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
27 snips
Dec 27, 2024 • 29min
Best of: The future of skin longevity
In a fascinating discussion, Professor Zakia Rahman, a dermatology expert at Stanford University, explores the intersection of skin care and societal pressures. She highlights how digital culture shapes self-image and the increasing demand for dermatological services. Rahman elaborates on innovations in laser therapy and the critical importance of UV protection to prevent skin cancer. She emphasizes skincare as a vital aspect of health rather than mere vanity, connecting beauty, light therapy, and the diverse needs of different skin types.
34 snips
Dec 20, 2024 • 31min
The future of depression care
Leanne Williams, a Professor of Psychiatry at Stanford and a leading expert on depression, discusses the condition as a legitimate illness rather than a flaw. She delves into the challenges of traditional treatment methods, highlighting the trial-and-error process many face. The conversation covers exciting advancements in brain mapping and the potential of personalized treatments using biotypes. Williams also emphasizes the role of genetics and AI in reshaping our understanding and treatment of depression, paving the way for innovative therapies.
22 snips
Dec 13, 2024 • 33min
The future of Alzheimer’s treatment
Michael Greicius, a renowned professor of neurology at Stanford University and expert on Alzheimer's disease, discusses groundbreaking advancements in treatment. He highlights the crucial roles of tau proteins, diverging from traditional amyloid-focused therapies. Greicius emphasizes the importance of healthy lifestyle choices to mitigate Alzheimer's risks while advising against genetic testing until more effective treatments are available. The conversation sheds light on the challenges of clinical trials and the need for innovative approaches in the fight against this debilitating disease.
11 snips
Dec 6, 2024 • 30min
The future of AI and democracy
Nate Persily, a Stanford law and policy professor, dives into how AI is reshaping democracy. He highlights the limited impact of deepfakes during recent elections but raises alarm over politicians labeling truths as false, which threatens public trust. Persily discusses the fine line between innovation and regulation, stressing the need for ethical oversight in AI's evolution. He also explores the dual role of AI in enhancing and undermining informed discourse, particularly through social media, painting a complex picture of its influence on democracy.
10 snips
Nov 29, 2024 • 30min
Best of: The future of underwater robotics
Oussama Khatib, a renowned professor at Stanford University and a leader in underwater robotics, shares his groundbreaking work on OceanOneK, a humanoid robot designed for deep-sea exploration. He discusses the challenges of creating robots that can operate at extreme depths and how haptic feedback technology enhances remote control. Khatib also touches on the emotional aspects of using anthropomorphic robots during underwater research and their pioneering role in rescue operations, revolutionizing how we explore and interact with the ocean.
6 snips
Nov 22, 2024 • 31min
The future of AI coaching
James Landay, a Stanford professor and co-director at the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered AI, discusses innovative applications of AI in education and fitness. He highlights how AI functions as a personalized coaching tool, improving learning for young students through his Smart Primer and Acorn apps. Landay also introduces GPT Coach, a fitness planner that integrates health data for tailored advice. The focus is on creating human-centered technology that benefits society and enhances individual experiences.
Nov 15, 2024 • 33min
The future of extreme climate events
Noah Diffenbaugh, Professor of Earth System Science at Stanford University, shares his expertise on the immediate effects of climate change, challenging the notion that it's merely theoretical. He discusses the urgent need for better adaptation strategies as extreme weather events escalate. Delving into the role of AI in climate science, he highlights how technology can improve predictions and drive solutions. With a call for balanced investment in both adaptation and decarbonization, Diffenbaugh emphasizes that tangible solutions are still within reach.
Nov 8, 2024 • 29min
The future of climate projection
Aditi Sheshadri, a Professor of Earth Systems Science at Stanford University, dives into the fascinating world of climate projection. She distinguishes between climate models and weather forecasts, explaining how projections look a century ahead while forecasts focus on the near future. Discover the 'window of chaos' phenomenon, where small changes lead to significant climate variations. Aditi also discusses innovative data collection methods, including low-cost balloons and AI, reshaping our understanding of climate trends and informing critical policymaking.
Nov 1, 2024 • 31min
Best of: Computation cracks cold cases
Lawrence Wein, a professor of management science at Stanford, delves into the fascinating realm of forensic genetic genealogy. He discusses how mathematical modeling is revolutionizing the resolution of cold cases, highlighting its use in notorious cases like the Golden State Killer. The conversation touches on the role of third-party databases and the ethical dilemmas surrounding DNA privacy. Wein’s insights reveal both the haunting and hopeful aspects of using technology to bring justice to unsolved crimes.
Oct 25, 2024 • 29min
The future of autonomous vehicles
In this conversation with Marco Pavone, a Stanford professor specializing in autonomous systems, listeners discover the remarkable strides in self-driving technology over recent years. Pavone discusses the evolving perception of autonomous vehicles, emphasizing public safety and understanding. He also delves into the intricate challenges of managing autonomous systems in space, highlighting the importance of satellite coordination. The conversation reveals how AI is revolutionizing both terrestrial and extraterrestrial applications.
