The Future of Everything

Professor Joseph DeSimone from Stanford University discusses how 3D printing is revolutionizing healthcare by improving vaccine delivery and creating implantable chemotherapy with fewer side effects. The conversation highlights personalized prosthetics, implantable devices like bone replacements, and the impact of 3D printing on precision chemotherapy delivery and personalized cancer treatment.

Neuroscientist Kalanit Grill-Spector discusses the similarities and differences between human and computer vision, highlighting how advancements in computational modeling and imaging technologies are revolutionizing our understanding of the brain's visual processing. Topics include the influence of experience on brain development, specialization for word processing, and the study of brain development in infants.

Guest Debra Kaysen is a psychologist specializing in treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who says that promising new cognitive and behavioral therapies are, quite literally, giving people “their lives back.” These therapies work without drugs to help patients manage their disease and its symptoms and, perhaps, even cure PTSD. We’re providing tools to change how they think, Kaysen tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.For interested listeners, Kaysen offers a list of PTSD resources:ResourcesPrevious TFoE episode with Shaili Jain on treatments for PTSDhttps://istss.org/public-resources/trauma-basicshttps://istss.org/public-resources/find-a-clinicianhttps://adaa.org/learn-from-us/from-the-experts/blog-posts/consumer/what-youre-feeling-ptsd-what-do-helpFree apps from the VA for PTSD and other related concernshttps://www.ptsd.va.gov/appvid/mobile/https://www.abct.org/get-help/For a Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) trained therapisthttps://cptforptsd.com/cpt-provider-roster/Stanford’s PTSD clinichttps://med.stanford.edu/psychiatry/patient_care/ptsd.htmlInternational resource for a Prolonged Exposure (PE) trained therapisthttps://www.med.upenn.edu/ctsa/find_pe_therapist.htmlChapter Timestamps:(00:00:00) Introduction to Trauma Therapy and Digital Mental Health Russ Altman introduces the topic of trauma therapy and discusses the advancements in digital mental health. (00:01:45) Support Apps for Trauma SurvivorsDebra Kaysen explores the use of mobile applications as a means of support for sexual assault survivors in the immediate aftermath of trauma.(00:03:15) Overcoming BarriersFinding Therapists: Debra Kaysen highlights the challenges survivors face in finding therapists and the potential of apps to bridge that gap.(00:05:10) Bridging the Gap: Challenges in Accessing SupportDebra Kaysen discusses the difficulties survivors face in accessing timely support and how apps can provide a solution.(00:08:00) The Power of Telehealth for PTSD TreatmentDebra Kaysen emphasizes the effectiveness of telehealth in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and its growing acceptance in the field.(00:10:15) Equivalence of Telehealth and In-Person TherapyDebra Kaysen shares her personal experience of providing therapy to her patients via telehealth and highlights its equivalence to in-person sessions.(00:12:30) Exploring Asynchronous Therapy with Text MessagesDebra Kaysen delves into the use of text messages as a form of asynchronous therapy for PTSD treatment, offering flexibility and convenience.(00:14:20) Enhancing Support: Immediate Response and Accessibility  Debra Kaysen discusses the immediate response and accessibility benefits of asynchronous therapy with text messages.(00:16:00) Building Trust and Establishing Rapport  Debra Kaysen emphasizes the importance of building trust and establishing rapport in digital therapy settings.(00:18:00) Honesty and Reduced Fear of Judgment Russ Altman discusses the potential for reduced fear of judgment in digital therapy, allowing individuals to be more open and honest in their communication. (00:20:00) Exploring Effective Therapeutic TechniquesDebra Kaysen explores various therapeutic techniques used in trauma therapy and their effectiveness in promoting healing.(00:24:15) Long-Term Outcomes and PreventionDebra Kaysen explores the long-term outcomes of trauma therapy, highlighting its potential to prevent symptom recurrence and equip individuals with lifelong resilience skills.(00:26:00) Empowering Individuals: Coping StrategiesDebra Kaysen discusses empowering individuals with effective coping strategies to navigate future traumas.(00:28:00) Sustaining Progress: Follow-up and ResilienceDebra Kaysen discusses the importance of follow-up care and how trauma therapy helps individuals develop resilience. Connect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook

Hi everyone, Russ here, we’re running a best-of episode this week to re-share a conversation I had in 2021 with Karen Liu, an associate professor of computer science here at Stanford Engineering. The conversation is relevant today because, as we all know, AI is having a moment, and robotics is an important part of that. Karen and her lab have a goal of enabling robots to contribute in caregiving roles - think of tasks like helping medical patients get dressed each day - and they’re using physics-based simulations to do that. I hope you’ll take some time to tune into this discussion, it’s a timely and relevant one given larger societal conversations about AI. Enjoy!Chapter Time Stamps:(00:00:00) Introduction Russ Altman interviews Karen Liu, a Stanford professor in computer science, to explore the advancements in exoskeleton technology and their impact on human augmentation.(00:01:12) Defining ExoskeletonsKaren Liu provides an overview of exoskeletons as wearable devices that enhance human capabilities and become an integral part of the wearer's body.(00:02:30) Wearable Devices and Human Augmentation The discussion delves into the concept of wearable devices augmenting human abilities, drawing parallels to popular culture references such as Iron Man.(00:05:40) Incorporating Sensors and CamerasKaren Liu explains how sensors and cameras are integrated into exoskeletons to understand the wearer's environment, enabling the exoskeleton to anticipate future actions.(00:07:55) Parallels with Self-Driving Car TechnologiesExploring similarities with self-driving cars, the conversation highlights how exoskeletons can leverage environmental awareness to guide the wearer's movements.(00:09:20) Modeling Human Behavior and IntentionsThe discussion shifts to the modeling of human behavior and predicting user intentions to ensure exoskeleton assistance aligns with user expectations and maintains their independence.(00:11:30) Ensuring User Safety and Comfort The focus turns to designing exoskeletons that prioritize user safety and comfort, considering factors such as ergonomics and personalized adjustments.(00:13:45) Real-Time Adaptive AssistanceThe conversation explores the potential for exoskeletons to dynamically adapt assistance levels in real time based on the wearer's needs and changing circumstances.(00:15:20) Balancing Assistance and User IndependenceThe importance of finding the right balance between providing assistance and preserving user independence is discussed, ensuring that exoskeletons empower rather than hinder.(00:17:05) Ethical Considerations and AccessibilityThe discussion touches upon ethical considerations surrounding exoskeleton technology, including accessibility, affordability, and ensuring equal opportunities for all users.(00:18:30) Optimizing Performance and EfficiencyThe conversation dives into strategies for optimizing the performance and efficiency of exoskeletons, including advancements in energy management and battery technologies.(00:19:45) User Feedback and Iterative DesignKaren Liu highlights the significance of user feedback and iterative design processes in refining exoskeleton technology to better meet user needs and preferences.(00:20:30) Future Possibilities and Advancements Looking ahead, the conversation explores potential advancements in exoskeleton technology, including advancements in artificial intelligence and personalized exoskeleton designs.(00:22:00) Collaborations and Interdisciplinary ResearchThe importance of interdisciplinary collaborations in advancing exoskeleton technology is discussed, emphasizing the need for expertise from various fields.(00:23:10) Summary and Key TakeawaysRuss Altman summarizes the main points discussed throughout the episode, highlighting key takeaways for listeners to reflect upon. Connect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook

