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
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.
5 snips
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.
