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.

Dive into groundbreaking research and innovations that shape our world. Discover how advancements in AI, health, science, and culture are creating a better future. Engaging conversations with experts from Stanford showcase the motivations behind their work. Learn about transformative ideas and the thrilling possibilities that lie ahead. Each week promises insights into how creativity and technology intertwine to impact our daily lives.

In this engaging conversation, Kristy Red-Horse, a Stanford University professor specializing in coronary artery development, unveils groundbreaking research that could revolutionize heart disease treatment. She discusses how innovative molecules like CXCL12 could replace invasive bypass surgeries by stimulating new artery growth. The episode explores challenges in translating animal research to human therapies, advancements in medical imaging, and the importance of a proactive approach to heart health, offering a hopeful glimpse into the future of cardiovascular care.

Guosong Hong, a materials scientist and physicist at Stanford University, unveils groundbreaking techniques to turn living tissue transparent using a common food dye. This innovation promises to revolutionize medical imaging, allowing doctors to see deep into the body without surgery. Hong discusses the challenges of light penetration in biological tissues and explores intriguing applications, including optogenetics and ultrasound for non-invasive treatments. He also shares insights on the transparency found in aquatic species, highlighting nature's mysteries.