The Future of Everything

Stanford Engineering
  • 4.8 (140)
  • SCIENCE
  • COMPLETE

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 immunotherapy

    4D AGO

    The future of immunotherapy

    Biochemist Lingyin Li survived breast cancer at just 30 and now works to harness the human immune system to fight cancers that have long evaded treatment. T cells, she says, are powerful cancer killers, but they can be oblivious. She and her lab colleagues have discovered a masking enzyme that squelches the immune system’s “danger signals” and are now developing drugs to block that enzyme. She likens her work to an arms race between cancer and immunotherapy. “The cancers are not getting smarter, but we are,” Li 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: Lingyin LiConnect 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 Lingyin Li, a professor of biochemistry at Stanford University. (00:03:38) Research Motivation Lingyin explains how her breast cancer diagnosis inspired her research. (00:04:31) How T-Cells Work T-cell mechanisms and why they struggle to reach solid tumors. (00:05:38) Immune System Overview Innate and adaptive immunity and how mutations make cancer recognizable. (00:07:28) Awakening the Immune System Efforts to stimulate innate immune cells to detect and expose tumors. (00:10:54) The Cancer Signal Discovery of cancer-derived DNA signals that alert the immune system. (00:13:01) Cancer’s Evasion Mechanism How tumors destroy immune signals to hide from detection. (00:14:26) ENPP1 Enzyme Identification of ENPP1 as the enzyme enabling immune evasion. (00:15:22) Balancing Immunity and Safety Role of ENPP1 in autoimmunity and the challenge of targeting it safely. (00:19:30) ENPP1 Inhibitors Development of molecules to block ENPP1 and enhance immune signaling. (00:24:55) Preclinical Findings The promising results against aggressive solid tumors in animal studies (00:28:05) From Lab to Clinic The progress toward FDA approval and preparation for human testing. (00:31:04) Future In a Minute Rapid-fire Q&A: innovation, collaboration, and the outlook for cancer treatment. (00:33:14) 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 emerging technologies

    NOV 7

    The future of emerging technologies

    On our 300th episode, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice talks about her return to Stanford after years in government and the impact she sees rapidly advancing technologies having on democracy and public policy. She says the future demands greater collaboration among industry, academia, and government to ensure promising fields like quantum computing and AI are used for the greatest good—in education, medicine, and the sciences. We are in a race that we must win, Rice tells host Russ Altman on this special 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: Condoleezza RiceConnect 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 Condoleezza Rice, former U.S. Secretary of State and a professor of political science and political economy at Stanford University. (00:04:08) Returning to Stanford Why Condoleezza returned to academia after serving as Secretary of State. (00:04:50) Higher Education & Public Trust Potential factors impacting universities' connection to the broader public. (00:07:31) Why Research Still Matters The importance of curiosity-driven, federally funded university research. (00:09:32) Hoover’s Emerging Tech Initiative An outline of the Hoover Institution’s Tech Initiative and its policies. (00:12:11) Uniting Scientists & Policymakers How engineers and researchers are engaging with policy and ethics. (00:13:41) The Race For Innovation Emerging themes and key enablers in the technology innovation race. (00:19:17) Industry in the Lead How private companies are now the primary drivers of innovation. (00:22:02) Global Tech & National Interests The tension between globalized tech firms and U.S. policy interests (00:24:35) AI & Education Using AI as a tool to enhance teaching and critical thinking in students. (00:28:30) Students Driving Policy The contribution students are making to Hoover’s tech policy work. (00:29:23) Future In a Minute Rapid-fire Q&A: hope, innovation, time, humanity, and alternate careers. (00:31:09) 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. NOV 5 · BONUS

    The countdown to our 300th episode

    Tune in on Friday, November 7th to listen to our 300th episode with a very special guest. 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.

    25 sec
  4. Best of: The future of transparent tissue

    OCT 31

    Best of: The future of transparent tissue

    About a year ago, a research team at Stanford Engineering led by Guosong Hong published a paper about their work to use a common food dye to make mouse skin transparent. Their findings made a big splash and have the potential to provide a range of benefits in health care. You can imagine that if we have the ability to see what’s going on under the skin without having to cut into it, or use radiation to get a clear look, this could improve everything from invasive biopsies to painful blood draws. We hope you’ll tune in again and enjoy. 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: ​​Guosong HongGuosong's Lab: THE HONG LABConnect 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 Guosong Hong, an expert in physics, material science, and biology from Stanford University. (00:01:52) Material Science Meets Neuroscience How Guosong’s research blends nanomaterials and brain science. (00:03:00) Why Tissue Isn’t Transparent The challenge of light penetration in biological tissues. (00:04:54) A New Approach to Tissue Clearing The physics behind tissue transparency and refractive index manipulation. (00:07:57) UV Light and Transparency How manipulating UV absorption can align refractive indexes. (00:10:16) First Experiments and Results Initial tests that demonstrate successful tissue clearing. (00:12:19) Applications in Medicine The potential of transparent tissues in dermatology and medical imaging. (00:14:36) Testing on Live Tissue The results of testing transparency techniques on live mice. (00:18:30) Transparency in Nature How some species have naturally transparent tissue. (00:19:52) Human Eye and Protein Transparency The unique proteins that keep our lenses clear using similar physics. (00:22:24) Wireless Light Inside the Body Developing ultrasound-activated light sources for tissue imaging. (00:24:55) Precision of Ultrasound Light How precisely ultrasound can trigger tiny particles to emit light. (00:28:14) 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
  5. The future of wound healing

