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.

  1. The future of the built environment

    6 DAYS AGO

    The future of the built environment

    Rishee Jain is an engineer and an expert in the built environment – the manmade structures of modern life. The future, Jain says, will be a place where everyone has a safe, comfortable place to live and work, and the built environment adapts in real time to our needs. Jain is now exploring cool roofs that reflect heat to lower indoor temperatures and improve occupants’ well-being. We once believed that humans bent infrastructure to our needs, but now we understand how infrastructure changes us, too, Jain tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’sThe Future of Everything podcast. Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu. Episode Reference Links: Stanford Profile: Rishee JainConnect 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) Introduction Russ Altman introduces guest Rishee Jain, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at Stanford University. (00:03:50) Focus on Built Urban Environments Rishee Jain shares how early hands-on projects inspired his career. (00:04:51) The Social Dimension Why infrastructure must account for human behavior and social needs. (00:07:03) How Infrastructure Shapes Us Examples of sidewalks, bike lanes, and design choices influencing wellbeing. (00:09:11) Defining Urban Form Defining urban form as design across buildings, neighborhoods, and cities. (00:10:58) Decision-Makers at Every Level How policymakers, communities, and building owners shape design. (00:13:38) Dynamic Infrastructure The shift from static infrastructure to adaptable, responsive systems. (00:15:19) Levers of Change Using thermal and lighting design as key factors for wellbeing. (00:19:36) Climate & Extreme Heat The impact of extreme heat on building design and vulnerable communities. (00:23:25) Measuring Impact Studies using wearables to track the benefits of infrastructure interventions. (00:24:25) Community Feedback The optimistic research results on infrastructure interventions. (00:26:18) Retrofitting Old Buildings Challenges in adapting existing infrastructure with minimal disruption. (00:31:12) Future in a Minute Rapid-fire Q&A: hope, infrastructure, research needs, and lessons from history. (00:33:01) Conclusion Connect With Us: Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon Connect 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.

    34 min
  2. The future of the innovation economy

    26 SEPT

    The future of the innovation economy

    In a special Future of Everything podcast episode recorded live before a studio audience in New York, host Russ Altman talks to three authorities on the innovation economy. His guests – Fei-Fei Li, professor of computer science and co-director of the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered AI (HAI); Susan Athey, professor and authority on the economics of technology; and Neale Mahoney, Trione Director of the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research – bring their distinct-but-complementary perspectives to a discussion on how artificial intelligence is reshaping our economy. Athey emphasizes that both AI broadly and AI-based coding tools specifically are general-purpose technologies, like electricity or the personal computer, whose impact may be felt quickly in certain sectors but much more slowly in aggregate. She tells how solving one bottleneck to implementation often reveals others – whether in digitization, adoption costs, or the need to restructure work and organizations. Mahoney draws on economic history to say we are in a “veil of ignorance” moment with regard to societal impacts. We cannot know whose jobs will be disrupted, he says, but we can invest in safety nets now to ease the transition. Li cautions against assuming AI will replace people. Instead, she speaks of AI as a “horizontal technology” that could supercharge human creativity – but only if it is properly rooted in science, not science fiction. Collectively, the panel calls on policymakers, educators, researchers, and entrepreneurs to steer AI toward what they call “human-centered goals” – protecting workers, growing opportunities, and supercharging education and medicine – to deliver broad and shared prosperity. It’s the future of the innovation economy on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast. Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu. Episode Reference Links: Stanford Profile: Fei-Fei LiStanford Profile: Susan AtheyStanford Profile: Neale MahoneyConnect 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) Introduction Russ Altman introduces live guests Fei-Fei Li, Susan Athey, and Neale Mahoney, professors from Stanford University. (00:02:37) Lessons from Past Technology Comparing AI with past technologies and the bottlenecks to their adoption. (00:06:29) Jobs & Safety Nets The uncertainty of AI’s labor impact and investing in social protections. (00:08:29) Augmentation vs. Replacement Using AI as a tool to enhance, not replace, human work and creativity. (00:11:41) Human-Centered AI & Policy Shaping AI through universities, government, and global collaboration. (00:15:58) Education Revolution The potential for AI to revolutionize education by focusing on human capital. (00:18:58) Balancing Regulation & Innovation Balancing pragmatic, evidence-based AI policy with entrepreneurship. (00:22:22) Competition & Market Power The risks of monopolies and the role of open models in fair pricing. (00:25:22) America’s Economic Funk How social media and innovation are shaping America’s declining optimism. (00:27:05) Future in a Minute The panel shares what gives them hope and what they’d study today. (00:30:49) Conclusion Connect With Us: Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon Connect 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.

