The Future of Everything

Michael Wara, a Stanford professor and wildfire policy expert, tackles the pressing issue of wildfire management. He discusses the urgent need for community-driven approaches to combat escalating wildfire risks fueled by climate change. Wara emphasizes the importance of updating communication strategies to engage residents effectively. He also explores innovative solutions, like undergrounding power lines, and the potential of leveraging celebrity influence to raise awareness and reshape narratives around wildfire resilience.

Physician and psychologist Heidi Feldman is a pioneer in the field of developmental behavioral pediatrics who says that the world’s understanding of childhood disability is changing and so too are the ways we approach it. Where once institutionalization was common, today we find integrative, family-centered approaches, charting a more humane, hopeful path forward. For example, for children born prematurely with increased likelihood of disability, increasing skin-to-skin contact – what is called  “kangaroo care” – can literally reshape that child’s brain development, she 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: Heidi M. FeldmanConnect 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  Heidi Feldman, professor of pediatrics at Stanford University.(00:03:26) Path to Developmental PediatricsHeidi’s journey from education to developmental-behavioral pediatrics.(00:05:10) The Emergence of Developmental PediatricsHow developmental disabilities entered the medical mainstream.(00:07:30) Common Disorders in ChildrenThe most prevalent disabilities seen in practice and diagnostic trends.(00:09:46) Preterm Birth and Disability RiskWhy premature birth is a major risk factor for developmental challenges.(00:13:53) Brain Connections and OutcomesHow white matter and brain circuitry impact development.(00:17:09) Kangaroo Care’s PotentialHow skin-to-skin contact positively influences brain development.(00:21:30) Inclusive Family and Community SupportWhy integrated care and inclusive classrooms benefit all children.(00:23:37) Social and Economic UpsidesCost savings and increased independence from inclusive care.(00:24:33) Transitioning to Adult CareGaps and opportunities in supporting disabled youth into adulthood.(00:27:12) Using AI to Improve Care QualityAI models help track whether care guidelines are being followed.(00:31:00) 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

In this lively discussion, Dr. Emily Kraus, a Stanford orthopedic professor and expert on female athletic health, dives into the vital differences between male and female athletes. She highlights unique health challenges women face, including the impact of menstrual cycles on performance and the critical role of nutrition. Dr. Kraus also stresses the importance of targeted research to empower female athletes and address their specific needs in training and recovery, advocating for greater awareness and support in sports science.

Nora Freeman Engstrom, a law professor at Stanford specializing in legal ethics and access to justice, delves into the critical issue of inadequate legal representation. Three-quarters of litigants are unrepresented in significant civil cases, and many face daunting challenges, such as eviction. Engstrom discusses potential solutions like non-lawyer representation and AI in legal services, urging systemic reforms to bridge the gap in legal accessibility. She also highlights the historical evolution of legal aid and the need for innovative approaches to support the unrepresented.

Tina Stankovic, an ear, nose, and throat specialist at Stanford, blends her passion for music with groundbreaking research in hearing loss. She discusses the challenges posed by genetic mutations and the role of AI in improving diagnostic accuracy. Recent advancements in regenerative medicine and cochlear implant technology offer hope for treatment. Stankovic also highlights the emotional impacts of hearing loss and shares practical tips for prevention, emphasizing the importance of advocacy in the journey toward better hearing health.

Michael Rau, a theater and performance studies professor at Stanford and an innovative director, dives into the intersection of technology and live performances. He discusses how AI, gaming, and interactive storytelling are revolutionizing theatrical experiences. Rau emphasizes the need for theater to reflect modern life and the importance of blending traditional and experimental styles. He shares insights on the role of digital media in enhancing creativity and engages in the thrilling narrative synergy between theater and gaming.

We've been thinking a lot about culture recently, and reflecting on how–whether or not we’re aware of it–culture is a force that’s always exerting influence on us. It’s typically only when we get outside of our daily routine, our city or even our country, and are confronted with new ways of doing things that we can clearly see the values, norms, and practices that make up the culture we live in. Today, we’re re-running a thought-provoking conversation we had with Michele Gelfand about notions of what she calls “tight” and “loose” cultures. It’s a conversation that helps illuminate some of the invisible forces of culture, and also sheds light on how understanding these forces helps us better navigate the world. We hope you’ll take another listen and enjoy. 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 quest. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu.Episode Reference Links:Stanford Profile: Michele Gelfand Mindset QuizConnect 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 Michele Gelfand, a professor of psychology and business studies at Stanford University.(00:02:22) What is Culture?Defining culture as a set of norms, values, and beliefs.(00:03:36) The Tight-Loose ContinuumTight versus loose cultures and their enforcement of social norms.(00:06:20) Individual vs Societal Tight-LooseThe differences in tight-loose orientation across individuals and nations.(00:08:25) Tight-Loose Across Societal LevelsHow history, ecology, and mobility shape cultural tightness or looseness.(00:11:25) Cultural Intelligence (CQ)The role of cultural intelligence in negotiations and leadership.(00:16:21) Tight-Loose in Personal & Professional LifeNegotiating cultural differences in relationships and organizations.(00:19:53) Cultural Evolutionary MismatchCultural responses to crises and the influence of perceived vs. real threats.(00:23:45) Tight-Loose Differences in BusinessCultural differences in mergers, acquisitions, and financial performance.(00:25:58) Improving Cultural IntelligenceWhether individuals can improve their CQ through practice and exposure.(00:28:37) Tight-Loose in PoliticsThe growing tight-loose divide in political and social issues.(00:31:09) 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

Eric Pop, a professor of electrical engineering and materials science at Stanford, discusses the impending materials revolution in electronics. He reveals how traditional silicon and copper are facing challenges as devices shrink. Pop highlights the promise of atomically thin semiconductors like molybdenum disulfide and topological semimetals such as niobium phosphide. He emphasizes AI's crucial role in discovering new materials, making the future of electronic devices both fascinating and efficient.

Ash Alizadeh, a physician at Stanford specializing in oncology, dives into the revolutionary world of liquid biopsies. He explains how this non-invasive method can detect localized cancers through blood samples, making traditional biopsies a thing of the past. Alizadeh discusses the significant genomic differences between normal and cancer DNA, and highlights advancements in technology like fragmentomics. The conversation also covers the integration of liquid biopsies with immunotherapy, paving the way for personalized cancer treatment that could transform patient outcomes.

Mark Skylar-Scott, a bioengineering professor at Stanford University and a pioneer in 3D bioprinting, dives into the transformative world of bioprinting human tissues, especially hearts. He discusses the urgent need for heart transplants and the groundbreaking techniques involved in replicating the 11 cell types necessary for a functional heart. Skylar-Scott highlights the technical challenges, innovative materials, and ethical implications of creating organs on demand. The conversation sheds light on the collaborative nature of biofabrication and its potential impact on future medical solutions.