
The Future of Everything
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.
Latest episodes

Apr 26, 2024 • 27min
Best of: Regenerating and rejuvenating human tissues
A best of episode where Russ interviews one of his bioengineering colleagues, Fan Yang, about some of the fascinating work she’s doing in the realm of tissue engineering. Hear more about the ways her lab is modeling human tissue to help develop a better understanding of how we might effectively replace damaged tissues and alleviate a number of health concerns.Episode Reference Links:Fan Yang's Stanford Profile: WebsiteFan Yang’s Stanford Lab: WebsiteEp.174 Regenerating and Rejuvenating Human Tissues: Website / YouTube (original episode)Connect 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) IntroductionHost Russ Altman introduces guest Fan Yang, a bioengineer at Stanford.(00:03:15) The Basics of Tissue EngineeringThe purpose and significance of tissue engineering, emphasizing its role in addressing critical medical needs like late-stage arthritis.(00:04:23) Challenges in Tissue EngineeringTechnical hurdles in creating viable tissues for clinical use, such as integrating these tissues into the human body.(00:07:00) 3D Printing and In Situ PolymerizationTechnological advances in shaping tissues using 3D printing and the benefits of in situ polymerization to adapt to complex tissue shapes.(00:09:15) Specific Challenges with CartilageThe challenges specific to cartilage regeneration, explaining why it has been a difficult tissue to replicate and heal.(00:13:56) Micro Ribbon Based HydrogelsExplanation of micro ribbon based hydrogels, a new development aimed at improving tissue regeneration.(00:19:16) Cancer Research and Tissue EngineeringHow tissue engineering technologies are not only pivotal for therapeutic uses but also crucial for understanding diseases and aiding drug discovery.(00:24:38) Regulatory Challenges and CommercializationThe regulatory and commercialization challenges facing new medical technologies, including the need for industry partnerships and the role of the FDA(00:26:20) 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

Apr 19, 2024 • 27min
Best of: How do you build a better robot? By understanding people.
Computer scientist and electrical engineer Dorsa Sadigh discusses training robots to understand humans better. Topics include blending cognitive science with robotics, addressing human decision-making biases, and robot adaptations to human imperfections.

Apr 12, 2024 • 28min
Best of: Why AI must embody the values of its users
Computer scientist Carlos Guestrin discusses the importance of trust in AI systems, open-sourcing code in computer science, and data-driven healthcare innovations for better outcomes. He explores AI's role in teen diabetes management and trust building, emphasizing collaboration and personalized support.

Apr 5, 2024 • 31min
The future of addiction
Psychiatrist Anna Lembke discusses addiction, linking all forms to dopamine. New treatments combine abstinence with physical exercise to reenergize dopamine centers. Reaching 30 days of abstinence increases chances of recovery. The podcast explores personal experiences of addiction, brain chemistry, genetic predisposition, the threat of fentanyl, managing opioid addiction, and optimism for future solutions.

Mar 29, 2024 • 34min
The future of computer music
Ge Wang, a music professor and computer scientist, discusses the collaboration between humans and computers in making music. Topics include the playfulness of computer music, the Stanford Laptop Orchestra, merging music with technology, creating innovative phone musical instruments like Ocarina, the intersection of AI and music, and the importance of multidisciplinary skills in engineering and design.

Mar 22, 2024 • 30min
The future of pediatric pain
Laura Simons, a clinical psychologist, discusses the prevalence of chronic pain in children and the challenges in diagnosis. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the science of pain and the impact of untreated pain on kids' lives. The podcast also explores innovative treatments like virtual reality and sensory retraining for pediatric pain management.

Mar 15, 2024 • 30min
The future of measuring cancer
Expert Olivier Gevaert discusses the new science of "spatial transcriptomics" to predict cancer cell behavior and tumor heterogeneity. The technology enables detailed study of tumors by measuring active genes and cell interactions spatially. AI and machine learning advancements are enhancing the analysis of cancer cells, leading to more precise predictions for diagnosing and treating patients globally. The use of digital twins in cancer research offers insights into treatment strategies and outcome predictions.

Mar 8, 2024 • 30min
The future of reading
Expert Rebecca Silverman discusses the complexities of learning to read, focusing on decoding and comprehension. She highlights the variability in learning to read across languages and cultures. The podcast also explores the challenges of identifying reading difficulties and the role of technology, including AI, in literacy education.

Mar 1, 2024 • 32min
The future of culture
Explore the concept of 'tight' and 'loose' cultures with Professor Michele Gelfand, discussing how societal norms shape behavior. Learn about the impact of threat perception on cultural differences and the importance of cultural intelligence in negotiation and global leadership. Discover how evolutionary mismatches and responses to threats vary between cultures, and how cultural exchange studies challenge stereotypes and build mutual understanding.

Feb 23, 2024 • 28min
Best of: What makes a surgeon great?
Exploring what makes surgeons great, Dr. Carla Pugh discusses studying expert surgeons' movements to enhance training. Topics include wearable sensors in surgical training, distinguishing between expert and novice surgeons based on idle time, and the fusion of robotic and human surgical skills.