    32 min
  3. Best of: The future of ultrafast electronics

    19 SEPT

    Best of: The future of ultrafast electronics

    About a year ago we released an episode on the future of ultrafast electronics and it quickly became one of our most popular episodes on YouTube. We’re excited to re-share it with you today. Physicist Matthias Kling walks us through his study of photons and the things science can do with ultrafast pulses of x-rays. The knowledge he’s gaining could reshape fields like materials science, artificial intelligence, ultrafast and quantum computers, and medical diagnostics. We hope you’ll tune in again wherever you get your podcasts. And as a reminder, we post full video versions of each of our episodes on YouTube every Friday, so be sure to check those out if you haven’t already. Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu. Episode Reference Links: Stanford Profile: Matthias KlingConnect 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) Introduction Russ Altman introduces guest Matthias Kling, a professor of photon science and applied physics at Stanford University. (00:02:21) Ultrafast Electronics New technologies enabling ultrafast photonics and electronics. (00:05:40) Attosecond Science Applications Capturing electron and molecular movements with attosecond pulses. (00:10:23) Real-Time Molecular Measurements How free-electron lasers enable detailed, atom-specific measurements. (00:15:02) Free-Electron Lasers Using light waves to capture images of molecules at room temperature. (00:22:28) Electronics at Light Speed Whether attosecond science could enable computing at petahertz speed. (00:26:24) Lightwaves & Quantum Computing How lightwave electronics could allow for energy-efficient quantum computers. (00:29:29) AI Meets Ultrafast Science AI's role in optimizing research and data collection in ultrafast electronics. (00:31:47) The Future of Ultafast Electronics How attosecond science, computing, and AI converge to accelerate innovation. (00:35:25) Conclusion Connect With Us: Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon Connect 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.

    36 min
  4. The future of allergies

    12 SEPT

    The future of allergies

    Allergist Tina Sindher acknowledges that allergies may be affecting more people worldwide, influenced by a combination of factors such as environmental changes, modern lifestyles, urbanization, and evolving dietary habits. Prevention is playing catch-up, and promising new strategies include earlier food introduction than was popular only a few years ago. On the treatment front, hopes are rising for immunotherapies and a new prescription medicine, omalizumab, that addresses multiple allergens at once. While no single approach helps all, these strategies could allow millions worldwide to better manage their allergies, Sindher tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.  Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu. Episode Reference Links: Stanford Profile: Sayantani (Tina) SindherConnect 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) Introduction Russ Altman introduces guest Tina Sindher, a professor of medicine and allergy at Stanford University. (00:03:16) Inside the Immune Response Why our immune systems trigger allergic reactions. (00:04:57) Genes vs. Environment Whether genetics or environment drive allergy risks. (00:08:05) The Microbiome Factor The role of the microbiome and early exposures in prevention. (00:09:17) A Global Allergy Surge How global allergy trends reveal rising health challenges. (00:11:56) Potent Food Triggers Why some foods cause stronger and faster reactions. (00:13:49) Emerging Risks Whether Alpha-Gal signals new emerging allergy risks. (00:15:47) Multi-Food Allergies How multi-food allergies complicate diagnosis and treatment. (00:19:02) Preventing Allergies Early Why early food introduction may help prevent allergies. (00:20:54) Skin’s Role in Allergies The importance of infant skin health in allergy development. (00:23:39) Testing Limitations The limits of current testing methods to truly diagnose allergies. (00:25:13) Standard Testing Procedure The current methodologies deployed when testing for allergies. (00:27:28) New Therapies How new therapies like OIT and Xolair are reshaping treatment. (00:31:50) The Future of Allergies The potential of combined therapies to aid in allergy treatment. (00:34:33) Managing Seasonal Allergies How to manage seasonal allergies effectively at home. (00:37:08) Conclusion Connect With Us: Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon Connect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook

    38 min
  5. The future of bone health

    5 SEPT

    The future of bone health

    Endocrinologist Joy Wu says that osteoporosis can affect more than half of women and a quarter of men over 50 – often without symptoms until a fracture changes everything, leading to a loss of mobility and independence. Wu explains why bones weaken with age and how to strengthen them through exercise and smart medicine. Her lab is exploring innovative drugs and turning skin cells into new bone-forming osteoblasts. We’re delving into the great mystery of building new bone and making old bones stronger, Wu tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast. Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu. Episode Reference Links: Stanford Profile: Joy WuConnect 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) Introduction Russ Altman introduces guest Joy Wu, a professor of endocrinology at Stanford University. (00:03:06) Path into Bone Research Joy shares her path from endocrinology training to studying bone biology. (00:04:10) Calcium and Vitamin D in Bone Health How these nutrients build strong bones and prevent fractures. (00:05:13) Why Bones Heal Themselves Why bones can regenerate so effectively compared to other tissues. (00:06:26) Can We Feel Our Bones? The mystery of weather-related aches at old fracture sites. (00:07:23) Understanding Osteoporosis The prevalence of osteoporosis in the elderly, especially in women. (00:08:34) Diagnosing Osteoporosis Why osteoporosis often goes undetected until fractures appear. (00:09:36) Risk Factors Beyond Aging The risk factors outside of aging that can lead to osteoporosis. (00:10:48) Steroids, Exercise, and Bone Health The impact of systemic steroids and exercise on bone health. (00:12:40) Height Loss and Spine Fractures How shrinking height in older adults can signal vertebral fractures. (00:14:46) Cancer and Bone Health How cancers spread to bone and how therapies affect bone health. (00:17:09) Medications for Osteoporosis The complexities of using certain medications in cancer patients with bone loss. (00:20:10) Hormones and Bone Growth Using SERMs to protect bone while reducing breast cancer risk. (00:21:45) Stem Cells and Building Bone Research on reprogramming skin cells into bone-forming osteoblasts. (00:23:31) Why Treatments Plateau Why bone-building drugs stop working after two years. (00:24:49) Challenges in Bone Regeneration The potential of Wnt signalling and stem cells in lasting bone regeneration. (00:28:09) Validating Osteoblasts in the Lab Testing whether reprogrammed cells behave like natural osteoblasts. (00:29:11) Future Outlook for Bone Biology The limits of bone cell replication and what it means for future therapies. (00:30:10) Advice for Strong Bones Practical do’s and don’ts for optimizing bone health. (00:32:41) Conclusion Connect With Us: Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon Connect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook

    33 min
  6. Best of: The future of reading

    29 AUG

    Best of: The future of reading

    It’s still summer, but many children and teachers are back in school or preparing to return to the classroom. About a year ago, we sat down with Rebecca Silverman, a professor of education, to discuss the complex process of learning how to read. Professor Silverman unpacks the challenges of decoding and comprehension, two things that are vital for reading instruction to be successful. Whether you’re supporting a new reader or curious about the hurdles new readers must overcome, we hope you’ll tune in to this conversation again. Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu. Episode Reference Links: Stanford Profile: Rebecca D. SilvermanConnect 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) Introduction Russ Altman introduces Rebecca Silverman, a professor of education at Stanford University. (00:01:59) Why Reading Is Hard Why reading is a complex, non-natural skill essential for education. (00:03:14) Decoding & Comprehension The core components of reading and the challenges of comprehension. (00:05:07) Improving Comprehension Why improving comprehension takes years and sustained support. (00:06:40) Variability in Learning Why some kids excel, others need help, and many struggle. (00:08:26) Nature vs. Nurture How genetics and environment combine to shape reading ability. (00:09:17) Reading Across Languages How different writing systems affect how quickly kids learn to read. (00:10:57) Identifying Struggling Readers Research challenges in identifying decoding and comprehension issues. (00:14:42) Paper vs. Digital Reading Key differences between reading on paper and screens. (00:18:04) Technology in Literacy How technology is effective for decoding but less so for comprehension. (00:19:58) Family Influence The importance of family and storytelling in literacy development. (00:21:52) Adult Literacy Whether adults can learn to read as easily as young learners. (00:23:13) Challenges For Teachers The challenges teachers face in teaching literacy alongside multiple subjects (00:25:15) The Future of AI in Reading The potential of AI and digital tools to help tailor literacy support. (00:28:50) Conclusion Connect With Us: Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon Connect 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.

