학습자가 사랑합니다

“23일째 매일 사용하고 있어요. 이제 제 일상의 한 부분이 되었습니다.”

jayallen

순이시의 핵심 주제

emerging technologies
future of spaceflight
asteroid mining
technological innovation hurdles
speculative science

순이시의 명언

Getting to space is absurdly expensive.
Space would finally open to adventurers and risk-takers.
Asteroids offer an alternative source of these valuable materials.
Fusion represents the ultimate clean energy solution.

순이시의 등장인물

Kelly WeinersmithAuthor and scientist exploring future tech
Zach WeinersmithAuthor and illustrator of the book
Dr. Karen DanielsScientist proposing plant-root asteroid mining

저자 소개

베스트셀러 Soonish: Ten Emerging Technologies That’ll Improve and/or Ruin Everything의 저자인 켈리 와이너스미스(Kelly Weinersmith)와 잭 와이너스미스(Zach Weinersmith)는 과학적 엄밀함과 유쾌한 유머를 결합하여 최첨단 혁신을 탐구합니다.

라이스 대학교의 생물학자이자 기생충 생태학 연구원인 켈리와 인기 웹툰 Saturday Morning Breakfast Cereal의 제작자인 잭은 대중을 위해 복잡한 과학 개념의 신비감을 해소하고자 협력하고 있습니다. 이들의 첫 공동 작업물은 켈리의 학술적 전문 지식과 잭의 스토리텔링 재능을 결합하여, 우주 엘리베이터와 로봇 건설 같은 미래 기술을 학제 간 관점에서 살펴봅니다.

두 사람은 왕립학회 트리베디 상(Royal Society Trivedi Prize)을 수상한 A City on Mars에서 우주 식민지화의 과제를 분석하며 과학 커뮤니케이션 활동을 확장했습니다. The New York Times, BBC World, TEDx 강연 등에 정기적으로 출연하고 있는 이들은 Science... sort of 팟캐스트를 공동 진행하며 연구 내용을 대중이 쉽게 접할 수 있도록 노력하고 있습니다.

Soonish는 월스트리트 저널(Wall Street Journal) "올해의 최우수 과학 도서"로 선정되었으며 뉴욕 타임즈(NYTimes) 과학 분야 베스트셀러에 올랐고, 이를 통해 와이너스미스 부부는 인류의 기술적 미래를 안내하는 필수적인 가이드로 자리매김했습니다.

순이시 요약 다운로드

순이시 요약을 무료 PDF 또는 EPUB으로 받으세요. 인쇄하거나 오프라인에서 언제든 읽을 수 있습니다.

다른 사용자들도 좋아한 책

A City on Mars

Kelly Weinersmith & Zach Weinersmith

The Inevitable

Kevin Kelly

The Singularity is Nearer

Ray Kurzweil

Too Smart

Jathan Sadowski

What If?

Randall Munroe

THE AGE OF SPIRITUAL MACHINES : HOW WE WILL LIVE, WORK AND THINK IN THE NEW AGE

Ray Kurzweil

The Future Is Faster Than You Think: How Converging Technologies Are Transforming Business, Industries, and Our Lives

Peter H. Diamandis and Steven Kotler

Inventing the Future

Nick Srnicek

이 책에 대한 FAQ

더 알아보기

학습 계획

The Rise of Sapiens

This plan offers a profound look at the cognitive and structural shifts that defined humanity's trajectory. It is ideal for history enthusiasts and curious minds seeking to understand how collective beliefs and scientific breakthroughs shaped the modern world.

1 h 12 m•3 섹션

학습 계획

Read high-concept sci-fi exploring extremes

High-concept science fiction pushes the boundaries of imagination, challenging readers to confront radical ideas about humanity's future and the nature of reality itself. This learning plan is ideal for readers seeking to move beyond conventional sci-fi narratives into more intellectually demanding works that explore consciousness, technological transcendence, and the outer limits of speculative thought.