    OCT 24

    The future of wound healing

    Clinician-scientist Jill Helms is an expert on healing. Until about age 30, people heal easily, she says, but later on, not so well. Regenerative medicine suggests avenues for improvement, she promises. Her research focuses on understanding the physical and molecular processes of healing to design better therapies. One approach awakens “sleeper” stem cells to aid healing, a new drug in trial regenerates bone, and another avenue targets infections that appear near medical devices using gum-like tissues that create sealing barriers. In many ways, nature remains our best model for healing, Helms 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: Jill HelmsConnect 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 Jill Helms, a professor of surgery at Stanford University. (00:03:42) Why Study Wound Healing Jill shares what led her to explore how the body repairs itself after injury. (00:04:23) How Healing Works Explanation of physical signals, stem cells, and the stages of tissue repair. (00:07:23) Healing Declines with Age How healing quality and speed drop significantly after age thirty. (00:10:48) Physical vs. Biological Signals The biological and physical signals that work together to guide healing. (00:13:21) Regenerative Medicine Therapies designed to restore healing capacity and accelerate repair. (00:16:55) Infection and Implants Challenges of preventing infections around skin penetrating medical devices. (00:21:54) Nature’s Blueprint Using biological models to inspire self-renewing wound interfaces. (00:26:19)  Biomimicry and Evolutionary Insight What scientists are learning from animals to inform human tissue repair. (00:30:51) Future In a Minute Rapid-fire Q&A: scientific curiosity, young researchers, and supportive environments. (00:33:04) 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
  6. The future of topical vaccines

    OCT 17

    The future of topical vaccines

    Bioengineer Michael Fischbach studies alternative vaccine delivery methods, like self-administered creams with no needles, health professionals, or side effects. He teases a day when vaccines that don’t make you feel bad come in the mail in ketchup-style packets. Such innovations would greatly improve vaccine uptake, especially in developing countries, and speed global response to novel viruses. It would change how we think about vaccines, Fischbach 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: Michael FischbachConnect 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 Michael Fischbach, a professor of bioengineering at Stanford University. (00:04:24) Cream-Based Vaccines The discovery that revealed the skin’s ability to spark systemic immunity. (00:07:36) Engineering Immunity Modifying staph epidermidis to carry antigens and test immune response. (00:09:38) Tumor Regression How engineered bacteria triggered tumor-killing immunity in mice. (00:12:53) Antibody Discovery Evidence that skin exposure can generate long-lasting antibodies. (00:17:02) Antibody Response in Humans Whether humans show antibody responses to their own skin bacteria. (00:18:42) Turning Bacteria into Vaccines Embedding harmless pathogen fragments into bacterial surface proteins. (00:20:55) Immunity Without Shots How mice achieved vaccine-level immunity through topical application. (00:24:00) Reimagining Vaccine Delivery The potential for self-applied, needle-free, and multiplexed vaccines. (00:26:50) Mechanism Behind Skin Immunity How skin immune cells may constantly sample microbes for defence. (00:28:14) Next Steps in Development The path toward testing safety, dosage, and delivery in higher models. (00:29:57) Choosing Vaccine Targets Viruses and diseases that could be targets for early skin-based vaccines. (00:31:11) Safety and Reversibility Ensuring safety with reversible bacteria and limited trial participants. (00:33:04) Transitioning to Biotech Transitioning research from Stanford to large-scale biotech development. (00:34:31) Future In a Minute Rapidfire Q&A: creative science, vaccine innovation, and biology’s future. (00:36:56) 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.

    38 min
  7. Best of: The future of extreme climate events

    OCT 10

    Best of: The future of extreme climate events

    As fall arrives, many regions experience dramatic weather shifts—think early frosts, storms, or unusual temperature swings. Last year, we sat down with Noah Diffenbaugh, an expert on climate change. We discussed the fact that extreme weather is becoming more frequent. Noah pointed out that there are still things we can do to mitigate the impacts of severe weather. We hope you’ll take another listen to this episode to learn about the solutions that are within reach.  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: Noah DiffenbaughConnect 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 Noah Diffenbaugh, a professor of Earth System Science at Stanford University. (00:02:07) Global Impact of Climate Change The areas where climate change is having the greatest impact globally. (00:03:00) Climate Phenomena and Humans Connecting climate science with localized human impacts. (00:05:49) Understanding Climate Forcing The concept of "climate forcing" and its significance in Noah’s research. (00:09:34) Geoengineering & Pinatubo Cooling The risks associated with reflecting sunlight to cool the planet. (00:13:23) Climate Interventions Why manipulating the climate could have unforeseen outcomes. (00:20:51) Adaptation to Climate Change Humanity’s response to climate change as impacts accelerate. (00:24:53) Increase in Extreme Events Why extreme climate events are more frequent and severe. (00:28:08) AI in Climate Research How AI enables testable, data-driven climate predictions. (00:32:02) 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.

    33 min
  8. The future of the built environment

    OCT 3

    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
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4.8
out of 5
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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
    350
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    The Future of Everything

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