    29 min
  7. The future of inequality

    22 AUG

    The future of inequality

    Sociologist David Grusky argues that all the usual debilitating debates about inequality can be sidestepped if we focus on the worst forms – those rooted in cronyism, racism, and nepotism – that everyone can agree are nothing more than a pernicious transfer of income or wealth from the powerless to the powerful. To fight this “worst form” of inequality, Grusky shows how powerful interventions can be identified with new quasi-experimental methods, including those that use naturally occurring or AI-generated doppelgangers instead of very expensive randomized controlled trials. “We’re leaving a lot of talent on the table. And the cost is profound,” Grusky tells host Russ Altman about the price of inequality on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast. Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu. Episode Reference Links: Stanford Profile: David GruskyConnect 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) Introduction Russ Altman introduces guest David Grusky, a professor of sociology at Stanford University. (00:02:57) Studying Inequality David explains his motivation for studying inequality. (00:03:44) What Is Good Inequality? How productive contributions create justifiable inequalities in income. (00:04:48) Example of Bad Inequality When legitimate productivity becomes mixed with exploitation (00:07:22) Widespread Nature of Bad Inequality Different groups within society who benefit from bad inequality. (00:10:58) The Birth Lottery Problem How the circumstances of birth create hidden advantages. (00:13:15) Status & Social Class Inequality Whether prestige and non-financial rewards intersect with inequality. (00:14:52) Good Jobs vs. Bad Jobs What constitutes a good job in an era of rapid technological change. (00:16:20) The Limits of Progressive Taxation Why progressive taxation fails to distinguish between inequalities. (00:21:01) Predistribution Solutions Preventing bad inequality before it occurs with institutional reform. (00:24:31) Reform Challenges How entrenched interests and weak evaluation block reform progress. (00:25:54) Inequality Research Tools Quasi-experimental methods that evaluate inequality interventions. (00:28:39) AI Clones for Policy Testing Using large language models to simulate individuals and test policy ideas. (00:33:55) Conclusion Connect With Us: Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon Connect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook

    35 min
  8. The future of cancer neuroscience

    15 AUG

    The future of cancer neuroscience

    Neurologist Michelle Monje studies the close relationship between cancer and the nervous system, particularly in an aggressive brain cancer that often strikes in childhood. Her research shows that the cancer cells are electrically integrated into the brain itself and these connections actually help the cancer to grow. Monje and collaborators have now developed an immunotherapy that has shown great promise in mice and early human trials. One patient had a “complete response” and is cancer-free four years after treatment, Monje tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast. Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu. Episode Reference Links: Stanford Profile: Michelle MonjeConnect 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) Introduction Russ Altman introduces guest Michelle Monje, a professor of pediatric neurology at Stanford University. (00:03:39) Focus on Cancer Research Monje’s clinical observations led to exploring cancer-neuron interactions. (00:05:28) Neurons and Glial Cells The role of neurons and glial cells in brain function and disease. (00:08:32) Gliomas in Children An overview of gliomas and their origins in glial precursor cells. (00:10:12) Rethinking Brain Cancer Behavior How gliomas don’t just grow—they integrate with brain circuits. (00:14:49) Mechanisms of Tumor Growth Two primary mechanisms by which cancer exploits the nervous system. (00:16:32) Synaptic Integration of Cancer Cells The discovery that glioma cells form synapses with neurons. (00:20:06) CAR T-Cell Therapy Adapting CAR T-cell immunotherapy to target brain tumors. (00:22:52) Targeting GD2 Antigen Identification of a surface marker enables precision CAR T-cell therapy. (00:24:35) Immune Access to the Brain The ability of CAR T-cells to reach the brain, despite prior understanding. (00:26:16) First Clinical Trial Results The significant tumor reduction and response from CAR T-cell therapy. (00:28:21) Combined Therapies Pairing immune therapy with neural signaling blockers for better outcomes. (00:30:35) Conclusion Connect With Us: Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon Connect 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.

    31 min
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Stanford Engineering
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2025
  • Episodes
    343
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    The Future of Everything

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