The Future of Everything

Stanford professor Jeff Hancock discusses the impact of generative AI tools on human communication, exploring issues like language homogenization, biases, trust, and the use of GPT-3 for tailored content. The podcast delves into AI's role in assessing student work, risks of misinformation, deep fakes in critical situations, and combating fake news on social media.

Astrophysicist Risa Wechsler discusses the evolution of the universe and the importance of understanding dark matter. She explores new technologies like high-resolution cameras and spectrographs that reveal clues about dark matter. Mapping the universe in 3D is crucial for unraveling cosmic mysteries and galaxy formations.

Robotics expert Jeannette Bohg discusses the impact of large language models on robotics, highlighting the transformation in high-level planning and reasoning. She addresses the challenges of applying language models in robotics, the scarcity of training data, and the potential for improving human-robot interaction. The discussion delves into the contrasts between industrial and research robots, versatile robotic units with tidying capabilities, and the debate on humanoid vs specialized robots.

Guest Sergiu Pasca is a physician-scientist who turns skin cells into stem cells and then into brain tissues he calls “organoids” and “assembloids” in order to study psychiatric and neurological illness in a dish instead of in living human beings. With this knowledge, Pasca hopes to develop new treatments for conditions ranging from schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorders to chronic pain, he tells host Russ Altman in this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.Episode Reference Links:Sergiu’s Lab: Pasca LabSergiu’s Stanford Profile: WebsiteCenter at Stanford Sergiu Leads: Stanford Brain OrganogenesisSergiu’s recently published paper: Antisense Oligonucleotide Therapeutic Approach for Timothy SyndromePaper by Shinya Yamanaka Sergiu discusses: Induction of Pluripotent Stem Cells from Mouse Embryonic and Adult Fibroblast CulturesConnect 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) IntroductionRuss introduces guest, Sergiu Pasca, professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University.(00:02:43) The Science of Growing Brain Tissue from Skin CellsThe process of developing brain organoids from skin cells and the potential medical applications of these models.(00:03:59) Enhancing Neurological Research ToolsAdvancing the complexity of brain models to include various brain structures and their applications in modeling diseases.(00:07:20) Introduction of AssembloidsIntroduction to assembloids, detailing how combining different organoids can mimic complex brain structures(0015:58) Testing Therapeutics Using Humanized ModelsThe innovative approach of using humanized rat models to test neurological therapies and drugs.(00:21:03) Complex Circuit Modelling for Disease UnderstandingThe current capabilities of modeling complex brain circuits and their relevance in  understanding the neural pathways involved in diseases.(00:23:36) The Future of Pain Modelling and Drug TestingHow assembled brain cells can model pain perception and response, leading to potential new treatments for chronic pain and psychiatric disorders(00:27:46) Ethical Considerations and Public EngagementEthical concerns related to creating brain-like tissues and the importance of public engagement in scientific research.(00:32:01) Future Directions and Global CollaborationThe future of brain organogenesis research and the potential impacts on treating neurological and psychiatric conditions.(00:34:05) 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Cybersecurity expert Amy Zegart discusses the national security threats posed by TikTok and the rapid evolution of cybersecurity due to AI. The podcast delves into government and corporate cybersecurity efforts, global cyber threats and preparedness, the impact of misinformation, and the evolving role of corporations in national security. Amy highlights the challenges in sustaining cyber operations during conflicts and the importance of AI in enhancing cybersecurity intelligence.

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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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.

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.

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.

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.