The Future of Everything
Stanford Engineering
Host Russ Altman, a professor of bioengineering, genetics, and medicine at Stanford, is your guide to the latest science and engineering breakthroughs. Join Russ and his guests as they explore cutting-edge advances that are shaping the future of everything from AI to health and renewable energy.
Along the way, “The Future of Everything” delves into ethical implications to give listeners a well-rounded understanding of how new technologies and discoveries will impact society. Whether you’re a researcher, a student, or simply curious about what’s on the horizon, tune in to stay up-to-date on the latest developments that are transforming our world.
Along the way, “The Future of Everything” delves into ethical implications to give listeners a well-rounded understanding of how new technologies and discoveries will impact society. Whether you’re a researcher, a student, or simply curious about what’s on the horizon, tune in to stay up-to-date on the latest developments that are transforming our world.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 28, 2025 • 29min
Best of: How to take waste out of wastewater
William Tarpeh, a chemical engineer and MacArthur Fellowship recipient, dives into the fascinating world of wastewater, viewing it as a modern mine. He shares innovative methods to extract valuable nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus from waste. Tarpeh discusses the potential of urine to supply substantial fertilizer globally and the environmental benefits that come with it. He also emphasizes the need for decentralized sanitation solutions to tackle global challenges and highlights his initiatives in Senegal to convert waste into local products.
6 snips
Nov 21, 2025 • 32min
The future of digital markets
Gabriel Weintraub, a Stanford professor focusing on digital marketplaces and AI, sheds light on how platforms like Amazon and Uber disrupt industries. He emphasizes the importance of market design, identifying objectives like trust and clarity first. The conversation pivots to AI's transformative role in enhancing market search and reducing transaction frictions. With insights from Chilean procurement, Weintraub advocates for technology that complements human workers and urges businesses to solve core problems before leveraging AI. His optimistic vision centers on thoughtful future AI applications.
10 snips
Nov 14, 2025 • 34min
The future of immunotherapy
Lingyin Li, a Biochemistry professor at Stanford and breast cancer survivor, dives into the intriguing world of immunotherapy. She discusses her journey inspired by her own diagnosis and explains why T cells often struggle to target solid tumors. Lingyin reveals the groundbreaking discovery of the ENPP1 enzyme, which helps cancers evade immune detection. Her lab is working on innovative strategies to inhibit this enzyme, with promising preclinical results suggesting effective combinations for treating aggressive tumors. The future looks bright for immunotherapy!
36 snips
Nov 7, 2025 • 32min
The future of emerging technologies
Condoleezza Rice, former U.S. Secretary of State and current Stanford professor, shares her insights on the intersection of emerging technologies and public policy. She emphasizes the necessity for collaboration among industry, academia, and government to harness the potential of innovations like AI and quantum computing for the greater good. Rice advocates for light regulation to foster innovation while cautioning against the risks of powerful private entities influencing technology. She also highlights the crucial role of education in preparing future leaders in a rapidly changing landscape.
Nov 5, 2025 • 25sec
The countdown to our 300th episode
Excitement builds as they gear up for a monumental 300th milestone. The host expresses gratitude to listeners and hints at a surprise guest who promises to bring engaging insights. Anticipation for the special discussion is palpable, making this an intriguing moment to connect and reflect on past conversations.
Oct 31, 2025 • 29min
Best of: The future of transparent tissue
Guosong Hong, a materials scientist and bioengineer at Stanford, dives into groundbreaking research that uses a common food dye to make biological tissues transparent. He discusses the challenges of light penetration in tissue and his innovative approach to matching refractive indices without damaging cells. The potential applications are vast, from improving cancer detection in human skin to allowing doctors to see internal organs in live animals. Plus, learn how this breakthrough might redefine noninvasive medical imaging!
Oct 24, 2025 • 34min
The future of wound healing
Jill Helms, a clinician-scientist and Stanford professor specializing in wound healing, shares her insights into the body’s complex repair mechanisms. She discusses how age affects healing, with declines starting around 30, and the potential of awakening dormant stem cells to enhance recovery. Jill explores innovative approaches like gum-like tissues to combat infections near medical devices and highlights nature as a blueprint for developing better healing strategies. Her passion for regenerative medicine shines through as she envisions a future where healing is significantly improved.
9 snips
Oct 17, 2025 • 38min
The future of topical vaccines
Michael Fischbach, a bioengineering professor at Stanford, discusses groundbreaking ideas about needle-free vaccines delivered through skin creams. He talks about the potential of engineered skin bacteria to trigger robust immune responses without side effects. Such innovations could revolutionize vaccine access, especially in developing countries. Fischbach shares insights on using these topical vaccines to combat tumors and the practicality of shipping vaccines like ketchup packets in the future. His vision promises a future of painless and efficient immunization.
Oct 10, 2025 • 33min
Best of: The future of extreme climate events
Noah Diffenbaugh, a Professor of Earth System Science at Stanford University, joins the discussion to tackle the increasing frequency of extreme weather events. He explains how global warming impacts ecosystems worldwide and connects large-scale climate science to localized human effects. Noah also dives into the concept of climate forcing, potential geoengineering solutions like stratospheric aerosol injection, and highlights why adaptation efforts are lagging. He emphasizes the role of AI in making testable climate predictions to better prepare for these challenges.
8 snips
Oct 3, 2025 • 34min
The future of the built environment
Rishee Jain, a Stanford professor specializing in civil and environmental engineering, discusses the transformative nature of the built environment. He highlights how infrastructure can adapt in real-time to human needs and well-being. Jain emphasizes the importance of cool roofs in mitigating heat impact and enhancing comfort. He also explores the role of urban design in influencing behavior, retrofitting challenges, and innovative modular solutions. Listeners gain insights into creating healthier and more resilient spaces for future living.
