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
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.
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.
