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
Feb 28, 2025 • 37min
The future of liquid biopsy
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.
Feb 21, 2025 • 29min
Best of: The future of bioprinting
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.
Feb 18, 2025 • 1min
Trailer: The Future of Everything
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.
Feb 14, 2025 • 33min
The future of coronary arteries
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.
11 snips
Feb 7, 2025 • 30min
The future of transparent tissue
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.
7 snips
Jan 31, 2025 • 31min
Best of: The future of science education
Jonathan Osborne, a Stanford professor and expert in science education, tackles the pressing issue of misinformation in today's digital age. He discusses the importance of equipping students with skills to critically evaluate scientific claims and navigate online credibility challenges. Osborne emphasizes a shift from rote learning to fostering curiosity through compelling storytelling in science. He also calls for evolving educational standards to keep pace with societal changes, advocating for a more engaging and thoughtful approach to science education.
11 snips
Jan 24, 2025 • 33min
The future of seaweed
Oceanographer Kristen Davis, a Stanford professor specializing in ocean biophysics, dives into the exciting world of seaweed as a climate ally. She explains how these underwater plants serve as carbon sinks, potentially rivaling trees on land. The conversation explores the challenges of kelp farming and its ecological implications. Davis sheds light on innovative techniques for measuring ocean dynamics and their importance for enhancing seaweed growth. Join her as she unpacks the promising yet complex future of seaweed in battling climate change.
12 snips
Jan 17, 2025 • 34min
The future of kidney dialysis
Manjula Tamura, a Stanford nephrology professor, dives into the challenges of kidney dialysis for older or frail patients. She discusses innovative alternatives like wearable artificial kidneys and genetically modified pig transplants. Tamura emphasizes the importance of aligning treatment choices with patient values and life goals. The conversation spotlights preventive strategies to avoid kidney failure altogether, seeking to improve overall patient quality of life through evolving medical practices.
9 snips
Jan 10, 2025 • 34min
The future of robotic surgery
Renee Zhao, a Stanford mechanical engineering professor, is at the forefront of robotic surgery with her innovative millibots. These magnet-controlled, millimeter-scale soft robots aim to navigate the bloodstream for medical repairs like removing clots and treating brain aneurysms. Zhao discusses the exciting potential of soft robotics, drawing inspiration from octopuses, and the challenges of miniaturization. She also highlights the balance needed between design and functionality to revolutionize healthcare through advanced surgical techniques.
34 snips
Jan 3, 2025 • 28min
Best of: The future of exercise
Jonathan Long, a Stanford biochemist, dives into the fascinating world of exercise chemistry and its profound effects on health. He discusses the evolution of weight loss drugs like GLP-1 receptor agonists and their connection to obesity treatment. The talk explores how metabolic chemicals from exercise influence physical performance and appetite regulation, highlighting the role of lactate and LACFI. Long also touches on the potential of an 'exercise pill' that could mimic exercise's health benefits, raising intriguing possibilities for future therapies.