5 h 22 m•4 섹션

학습 계획

The Rocket Scientist's Reading Workflow

In an era of information overload, the ability to rapidly digest and apply complex technical knowledge is a competitive superpower. This plan is designed for high-performers and lifelong learners who need to master new domains quickly using engineering-grade mental models.

1 h 30 m•3 섹션

학습 계획

The Culture: AI Minds and Human Purpose

This plan explores the intersection of advanced technology and social philosophy through the lens of Iain M. Banks's universe. It is ideal for sci-fi enthusiasts, futurists, and ethicists interested in the long-term implications of AI governance.

2 h•4 섹션

학습 계획

The Arrival Fallacy and the Science of Satisfaction

High-achievers often find themselves trapped in a cycle of chasing milestones that never yield the expected joy. This plan is essential for anyone struggling with burnout or the 'what's next' syndrome, offering a scientific roadmap to decouple identity from external validation.

1 h 30 m•3 섹션

학습 계획

The Science of Social Intelligence

This plan is essential for professionals and leaders who need to navigate complex human interactions with precision. It provides a scientific framework for reading unspoken cues and mastering influence, making it ideal for anyone looking to enhance their interpersonal impact.

2 h•4 섹션

학습 계획

The Full Stack Human

In an era dominated by rapid technological shifts and AI, understanding the biological and cognitive foundations of being human is essential. This plan is ideal for lifelong learners and professionals seeking to connect science, philosophy, and interdisciplinary strategy to lead a more purposeful life.

2 h•4 섹션

학습 계획

The Glass Revolution: From Sand to Super-Science

This plan explores how a simple material transformed human perception and global connectivity. It is ideal for history enthusiasts, science students, and curious minds interested in the intersection of material science and technological progress.

2 h•4 섹션

샌프란시스코에서 컬럼비아 대학교 동문들이 만들었습니다

LOVED BY

1,000,000+ curious minds.

4.7

avg rating

1M+ learners

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

웹에서 BeFreed가 어떻게 논의되고 있는지 더 보기

샌프란시스코에서 컬럼비아 대학교 동문들이 만들었습니다

LOVED BY

1,000,000+ curious minds.

4.7

avg rating

1M+ learners

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

웹에서 BeFreed가 어떻게 논의되고 있는지 더 보기

지금 바로 학습 여정을 시작하세요

8장

순이시

개요순이시 개요

한 권의 책, 다양한 듣기 방식.

The Future Is Coming, Ready or Not

Space: The Not-So-Final Frontier

들리는 모든 단어를 눈으로 확인하세요

Mining the Cosmic Junkyard

Fusion: The Ultimate Clean Energy

순이시에서 더 많은 것을 얻으세요

Matter That Programs Itself

Robots Building Our Future

들리는 모든 단어를 눈으로 확인하세요

Reality, Enhanced

Biology by Design

순이시에서 더 많은 것을 얻으세요

Medicine Tailored Just for You

The Future Arrives in Fits and Starts

순이시 완독을 축하합니다

순이시의 핵심 주제

순이시의 명언

순이시의 등장인물

저자 소개

순이시 요약 다운로드

다른 사용자들도 좋아한 책

이 책에 대한 FAQ

What is Soonish by Kelly Weinersmith about?

Who should read Soonish?

Is Soonish worth reading?

What are the key technologies discussed in Soonish?

더 알아보기

1,000,000+ curious minds.

1,000,000+ curious minds.

한 권의 책, 다양한 듣기 방식.

The Future Is Coming, Ready or Not

Space: The Not-So-Final Frontier

들리는 모든 단어를 눈으로 확인하세요

Mining the Cosmic Junkyard

Fusion: The Ultimate Clean Energy

순이시에서 더 많은 것을 얻으세요

Matter That Programs Itself

Robots Building Our Future

들리는 모든 단어를 눈으로 확인하세요

Reality, Enhanced

Biology by Design

순이시에서 더 많은 것을 얻으세요

Medicine Tailored Just for You

The Future Arrives in Fits and Starts

순이시 완독을 축하합니다

다른 사용자들도 좋아한 책

더 알아보기

순이시 개요