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
Sep 5, 2025 • 33min
The future of bone health
Joy Wu, an endocrinologist at Stanford University, dives into the crucial topic of bone health and osteoporosis. She reveals that over half of women and a quarter of men over 50 are affected, often without symptoms until a fracture occurs. Wu discusses the importance of calcium, vitamin D, and weight-bearing exercise in maintaining bone density. She also shares groundbreaking research from her lab on converting skin cells into new bone-forming osteoblasts, opening exciting possibilities for future treatments.
21 snips
Aug 29, 2025 • 29min
Best of: The future of reading
Rebecca Silverman, a Stanford University professor specializing in literacy and child development, dives into the intricacies of learning to read. She discusses the complex relationship between decoding and comprehension, highlighting the hurdles new readers face. Silverman emphasizes the persistent challenges in improving reading comprehension and the vital role of educators in this process. She also addresses how technology and cultural factors influence literacy, advocating for effective teaching practices and family involvement to nurture young readers.
9 snips
Aug 22, 2025 • 35min
The future of inequality
David Grusky, a Stanford University professor and expert on inequality, discusses the critical need to address the worst forms of inequality, like cronyism and racism. He emphasizes the importance of new research methods, including using AI-generated doppelgangers, to identify effective interventions. Grusky also critiques current taxation approaches and stresses the necessity for nuanced reforms to combat harmful inequality. With AI reshaping job quality, he highlights the profound cost of leaving talented individuals behind in an unequal system.
6 snips
Aug 15, 2025 • 31min
The future of cancer neuroscience
Dr. Michelle Monje, a pediatric neurology expert at Stanford, dives into the fascinating links between childhood brain cancer and the nervous system. She reveals how cancer cells integrate electrically with brain cells, fueling their growth. Her groundbreaking research includes a promising immunotherapy that has led to a patient being cancer-free for four years. The discussion also touches on the challenges of treating aggressive gliomas and innovative CAR-T cell therapies that may enhance patient outcomes.
Aug 8, 2025 • 30min
Best of: The future of coastal erosion
In this discussion, Jane Willenbring, a Stanford professor specializing in Earth and Planetary Sciences, dives into the pressing issue of coastal erosion. She explains how 'landscape unzipping' shapes coastlines and the socio-economic challenges it poses. The conversation explores the role of native vegetation in erosion control and the environmental costs of maintaining human aesthetics, like golf courses. Willenbring also emphasizes the significance of studying past coastlines to inform future protection measures against rising sea levels. A must-listen for environmental enthusiasts!
4 snips
Aug 1, 2025 • 31min
The future of plant chemistry
In this engaging conversation, Beth Sattely, a chemical engineer and Stanford professor, shares her insights into the fascinating world of plant chemistry. She explores how plants serve as chemical factories, producing essential molecules for health and resilience against climate change. The discussion highlights the potential of plants in developing sustainable food sources and innovative medicines, like cancer drugs. Sattely also addresses the intricacies of plant metabolism and the importance of resilient crops for future agriculture.
13 snips
Jul 25, 2025 • 34min
The future of parent-child bonding
Lauren O'Connell, a biologist and professor at Stanford, dives into the fascinating world of poisonous frogs, revealing how these creatures exhibit complex parenting behaviors. She explains how tadpoles recognize their mothers through smell and perform a 'begging dance' when hungry. O'Connell also discusses the protein frogs produce, which protects them from their own toxins and has implications for treating human overdoses. This intriguing conversation bridges the gap between animal bonding and potential medical innovations.
Jul 18, 2025 • 29min
Best of: How the grid is becoming more human-centric
Ram Rajagopal, a Stanford professor and fellow at the Precourt Institute, delves into the transformative shift from a centralized to a human-centric power grid. He discusses the innovative PowerNet concept, emphasizing how it will enable individuals to act as both consumers and producers of energy. The conversation highlights the importance of smart technologies in enhancing efficiency, privacy concerns, and engaging younger generations in sustainable practices. Ram also shares insights on using sensors for real-time monitoring and the impact of smart tech in dairy farming, showcasing energy efficiency advancements.
9 snips
Jul 11, 2025 • 36min
The future of AI and the law
Daniel Ho, a law professor at Stanford specializing in AI and legal documentation, discusses the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in the legal field. He highlights the risks associated with AI hallucinations in legal queries, stating over 80% can be inaccurate. Ho shares a groundbreaking project in California where AI was used to swiftly identify and remove racist property covenants from laws. He emphasizes AI's role in reducing bureaucratic inefficiencies, paving the way for legal reform and increased access to justice.
4 snips
Jul 4, 2025 • 30min
The future of hoarding disorder
Carolyn Rodriguez, a psychiatrist at Stanford University, specializes in hoarding disorder. She discusses how hoarding can affect daily life and health, emphasizing the importance of empathy in treatment. Rodriguez explores the innovative use of virtual reality to enhance cognitive behavioral therapy, allowing patients to practice decluttering in a safe space. She also delves into the emotional attachments people have to their possessions and shares insights into effective treatment strategies.
