
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

Feb 16, 2024 • 29min
The future of bioprinting
Mark Skylar-Scott, an expert in 3D printing of human tissue and bioprinting, discusses the potential of bioprinting an entire living human heart. The podcast covers topics such as the process of bioprinting, creating different cell types for bioprinting at heart scale, challenges and strategies in bioprinting blood vessels, and the ethical considerations of using human cells.

Feb 9, 2024 • 31min
The future of language learning
Cognitive scientist Michael Frank discusses the differences in language learning between children and AI systems. He conducts the 'BabyView Study' to understand children's learning experience. The podcast explores the importance of big data in language acquisition and the universal aspects of early language learning. It also highlights the Many Babies project and the role of pragmatics in language acquisition. Additionally, the podcast emphasizes the benefits of early language exposure and multilingualism, while exploring the decline of language learning ability in adults.

Feb 2, 2024 • 27min
Best of: Computational modeling can help us understand Alzheimer’s disease
Mechanical engineer Ellen Kuhl discusses her use of computational modeling to improve our understanding of Alzheimer's disease. She explains her lab's interdisciplinary approach, the role of biomarkers in brain cell death and cognitive decline, and the spread of the disease in the brain. They also talk about the challenges in detecting Alzheimer's early, the potential of an interdisciplinary approach in research, and the development of a promising Alzheimer's drug.

Jan 26, 2024 • 28min
The future of immigration
Ran Abramitzky, an expert in economic history of immigration, discusses his research using government records and AI to analyze changing attitudes on immigration. The podcast debunks myths about immigration, explores methods of studying immigrants, and highlights the resistance towards immigrants throughout history. It also discusses the differences between refugees and economic immigrants and emphasizes the need for a longer-term view on immigration policy.

Jan 19, 2024 • 29min
Best of: The future of art
Deborah Cullinan, vice president for the arts at Stanford, discusses the positive impact of art on health and society. Topics include the transformative power of art, the fluid relationship between artists and consumers, the connection between technology and art, exciting art collaborations and projects, and the work of a theater maker.

Jan 12, 2024 • 31min
The future of digital health
Guest Eleni Linos, MD, DrPH, discusses the future of digital health, including telemedicine, AI in dermatology, and challenges in examining diverse skin types. They explore the convenience and disparities of using digital tools for medical care and discuss the impact of chat GPT on healthcare empathy. The future of digital health and AI in radiology are also discussed.

Jan 5, 2024 • 27min
Best of: New life for old muscles
In this episode, Professor Helen Blau discusses using stem cells to rejuvenate aging muscles. They explore the impact of weakened muscles on mobility and health in older individuals. They also delve into the potential of regenerative medicine to improve quality of life as we age. The episode highlights the progressive atrophy of muscles with age and potential research approaches for prevention. They also discuss exciting discoveries in the lab, such as the creation of a bioengineered microenvironment to maintain and rejuvenate stem cells. Lastly, they touch on the development of an oral drug and its potential beneficiaries, including the sports industry.

Dec 20, 2023 • 1min
Russ's Holiday Episode Playlist
A curated playlist of episodes covering topics like philanthropy, gut microbiome, 3D printing, linguistics, physical books, and community health improvement. Perfect for the holiday season!

9 snips
Dec 15, 2023 • 28min
Best of: Making sense of the gut biome
This podcast explores the crucial role of the gut biome in digestion and overall health. It discusses the influence of bacteria and diet on maintaining a healthy microbiome, the impact of antibiotics on the gut, and how bacteria create chemicals that affect our body. The podcast also delves into the absence of TMAO production in vegans, the utilization of chemicals by bacteria for survival, and the potential of engineering the gut biome. Additionally, it highlights the challenges in altering the gut biome, the stability of bacterial communities, and the future of healthcare with microbiome analysis.

Dec 8, 2023 • 27min
Best of: What can the DNA in your blood reveal about your health?
Professor Stephen Quake's research focuses on non-invasive blood tests to detect preterm births, genetic disorders, cancer, and organ transplant rejection. The podcast explores the importance of DNA in understanding disease, the discovery of cell-free DNA in blood, and the transformative impact on prenatal testing and transplant monitoring.