The Future of Everything - Stanford Engineering

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The future of seaweed Jan 24, 2025

Show notes

Oceanographer Kristen Davis, an authority on ocean physics and climate sustainability, discusses the growing excitement around seaweed and kelp as tools to combat climate change. Like trees on land, these underwater plants use photosynthesis to absorb carbon dioxide and convert it into organic matter. When they die, some of that carbon may sink to the ocean depths. However, the science is still evolving and there’s a lot we don’t yet understand about how seaweed farming might impact carbon sequestration. Davis shares insights into the ongoing research and its promise on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast with host Russ Altman.

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 quest. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu.

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Stanford Profile: Kristen Davis

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Russ Altman introduces guest Kristen Davis, a professor of oceans at Stanford University.

(00:03:20) Understanding the CO2 Problem

The origins of the CO2 problem and its connection to ocean dynamics.

(00:06:11) Seaweed as a Solution

Seaweed's potential as a carbon sink and its comparison to terrestrial trees.

(00:09:02) Challenges in Seaweed Cultivation

Ecological impacts and practical challenges of scaling seaweed farming.

(00:12:00) How a Seaweed-Based Solution Works

Logistics for seaweed farming nearshore and in deep ocean settings.

(00:15:08) Genetic Advances in Seaweed Farming

Bioengineering seaweed for resilience and optimizing carbon capture.

(00:16:43) Seaweed Beyond Carbon Storage

Potential uses of seaweed for biofuel, food, and reducing methane.

(00:20:20) Internal Waves in Ocean Dynamics

Internal waves and their role in mixing and nutrient distribution.

(00:24:18) Currents vs. Internal Waves

The relationship between ocean currents and internal waves.

(00:26:47) Measurement Technologies

Innovations in fiber-optic sensors for mapping internal waves.

(00:30:22) A Global Wave Map

The vision for a comprehensive, global study of internal wave dynamics.

(00:31:22) Conclusion

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The future of kidney dialysis Jan 17, 2025

Show notes

Nephrologist Manjula Tamura discusses the downsides of kidney dialysis, especially for old or frail patients. Her field has set its sights on offering alternatives, including supportive medical management without dialysis, dialysis in increments, wearable artificial kidneys, and transplanted kidneys from genetically modified pigs – in addition to advances in preventive care that can help humans avoid kidney failure in the first place. Dialysis can extend life, she says, but it is a lifestyle change. The goal is to ensure that every patient’s choice aligns with their values and life goals, Tamura tells host Russ Altman in this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.

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Stanford Profile: Manjula Kurella Tamura

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Russ Altman introduces guest, Manjula Tamura, a professor of medicine and nephrology at Stanford University Medical School.

(00:02:58) The Kidney’s Vital Role

The kidney’s role and why its failure is life-threatening.

(00:04:51) Causes of Kidney Failure

The leading causes of kidney failure in developed countries.

(00:07:58) Kidney Transplantation

The feasibility, barriers, and supply challenges of kidney transplantation.

(00:09:50) The Dialysis Process

How hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis work and patient experiences.

(00:14:07) The Evolution of Dialysis Treatment

The history of dialysis and how Medicare’s expansion influenced its use.

(00:18:48) Study Design: Emulating Clinical Trials

Using VA electronic health records to simulate trials on dialysis.

(00:25:31) Findings: Survival vs. Time at Home

The trade-offs between extended survival and reduced time at home.

(00:27:02) Quality of Life and Dialysis

Measuring quality of life impacts through electronic health records.

(00:30:32) The Future of Kidney Treatments

Innovations like xenotransplantation and wearable artificial kidneys.

(00:33:04) Conclusion

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The future of robotic surgery Jan 10, 2025

Show notes

Guest Renee Zhao works at the cutting-edge of robotic surgery – literally. Emboldened by advances in 3D-printing and miniaturization, she builds “millibots,” magnet-controlled, millimeter-scale soft robots that navigate the bloodstream to remove blood clots and treat brain aneurysms. While the millibot’s promise is clear, much work remains before the devices are commonplace. Revolutionizing health care with surgical robots will require a delicate balance of design, buildability, and functionality, Zhao tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.

Episode Reference Links:

Stanford Profile: Renee Zhao

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Russ Altman introduces guest Renee Zhao, a professor of mechanical engineering at Stanford University.

(00:03:34) Robotic Surgery and Healthcare

Renee’s inspiration for soft robotics and its potential in healthcare applications.

(00:05:49) Current Status of Robotic Surgery

Current robotic surgery technologies and the push for more advanced solutions.

(00:09:32) Nature-Inspired Soft Robotics

How soft robotic systems are ideal for working within delicate human tissues.

(00:11:41) Millirobotic Systems

Recently developed millimeter-sized robots that swim and navigate blood vessels.

(00:14:46) Millirobot Control

The role of magnetic fields and imaging technology for robot navigation.

(00:17:18) Treating Blood Clots and Aneurysms

The multifunctional abilities of robots to deliver drugs and treat blood clots.

(00:19:46) Doctor’s Reaction to New Technology

Excitement for the new robotic advancements amongst the need for better tools.

(00:21:04) Trends in Robot Size and Functionality

The design challenges for creating small yet functional robots.

(00:25:52) AI and Machine Learning in Robotic Design

AI’s role in optimizing robot design for specific patients.

(00:28:59) Why Millimeter-Scale Robots

Why millirobots strike the right balance for performance and functionality.

(00:32:34) Conclusion

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Best of: The future of exercise Jan 03, 2025

Show notes

Happy New Year! For many of us, a new year brings a renewed sense of motivation when it comes to health. Earlier this year, Russ sat down to speak with Jonathan Long, a Stanford biochemist who studies the chemicals produced during exercise. The conversation was one of our most popular during 2024 and today we’re re-sharing it. As many of us look to create healthy habits in 2025, we hope you’ll tune in to hear the exciting research Professor Long is doing to better understand the deep chemical connections between diet, exercise, and human health.

Episode Reference Links:

Stanford Profile: Jonathan Z. Long
Johnathan’s Lab: LongLab@Stanford

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Host Russ Altman introduces guest Johnathan Long, a professor of pathology at Stanford University.

(00:01:55) Effective Weight Loss Drugs

The history and development of GLP-1 receptor agonists.

(00:03:27) Understanding Metabolism and Exercise

The role of metabolic chemicals released during physical activity.

(00:05:02) Animal Models in Exercise Studies

The use of animal models in exercise studies and the discovery of Lac-Phe.

(00:06:40) Psychological Preparation for Exercise

The psychology of exercise preparation and the involvement of endocannabinoids.

(00:08:53) Lac-Phe's Role and Mechanism

Lac-Phe’s role in suppressing appetite and its production in the gut.

(00:11:46) Differences in Exercise Response

Exercise response between trained athletes and untrained individuals.

(00:12:50) Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases

The relationship between diabetes, exercise, and metabolic diseases.

(00:14:54) Lac-Phe as a Potential Therapeutic

Lac-Phe’s potential and parallels to the early stages of GLP-1 drug development.

(00:16:13) Importance of How Weight is Lost

The importance of losing fat while preserving lean muscle mass.

(00:19:04) Exercise as Medicine

The need to define physical activity at the same resolution as modern medicines.

(00:22:03) Metformin and Exercise Pathways

The unexpected connection between metformin and the Lac-Phe pathway.

(00:23:53) Prospects of an Exercise Pill

The future of an exercise pill, and challenges associated with its development.

(00:26:57) Conclusion

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Best of: The future of skin longevity Dec 27, 2024

Show notes

Happy Holidays! However you’re celebrating, we hope you’re able to find time to connect with friends, family, and loved ones. To accompany you through the season, we’re re-running one of our most popular episodes from 2024, the future of skin longevity with Professor Zakia Rahman. As an expert in dermatology, Professor Rahman explains that our skin is our most photographed organ, and taking care of it is not about vanity but rather vitality. Tune in to hear our conversation about everything from laser therapies to sun protection.

Episode Reference Links:

Stanford Profile: Zakia Rahman
Stanford Center on Longevity

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Host Russ Altman introduces guest Zakia Rahman, a professor of dermatology at Stanford University.

(00:02:05) The Impact of Digital Technologies

How digital technologies and image exposure affect dermatology and self-perception.

(00:03:20) Effects of Self-Image on Dermatology

Balancing vanity and vitality in modern skincare trends.

(00:04:46) The Role of Lasers in Dermatology

The use of laser technology in dermatology, including types and applications.

(00:08:25) Lasers in Skin Cancer Treatment

How laser technology aids in the treatment and prevention of skin cancer.

(00:09:52) Progress in Skin Cancer

Skin cancer prevention and the effectiveness of sun protection measures.

(00:13:10) Effectiveness of Physical Sun Protection

The protective benefits of everyday clothing versus specialized sun-protective gear.

(00:18:35) Ethnic Differences in Skin Health

The differences in skin health and sun exposure across various ethnic groups.

(00:23:24) Aesthetic and Cultural Implications in Skin Care

How cultural perceptions of beauty intersect with skincare and overall health.

(00:25:46) Therapeutic Effects of Light

The potential skincare benefits of red light therapy and its popularity.

(00:28:33) Conclusion

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The future of depression care Dec 20, 2024

Show notes

Leanne Williams is an expert in depression. The first thing that she wants the world to know is that depression is not some sort of character flaw, but a real illness with symptoms that can impair one’s ability to function day to day. The past decade has seen remarkable advances, she says, as functional MRI has opened new avenues of understanding depression’s mechanisms and its treatments. These are hopeful times for the science of depression, Williams tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.

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Stanford Profile: Leanne Williams

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Russ Altman introduces guest Leanne Williams, a professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science at Stanford University.

(00:02:13) What Is Depression?

Distinguishing clinical depression from everyday sadness.

(00:04:02) Current Depression Treatment Challenges

The trial-and-error of traditional depression treatments and their extended timelines.

(00:06:46) Brain Mapping and Circuit Dysfunctions

Advanced imaging techniques and their role in understanding depression.

(00:09:33) Diagnosing with Brain Imaging

How brain imaging can complement traditional diagnostic methods in psychiatry.

(00:10:52) Depression Biotypes

Identifying six distinct biotypes of depression through brain imaging

(00:14:41) Biotypes and Personalized Treatments

How biotypes allow for targeted therapies and improve treatment outcomes.

(00:19:33) AI in Depression Treatment

Using AI to refine biotypes and predict treatment outcomes with greater accuracy.

(00:22:45) Psychedelics in Depression Treatment

The potential for psychedelic drugs to target specific biotypes of depression.

(00:24:16) Expanding the Biotypes Framework

Integrating multimodal approaches into the biotype framework.

(00:27:59) Reducing Stigma in Depression

How showing patients their brain imaging results reduces self-blame and stigma.

(00:30:08) Conclusion

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The future of Alzheimer’s treatment Dec 13, 2024

Show notes

Guest Michael Greicius is an authority on Alzheimer’s disease. He makes the case that while effective treatments have remained elusive, there are high hopes for new approaches that target tau proteins in the brain associated with the disease. In the meantime, to reduce Alzheimer’s risk stay active, eat well, and manage circulatory risks, but skip genetic testing for now until better treatments emerge, Greicius tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.

Episode Reference Links:

Stanford Profile: Michael Greicius

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Russ Altman introduces guest Michael Greicius, a professor of neurology and neurological sciences at Stanford University.

(00:02:12) Understanding Alzheimer's Disease

The roles of amyloid and tau proteins in Alzheimer's disease.

(00:04:53) Challenges in Developing Treatments

The multiple hurdles in creating Alzheimer's therapies.

(00:09:07) Current Alzheimer's Drugs

The controversies and limitations of recently approved drugs.

(00:10:23) Amyloid Plaques and Their Impact

Why removing amyloid plaques hasn’t improved patient outcomes.

(00:14:29) Problems with Alzheimer's Trials

The disconnect between amyloid removal and patient outcomes.

(00:18:03) Functional Unblinding and Trial Bias

How functional unblinding affects trial results and drug evaluations.

(00:23:51) The Potential of Targeting Tau

New breakthroughs in targeting tau protein for Alzheimer’s.

(00:26:35) The Future of Prevention

Potential preemptive treatments for Alzheimer's and their administration.

(00:29:19) Lifestyle and Risk Reduction

Recommendations for reducing risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

(00:31:43) Conclusion

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The future of AI and democracy Dec 06, 2024

Show notes

Two-time guest Nate Persily is a professor of law and policy who studies the intersection of artificial intelligence and democracy. AI is creeping into democracy, he says, and 2024 saw its share of deepfakes and synthetic media, but with surprisingly little impact. His bigger concern is the opposite – politicians claiming the truth to be fake. It breeds distrust and, for democracy, that’s more pernicious, Persily tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.

Episode Reference Links:

Stanford Profile: Nathaniel Persily

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Russ Altman introduces guest Nate Persily, a professor of law at Stanford University.

(00:02:49) How AI Impacts Democracy

AI's role in influencing elections and its implications for democratic systems.

(00:03:38) Deepfakes and the Election

The limited impact of deepfakes and emerging disinformation trends.

(00:04:37) Is Skepticism Beneficial?

The role of skepticism in navigating AI-driven disinformation.

(00:06:06) AI and Social Media

How AI powers social media and its implications for democratic dialogue.

(00:08:40) AI Monopoly and Democracy

Risks of concentrated AI power among tech giants.

(00:12:03) Risks of Open AI Models

Balancing innovation and misuse risks of open AI models.

(00:17:20) Regulating AI

Global efforts to regulate AI and lessons from the European AI Act.

(00:19:54) The Global AI Race

The international race to balance progress and safeguards with AI.

(00:23:35) Global South and AI

The digital divide and role of open models in under-resourced nations.

(00:25:05) AI in Legal Practice

Potential and challenges of AI in law, from drafting to adjudication.

(00:28:55) Conclusion

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Best of: The future of underwater robotics Nov 29, 2024

Show notes

The field of robotics has a long history at Stanford Engineering, and Professor Oussama Khatib has been a pioneering leader in that field, working on everything from human-interactive robots to underwater exploration, pushing the boundaries of what robots can do. Most recently, he’s led the opening of a new Robotics Center at Stanford. Today we’re bringing back the conversation we had with him about his work on OceanOneK — a humanoid robot who now has a new home in the Robotics Center. Join us as we talk about his journey, his vision for the future of robotics, and how his research is transforming the way humans interact with machines. We hope you enjoy the episode!

Episode Reference Links:

Stanford Profile: Oussama Khatib
Stanford Robotics Lab

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Russ Altman introduces guest Oussama Khatib, a professor of engineering at Stanford University.

(00:01:54) Underwater Robotics Advancements

Innovations in underwater robotics, including breakthroughs for deeper exploration.

(00:05:35) New Flotation Materials

The discovery of lightweight, strong flotation materials for deep-sea robots.

(00:06:25) Robot Battery Challenges

The challenges of powering robots at extreme depths.

(00:09:09) Importance of Anthropomorphic Design

Why humanoid features are essential for performing delicate underwater tasks.

(00:14:20) Robotic Design Challenges

The design of lightweight robotic arms that can withstand underwater pressure.

(00:19:51) Ease of Use for Operators

How both novices and experts can quickly adapt to controlling these robots.

(00:22:37) Applications in Biology and Archaeology

Future applications in marine biology and underwater archaeology.

(00:26:12) Search and Rescue Potential

The potential for robots to assist in search and rescue missions.

(00:27:48) Future of Deep-Sea Exploration

The future of deep-sea exploration using robotics.

(00:29:40) Conclusion

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The future of AI coaching Nov 22, 2024

Show notes

Guest James Landay is an expert in human-centered artificial intelligence, a field all about optimizing technology for human and societal good. Landay says one of the most promising intersections is in education and AI, where the technology excels as a coaching and tutoring tool. His Smart Primer and Acorn apps use augmented reality and AI to engage children in outdoor, hands-on environmental science, and his GPT Coach is an AI-powered fitness planning tool. When it comes to AI and education, things are wide open and only just getting started, Landay tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.

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