The Future of Everything

Microbes are awesome, says biologist Paula Welander. They have shaped Earth’s chemistry and its environment over billions of years, including oxygenating the planet to make it habitable for larger life forms. In turn, microbes have been shaped by that very same environment, evolving as the climate has evolved, she says. Welander now studies the lipid membranes of ancient microbes, which can endure for millions of years, to understand this evolution and where we might be headed in the future. Microbes are our connection to the ancient world, Welander tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu.Episode Reference Links:Stanford Profile: ​​Paula V. WelanderConnect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / FacebookChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionRuss Altman introduces guest Paula Welander, a professor of Earth Science at Stanford University.(00:04:06) Why Study Microbial LipidsWhy lipids are essential for modern microbiology and Earth’s history.(00:05:19) Diversity of Microbial MembranesHow bacteria and Archaea build different kinds of membranes.(00:07:15) Reconstructing Ancient EnvironmentsUsing specific lipid biomarkers to understand the early planet.(00:09:20) Chemical Fossils vs. Organism FossilsWhy microbes don’t leave traditional fossils—but their lipids do.(00:10:55) Lipids as Environmental CluesHow certain lipids indicate the environments organisms lived in.(00:12:36) Archaea: A Distinct and Ancient EntityArchaea’s evolutionary importance and chemically distinct membranes.(00:15:43) The Lipid DivideWhy eukaryotic membranes resemble bacterial, not Archaeal, membranes.(00:17:12) Tracing Membrane EvolutionRecent breakthroughs in studying Archaeal lineages related to eukaryotes.(00:19:11)  Lipid Preservation Over TimeHow archaeal lipids are especially reliable as long-term biomarkers.(00:20:58) Sterols as BiomarkersThe role sterols, including cholesterol, play in lipid archeology.(00:23:14) Bacterial Cholesterol DiscoveryThe discovery that a rare bacteria can synthesize sterol precursors.(00:25:02) Functional Roles of Bacterial SterolsThe possible roles sterols may play in microbial membranes and cell function.(00:26:31) Archaea in the Human GutThe number and types of Archaea found in the human microbiome.(00:28:43) Archaea and AntibioticsWhether Archaea react similarly to bacteria when exposed to antibiotics.(00:29:46) Future In a MinuteRapid-fire Q&A: hope, research needs, and alternate career dreams.(00:31:43) Conclusion Connect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Molecular biologist Judith Frydman studies the nuances of protein folding and how defects in the process lead to neurodegenerative diseases. Her team studies protein folding in human cells and in model organisms, like yeast and worms, to understand the molecular events that precipitate harmful protein defects in humans. In one example, Frydman’s team explored how aging affects the creation and the quality of proteins in the brain, leading to cognitive problems. She is now looking to develop therapies – someday perhaps leading to cures – to debilitating diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, ALS, and others. The power of science gives her true hope in these important pursuits, Frydman tells host Russ Altman in this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu.Episode Reference Links:Stanford Profile: ​​Judith FrydmanConnect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / FacebookChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionRuss Altman introduces guest Judith Frydman, a professor of biology and genetics at Stanford University.(00:04:00) Linking Protein Folding to AgingHow aging disrupts protein-folding machinery across many organisms.(00:07:16) Universal Aging PatternsThe similar age-related protein-folding defects found across organisms(00:09:27) Studying Killifish AgeingResearch on the African killifish as a rapid-aging model organism.(00:13:05) Ribosome Function DeclinesHow aging causes ribosomes to stall and collide, creating faulty proteins.(00:15:31) Aging Across SpeciesThe potential factors causing alternate aging rates in different species.(20:11) What Fails Inside Aging CellsThe cellular components that are leading to bad protein creation.(00:24:04) Therapeutic ApproachesPotential interventions to combat cellular and neurological degeneration.(00:25:12) Gene vs. Small-Molecule TreatmentsHow some interventions may be better suited for certain diseases.(00:27:47) Ribosome Drug PotentialWhy ribosomes and translation factors are viable drug targets.(00:28:56) Next Steps in Aging ResearchUsing human skin fibroblasts to study human aging mechanisms.(00:31:46) Future In a MinuteRapid-fire Q&A: scientific progress, young researchers, and archeology.(00:33:54) Conclusion Connect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Maria Barna, a Stanford genetics professor and ribosome expert, dives into the fascinating world of these ancient molecular machines. She reveals the incredible variety of ribosomes within cells, each tailored for specific tasks. Barna explores how malfunctioning ribosomes contribute to diseases like cancer, neurodegeneration, and COVID-19. With an ambitious vision, she discusses the potential for engineering ribosomes to treat various disorders and emphasizes the need for innovative methods to study and manipulate these critical components of life.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.