The Future of Everything

Guest Jane Willenbring is a geoscientist who studies accelerating coastal erosion. The challenge lies not in understanding why coasts are receding today, but in determining what they looked like a thousand years ago to know how much they’ve changed — a secret revealed in coastal rocks through isotopes shaped by cosmic radiation. But measurement is only one part of the equation, she says. We must now think about erosion’s impact on humans, Willenbring tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.Chapter Timestamps:(00:00:00) Introduction by Jane Willenbring Jane Willenbring, a distinguished expert in coastal erosion and a professor at Stanford University, joins Russ Altman to explore "The Future of Coastal Erosion."(00:01:42) Defining Coastal ErosionDr. Willenbring provides an overview of coastal erosion, explaining its causes and effects on coastlines around the world. She discusses the natural processes and human influences contributing to coastal landscape erosion.(00:04:56) Challenges of Coastal ErosionThe conversation delves into the challenges of coastal erosion, including the impacts on infrastructure, property, and communities. Dr. Willenbring highlights the complexities of addressing erosion in different geographical regions and the importance of understanding erosion rates.(00:06:44) Erosion Rates and PredictionsDr. Willenbring discusses the methods used to measure erosion rates and predict future coastal changes. She explains how these predictions can guide policy and planning decisions to mitigate the impacts of erosion.(00:10:49) Impacts on the Infrastructure Dr. Willenbring shared the impacts on the infrastructure and on the actual coast. Also shared all the different kinds of reasons to be concerned about the same.(00:12:44) Interplay with Policy and PlanningThe conversation shifts to the intersection of coastal erosion with policy and planning. Dr. Willenbring explores how episodic erosion events and long-term projections influence decision-making for infrastructure and land use.(00:15:49) Building Bridges vs. Managed Retreat Exploration of options for addressing coastal erosion, such as building bridges.Consideration of the downsides of building bridges and hardening infrastructure. Examination of landscape "unzipping" and its implications for erosion.(00:18:15) Sea Level Rise and Its Coastal ImpactDelve into the ways in which sea level rise affects coastlines and the Impact of flooding and potential changes in coastal shapes. Explore the significance of wide beaches in protecting coastlines.(00:22:33) Displacement and Human Impacts Delve into the potential displacement caused by coastal erosion. Focus on the impact on low-income communities and indigenous villages. Reflection on the ethical considerations of policy responses.(00:25:16) Health Implications and Infrastructure ChallengesExamining the potential health risks associated with coastal erosion.Consideration of compromised water treatment plants and their consequences.Discussion on the uncertainties and challenges of responding to erosion-related threats.(00:26:34) Role of Vegetation in Coastal DefenceExplore the role of vegetation in protecting coastlines. Difference between invasive and native plants in coastal environments.Insights into the potential use of kelp for wave buffering.(00:27:50) Human Activities and Cliff StabilityExamining the impact of human activities, such as irrigation, on cliff stability. Discussion on the potential consequences of excessive water use on erosion. Connect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook

Join host Russ Altman with guest Rania Awaad, M.D.,  a Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the Stanford University School of Medicine where she is the Director of the Stanford Muslim Mental Health & Islamic Psychology Lab.  Delve into the intersection of mental health and spirituality, shedding light on the importance of holistic approaches for comprehensive healing. Drawing from historical wisdom, Awaad introduces the concept of Maristans, ancient healing centers that integrate physical, mental, and spiritual therapies to offer a holistic model of care. As the conversation unfolds, listeners gain a deeper understanding of how these principles can be applied in modern healthcare, fostering patient-centric approaches that consider mind, body, and spirit. From addressing diverse faiths to collaboration between medical and spiritual practitioners, Awaad's insights pave the way for a future where holistic healing is at the forefront of medical practice.Chapter Timestamps:(00:00:00) IntroductionRania Awaad discusses her journey in studying the connection between Islam and mental health, including historical understandings of mental illness and treatments, such as talk therapy.(00:03:05) Special Challenges in Studying Muslim Mental HealthProfessor Awaad discusses the challenges of providing mental health care to the diverse Muslim community in the United States. The impact of immigration, intergenerational trauma, and racial diversity on mental health is highlighted. Factors like acculturation, family dynamics, and historical trauma are considered.(00:06:50) The Intersection of Faith and Mental HealthProfessor Awaad shares insights into how the Islamic faith intersects with mental health. The concept of holistic health in Islam and its implications for mental health are explained. Early Muslim scholars' references to scripture in understanding and treating mental illness are discussed.(00:13:13) Faith and Resistance to TreatmentThe conversation delves into addressing resistance to medical treatment based on religious beliefs. The concept of "spiritual bypassing" is introduced, where religious frameworks are used to explain mental health issues. Professor Awaad shares her unique approach as a dual-trained psychiatrist and theologian.(00:14:22) Transferring Knowledge to PractitionersRuss Altman inquires how to transfer Professor Awaad's insights and dual training to other practitioners. The role of her nonprofit, Maristan, in providing training and resources is highlighted. The development of integrated psychotherapy models and training is discussed.(00:17:09) Common Threads in Different FaithsThe discussion explores commonalities in mental health challenges and solutions across Abrahamic faiths. The potential for sharing insights and strategies among different religious communities is emphasized.(00:19:19) The Impact of COVID-19 on Muslim Mental HealthThe challenges faced by the Muslim community during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially during Ramadan, are discussed. Professor Awaad shares findings from a global study on Muslims' mental health perceptions during the pandemic.(00:23:00) Maristan: A Place of HealingThe nonprofit organization Maristan is introduced, and its name's historical significance is explained. The role of Maristan in integrating spirituality and mental health care is discussed, along with its goal of making mental health care more accessible to all communities. While modern languages have introduced alternative terms for hospitals, the historical terminology persists in some regions.(00:25:10) Bringing Holistic Healing to Modern MedicineRuss Altman discusses the concept of healing centers and the need to reintroduce holistic healing into modern medicine. Professor Awaad shares her vision of Maristans serving as a model for modern healthcare, emphasizing holistic care for the mind, body, and soul.(00:27:21) Maristans: A Model for Holistic HealingRuss Altman reflects on the patient's desire for holistic care and the limitations of current medical practices. Professor Awaad describes the architectural and therapeutic aspects of Maristans, highlighting their use of water fountains, greenery, acoustics, and sound therapy. The contrast between Maristans and historical asylums/prisons for the mentally ill is discussed.  Connect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook

Jonathan Osborne, expert in science education, discusses the challenges of misinformation in science education and emphasizes the importance of teaching young people to detect conflicts of interest and question consensus. The podcast also explores the role of stories in science education, different forms of argumentation in science, and the need for timely updating of science education standards.

Assistant professor of electrical engineering, Priyanka Raina, discusses the future of computer chip design, including specialized chips, core-grain reconfigurable arrays, and agile hardware design. She explores the challenges of balancing flexibility and specialization and the importance of adapting the hardware-software system to changing applications.

Today we're rerunning a conversation Russ had in 2020 with Mykel Kochenderfer, a professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics at Stanford University.Mykel's research has impacted anyone who has been on a plane recently for any kind of travel. His research led to the creation of a program known as the Airborne Collision Avoidance System, or ACAS X , which as he explains in more detail, is a critical tool in keeping air travel safe.Thank you for tuning in, and we hope you enjoy this episode from the archives.Chapter Time Stamps:(00:00:50) ACAS X OriginsRuss Altman sets the stage by revisiting a conversation from 2020 with Professor Mykel Kochenderfer, a pioneer in aeronautics and astronautics at Stanford University. They discuss Mykel's groundbreaking research leading to the creation of the Airborne Collision Avoidance System, ACAS X.(00:03:10) Ensuring Trustworthy Autonomous VehiclesExploring the challenges in building trustworthy autonomous systems, Mykel discusses the complexities of imperfect sensor systems, uncertainty in predicting future trajectory, and the trade-off between safety and operational efficiency.(00:07:20) Dynamic Programming: The Key to ACAS XMykel explains the role of dynamic programming in ACAS X, transforming complex computations into tractable tasks through offline modeling and a lookup table, balancing safety and efficiency.(00:10:30) Balancing Safety and EfficiencyRuss and Mykel delve into the intricate balance between safety and operational efficiency in ACAS X, highlighting the need for AI systems to make sound decisions even in rare, low-probability scenarios.(00:14:15) ACAS X Implementation and Use CasesMykel elaborates on the role of ACAS X in aviation safety, detailing its advisory nature and its integration with air traffic control systems, while addressing the potential automation in specific aircraft models.(00:17:40) Broadening Horizons: Urban Air MobilityExploring the expansion of ACAS X to urban air mobility systems, Russ and Mykel discuss the challenges of modeling and validating models for a wide range of aircraft, and the importance of incorporating human expertise.(00:21:05) Global Collaboration and AI ConsensusMykel emphasizes the collaborative nature of ACAS X implementation, involving different stakeholders, such as the FAA, Eurocontrol, and ICAO, and the role of AI in reaching a consensus on safety objectives.(00:23:30) The Journey AheadAs the conversation draws to a close, Mykel reflects on the evolution of ACAS X, its future applications, and the fusion of AI and human wisdom shaping the skies of tomorrow. Connect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook

David Rehkopf, an expert in population health, discusses the influence of environment on longevity. He explores genetic factors in determining lifespan and the impact of lifestyle choices. The podcast also delves into the relationship between dietary patterns and health, the effects of the Earned Income Tax Credit on health outcomes, and the influence of corporations on employee health.

Expert in health policy, Alyce Adams, discusses disparities in healthcare, addressing socioeconomic factors and cultural competence. Focus on improving care delivery for underserved populations. Highlight integration of patient voices in research and interventions for health equity.

Researcher Johan Ugander discusses the spread of misinformation online, revealing false news is not only more contagious but also spreads faster. He explores the similarities between information dissemination and viral infections, highlighting strategies to combat misinformation during election seasons.

David Miller, an electrical engineer in photonics, discusses the potential of silicon photonics in revolutionizing chip manufacturing and addressing the increasing demand for computing power. Explore the limitations of electronic systems, challenges of copper wire interconnects, and the benefits of optical interconnects. Discover how optical technology offers solutions for high-speed computing and the future of information processing.

Chaitan Khosla is a chemical engineer who says that the world’s most advanced drug factories are not behemoths of the industrial age, but microscopic bacteria. These tiny creatures have evolved enzymatic assembly lines that ingest raw materials and churn out valuable other molecules, like life-saving antibiotics. By engineering new microbes, we hope to create next-generation drugs, Khosla tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.Chapter Show Notes:(00:00:43) Introduction to Assembly Lines and AntibioticsRuss welcomes Professor Khosla and introduces the intriguing world of bacterial assembly lines and their crucial role in antibiotic synthesis. He emphasizes the significance of antibiotics and their intricate molecular structures.(00:06:19) Enzymatic Assembly Lines: The Automotive AnalogyDrawing an analogy between assembly lines in nature and automotive assembly lines, discussion highlights the remarkable efficiency and meticulous organization of bacterial assembly lines.(00:08:17) The Scale of Antibiotic Assembly LinesRuss Altman and Chaitan Khosla delve into the scale of antibiotic assembly lines, using erythromycin as a prime example. They explore the multitude of enzymes involved in the assembly line process.(00:10:34) Challenges in Antibiotic SynthesisThe conversation centers around the challenges faced by human chemists in synthesizing antibiotics compared to the remarkable efficiency and complexity of bacterial assembly lines.(00:12:00) Uncovering Nature's Engineering MarvelsRuss Altman and Chaitan Khosla discuss the awe-inspiring engineering feats found in nature's assembly lines, exploring the intricacies of their construction and their functional significance.(00:15:15) Expanding the Search for Assembly LinesRuss Altman and Chaitan Khosla broaden the scope of assembly line research, discussing the potential for discovering novel assembly lines in previously unexplored organisms and environments.(00:19:00) The Mystery of Orphan Assembly LinesRuss Altman and Chaitan Khosla explore the enigmatic world of orphan assembly lines, discussing the fascination and curiosity surrounding these assembly lines whose functions remain unknown.(00:22:00) Decoding the Language of GenesRuss Altman and Chaitan Khosla delve into the process of deciphering the genetic code to unravel assembly line functions. They discuss the techniques and strategies employed in this intricate decoding process.(00:24:00) Leveraging Artificial Intelligence in Assembly Line AnalysisThe hosts discuss the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning in analyzing assembly line data, showcasing the potential of these technologies to accelerate the discovery of assembly line functions.(00:26:00) A Window into Nature's Medicine CabinetRuss Altman and Chaitan Khosla explore the remarkable potential of assembly lines in antibiotic discovery, unveiling how studying these assembly lines can unlock nature's vast repertoire of medicinal compounds.(00:28:32) Novel Insights from Recent Assembly Line DiscoveriesRuss Altman and Chaitan Khosla highlight the groundbreaking insights gained from recent assembly line discoveries, discussing the exciting prospects and implications of these findings.(00:30:30) Conclusion and Show Wrap-up Connect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook