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
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.
5 snips
Sep 26, 2025 • 32min
The future of the innovation economy
Fei-Fei Li, a champion of human-centered AI, discusses how AI can enhance creativity rather than replace jobs. Economist Susan Athey highlights that AI and coding tools are general-purpose technologies that can create bottlenecks in implementation. Neale Mahoney warns of a 'veil of ignorance' regarding job displacement and advocates for proactive safety nets. The trio stresses the importance of aligning innovation with human skills and calls for balanced AI policies to ensure broader access and foster optimism about the future.
Sep 19, 2025 • 36min
Best of: The future of ultrafast electronics
Join physicist Matthias Kling, a Stanford expert in ultrafast photonics and attosecond science, as he explores breakthroughs in lightwave electronics. Discover how attosecond pulses create high-resolution 'movies' of electron movements. Kling discusses the promise of petahertz computing for faster devices and energy-efficient quantum applications. He also highlights the transformative role of AI in interpreting massive datasets and enhancing medical diagnostics. This fascinating conversation shines a light on the future of technology!
4 snips
Sep 12, 2025 • 38min
The future of allergies
Tina Sindher, a Professor of Medicine, Pediatrics, and Allergy at Stanford University, shares her insights on the rising global allergy crisis. She explains how environmental changes, lifestyle, and genetic factors contribute to this issue. The conversation highlights innovative prevention strategies like early food introduction and the exciting potential of new treatments, including oral immunotherapy and omalizumab, which targets multiple allergens. Sindher emphasizes the need for personalized approaches to effectively manage allergies, offering hope to millions.