Guest Bill Mitch says it’s no secret the world is running short of fresh water. As a civil and environmental engineer, he sees wastewater as a potential solution, if only we can eliminate the impurities. Mitch designs systems to remove toxic chemicals from wastewater to enable its reuse as a drinking water supply. It’s not easy, but it costs half as much as desalinating seawater, Mitch tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.Show Notes & Chapters: The future of Wastewater(00:00:05) IntroductionRuss introduces the podcast and guest, William Mitch, who discusses the future of wastewater treatment.(00:00:38) Nitrogen in Wastewater TreatmentRuss and William kick off the conversation with an insightful discussion on the issues surrounding the nitrogen cycle in wastewater treatment. They discuss the nitrogen cycle, the role of nitrogen in wastewater treatment, and the challenges of removing it from wastewater, including the current technologies being used.(00:02:28) The Basics of Wastewater TreatmentMitch explains the fundamental process of wastewater treatment, highlighting the initial step of removing solids and the biological process of removing organic matter.(00:07:35) Understanding Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)Mitch explains the concept of BOD, its importance in water treatment, and how technology has evolved to measure it.(00:10:19) The Challenge of Nitrogen RemovalDiscussion about the difficulties and processes involved in removing nitrogen from wastewater, focusing on the traditional and newer approaches.(00:14:02) Energy Consumption in Wastewater TreatmentMitch talks about the substantial energy demand involved in wastewater treatment, especially in the nitrogen removal process.(00:17:32) Research on Nitrogen RemovalMitch discusses his lab's research on a more energy-efficient process for nitrogen removal from wastewater, explaining the concept of anammox bacteria and their role in this process.(00:20:49)  Phosphate Removal and RegulationMitch talks about the lack of regulatory pressure for phosphorus removal from water and its potential future implications.(00:21:30) Public Acceptance of Wastewater Treatment TechnologiesRuss probes into the public acceptance of wastewater technologies, specifically potable reuse of wastewater. William discusses the changes in public attitudes towards recycled water over the past decades, the importance of public relations campaigns and community education in shaping these attitudes, and the future of potable reuse facilities.(00:24:39) The Quality of Potable Reuse Waters vs. Conventional Water SuppliesWilliam discusses a recent study comparing the quality of water from potable reuse plants to conventional water supplies. He reveals that the treated waters were found to be of higher quality than surface waters and comparable in quality to groundwater supplies.(00:27:00) Chlorinated Taste in Drinking WaterRuss asks William about the common chlorinated taste in drinking water. William explains the chemical reactions that lead to this taste and why it isn't necessarily a red flag for consumers.(00:28:00) Future of Separate Infrastructures for Potable and Non-Potable WaterThey wrap up the conversation discussing the possibility and implications of having separate infrastructures for potable water and water used for other purposes. William explains the logistical challenges and why many utilities are moving towards potable reuse.(00:29:08) ConclusionRuss concludes the episode, thanking William for his insights into the future of wastewater, and invites listeners to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast for future episodes. Connect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook

Guest Matteo Cargnello approaches the challenge of greenhouse gases from a different perspective. He doesn’t study how harmful chemicals got in the skies, or even the consequences. Instead, Cargnello is using his skills as a chemical engineer to turn them into other benign or useful chemicals. So far, he’s turned greenhouse gases into valuable industrial chemicals, polymers, renewable fuels, and even ethanol. Useful products from greenhouse gases, that's the dream, Cargnello tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’sThe Future of Everything. Connect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook

This episode of The Future of Everything podcast with Srabanti Chowdhury first ran in 2022. We’re sharing it again to offer a glimpse into research being done to identify new materials for semiconductors that could lead to smaller, faster, more powerful and more energy efficient electronics. Since we recorded this episode, the CHIPS and Science Act was signed into law, creating a $280 billion dollar investment in the field over the next 10 years, and in light of the renewed commitment to this technology, we’re excited to share this conversation on the future of semiconductor materials.  Connect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook

Deborah Cullinan’s job is to integrate arts of every form across campus. She says art has the power to heal and may be the answer to many of our present-day societal problems, such as growing political polarization and social isolation borne by the pandemic. Art advances equity, improves health, and enhances well-being for all, she says. Everyone should see themselves as artists—engineers, physicians, political scientists alike. "We all want to have creative lives," Cullinan tells host Russ Altman in this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast. Connect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook

Helen Bronte-Stewart is a neurologist and an expert in movement disorders, like Parkinson’s. She says new approaches, such as closed-loop deep-brain stimulation, and new digital health technologies that chart subtle changes in movement are reshaping the field, leading to new understandings and new treatments for this once-untreatable disease. To modulate behavior, you first have to measure it, Bronte-Stewart tells host Russ Altman. It’s the future of movement disorders in this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast. Connect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook

Our guest, Christopher Manning, is a computational linguist. He builds computer models that understand and generate language using math. Words are the key component of human intelligence, he says, and why generative AI, like ChatGPT, has caused such a stir. We used to hope a model might produce one coherent sentence and suddenly ChatGPT is composing five-paragraph stories and doing mathematical proofs in rhyming verse, Manning tells host Russ Altman in this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast. Connect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook