Afleveringen
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Michael Rau is a professor, theater director, and tech innovator in one. He says that today’s technologies – AI, gaming, interactive storytelling, and even email – are reshaping what performers can do on stage and how audiences experience those performances. The best of the stage has always been about reflecting life, and technology is part of how we live today. It belongs on the stage, as Rau tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.
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(00:00:00) Introduction
Russ Altman introduces guest Michael Rau, a professor of theatre and performance studies at Stanford University.
(00:03:16) Why Theater Needs Technology
How AI and digital media are reshaping live performance.
(00:05:15) AI & Emerging Theater Tech
AI scripts, machine learning, AR, and interactive storytelling.
(00:07:28) Theater as Food
How both classic and experimental theatre styles can coexist.
(00:10:13) The Relationship Between Theater & Gaming
Theatrical storytelling and its deep connection to gaming.
(00:14:40) The Debate on Liveness
Whether live actors are necessary to theatre performances.
(00:20:2) Temping: A Play Without Actors
Rau’s theatrical piece where the audience becomes the protagonist.
(00:25:38) AI’s Role in Theater
AI-generated visuals and scripts reshape storytelling and performance.
(00:30:44) AI-Driven Improv
AI-driven improv requires new skills, blending structure with spontaneity.
(00:33:44) Should Audiences Know AI Is Involved?
How transparency increases audience engagement and appreciation
(00:35:30) Conclusion
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We've been thinking a lot about culture recently, and reflecting on how–whether or not we’re aware of it–culture is a force that’s always exerting influence on us. It’s typically only when we get outside of our daily routine, our city or even our country, and are confronted with new ways of doing things that we can clearly see the values, norms, and practices that make up the culture we live in. Today, we’re re-running a thought-provoking conversation we had with Michele Gelfand about notions of what she calls “tight” and “loose” cultures. It’s a conversation that helps illuminate some of the invisible forces of culture, and also sheds light on how understanding these forces helps us better navigate the world. We hope you’ll take another listen and enjoy.
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(00:00:00) Introduction
Russ Altman introduces Michele Gelfand, a professor of psychology and business studies at Stanford University.
(00:02:22) What is Culture?
Defining culture as a set of norms, values, and beliefs.
(00:03:36) The Tight-Loose Continuum
Tight versus loose cultures and their enforcement of social norms.
(00:06:20) Individual vs Societal Tight-Loose
The differences in tight-loose orientation across individuals and nations.
(00:08:25) Tight-Loose Across Societal Levels
How history, ecology, and mobility shape cultural tightness or looseness.
(00:11:25) Cultural Intelligence (CQ)
The role of cultural intelligence in negotiations and leadership.
(00:16:21) Tight-Loose in Personal & Professional Life
Negotiating cultural differences in relationships and organizations.
(00:19:53) Cultural Evolutionary Mismatch
Cultural responses to crises and the influence of perceived vs. real threats.
(00:23:45) Tight-Loose Differences in Business
Cultural differences in mergers, acquisitions, and financial performance.
(00:25:58) Improving Cultural Intelligence
Whether individuals can improve their CQ through practice and exposure.
(00:28:37) Tight-Loose in Politics
The growing tight-loose divide in political and social issues.
(00:31:09) Conclusion
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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We are on the cusp of a materials revolution – in electronics, health care, and avionics – says guest engineer-scientist Eric Pop. For instance, silicon and copper have served electronics admirably for decades, he says, but at the nanoscale, better materials will be needed. Atomically thin two-dimensional semiconductors (like molybdenum disulfide) and topological semimetals (like niobium phosphide) are two candidates, but with AI tools to design new materials, the future is going to be really interesting, Pop tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.
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(00:00:00) Introduction
Russ introduces guest Eric Pop, a professor of electrical engineering and materials science at Stanford University
(00:02:59) The Status of Electronics Today
The stability of silicon and copper and the challenges with miniaturization.
(00:06:25) Limits of Current Materials
How miniaturization has increased speed but also created new bottlenecks.
(00:10:29) Universal Memory
The need for faster, non-volatile memory that integrates directly with the CPU.
(00:14:57) The Search for Next-Gen Materials
Exploring better materials for chips, from silicon to copper alternatives.
(00:17:54) Challenges of Copper at Nanoscale
Issues with copper at the nanoscale and the potential of niobium phosphate.
(00:24:46) Two-Dimensional Semiconductors
The potential of carbon nanotubes and 2D materials as replacements for silicon.
(00:29:47) Nanoelectronics and Manufacturing
The shift to 2D materials and the challenges in scaling up production
(00:32:34) AI in Material Discovery
AI’s potential in discovering and manufacturing new materials.
(00:34:56) Conclusion
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Physician Ash Alizadeh has seen the future of disease diagnosis and monitoring. It is coursing through every patient’s veins. Traditionally, biopsies have required invasively gathering tissue – from a lung, a liver, or a fetus. Now it’s possible to look for disease without surgery. The DNA is sitting there in the bloodstream, Alizadeh tells host Russ Altman, as they preview the age of liquid biopsies on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.
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(00:00:00) Introduction
Russ Altman introduces guest Ash Alizadeh, a faculty member at Stanford University in Oncology and Medicine.
(00:03:39) What is a Liquid Biopsy?
Accessing tissues non-invasively using bodily fluids.
(00:04:31) Detecting Cancer with Liquid Biopsies
How localized cancers can be detected through blood samples.
(00:06:32) The Science Behind Cancer DNA Detection
The differences between normal and cancer DNA
(00:09:51) How Liquid Biopsy Technology Works
The technologies behind detecting cancer-related DNA differences.
(00:12:36) Advances in Liquid Biopsy
New detection approaches using non-mutant molecules and RNA.
(00:14:10) RNA as a Real-Time Tumor Marker
How RNA reveals active tumor processes and drug resistance.
(00:15:55) Tracking Cancer Reccurence
Using tumor-informed panels to monitor cancer recurrence.
(00:16:28) Adapting to Tumor Evolution
Why core mutations remain detectable despite cancer changes.
(00:17:57) Stability of DNA, RNA, and Methylation
Comparing durability and reliability of different biomarkers.
(00:20:49) Listener Question: Early Cancer Detection
Daniel Kim asks about pre-cancer detection and its potential impact.
(00:24:44) Liquid Biopsy in Immunotherapy
Using liquid biopsy to track and improve immune-based treatments.
(00:27:35) Monitoring CAR T-Cell Therapy
How liquid biopsy helps assess immune cell expansion.
(00:32:02) EPIC-Seq: Inferring RNA from DNA
Using DNA fragmentation to predict gene expression in tumors.
(00:34:49) Targeting Tumor Support Systems
Treatment strategies disrupting the tumor microenvironment.
(00:35:52) Conclusion
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February is American Heart Month, and in light of that, we’re bringing back an episode about a group here at Stanford Engineering that’s developing 3D printing methods for human tissues and organs, a process known as bioprinting. Motivated in part by the critical need for heart transplants, Mark Skylar-Scott and his team are specifically working to bioprint tissues of the human heart. It may sound like science fiction, but it’s actually just another example of the groundbreaking research we do here. We hope you’ll take another listen and be inspired by the possibilities.
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(00:00:00) Introduction
Russ Altman introduces guest, Mark Skylar-Scott, a professor of bioengineering at Stanford University.
(00:02:06) What is Bioprinting?
The role of cells and biopolymers in printing functional biological structures.
(00:03:31) Bioprinting a Heart
The potential of printing organs on demand, especially heart tissue.
(00:04:38) Obtaining Cells for Bioprinting
Using stem cells derived from the patient's own cells to create heart tissue.
(00:06:29) Creating Multiple Cell Types for the Heart
The challenge of printing eleven different heart cell types with precision.
(00:08:50) The Scaffold for 3D Printing
The support material used in 3D printing and how it’s later removed.
(00:10:10) Cell Migration and Organ Formation
How cells organize themselves to form functional heart tissue.
(00:12:08) Growing a Full-Sized Heart
Whether they’re printing full-sized hearts or starting with smaller organs.
(00:13:34) Avoiding Overgrowth Risks
The role of bioreactors in shaping the early stages of the organ.
(00:14:57) Scaling Up Cell Production
The need to generate massive numbers of cells for experimentation.
(00:18:32) The Challenge of Vascularization
Creating a blood vessel network to supply oxygen and nutrients.
(00:22:35) Ethical Considerations in Bioprinting
Consent, stem cell sourcing, and the broader ethical landscape.
(00:26:04) The Timeline for Bioprinted Organs
The long timeline for bioprinted organs to reach clinical use.
(00:27:24) The State of the Field & Collaboration
The collaborative, competitive biofabrication field and its rapid progress.
(00:28:20) Conclusion
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Welcome to Stanford Engineering's The Future of Everything, the podcast that delves into groundbreaking research and innovations that are shaping the world and inventing the future. The University has a long history of doing work to positively impact the world and it's a joy to share about the people who are doing this work, what motivates them, and how their work is creating a better future for everybody. Join us every Friday for new episodes featuring insightful conversations with Stanford faculty and to discover how Stanford's research is transforming tomorrow's world.
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Guest Kristy Red-Horse is a biologist who specializes in coronary artery development and disease. She says the latest advances in treatment of blockages could do away with invasive bypass surgeries in favor of growing new arteries using molecules like CXCL12, known to promote artery regrowth in mice. Red-Horse explains how leaps forward in medical imaging, expanding atlases of gene expressions, and new drug delivery mechanisms could someday lead to trials in humans. But, before that day can arrive, much work remains, as Red-Horse tells host Russ Altman in this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.
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(00:00:00) Introduction
Russ Altman introduces Kristy Red-Horse, a professor of biology at Stanford University.
(00:03:46) Replacing Open-Heart Surgery
Why bypass surgery is invasive, risky, and requires long recovery.
(00:05:09) Challenges in Artery Growth
The difficulty of targeting artery growth with medical interventions.
(00:07:32) The Role of Collateral Arteries
Definition and function of collateral arteries as natural bypass.
(00:09:37) Triggers for Natural Bypass Formation
Genetic factors that may influence the growth of these bypass arteries.
(00:10:49) Unique Properties of Coronary Arteries
Challenges of ensuring artificial growth replicates natural artery function.
(00:13:04) The Discovery of CXCL12
A key molecule that stimulates collateral artery formation.
(00:16:16) Precise Artery Growth Control
The results of targeted CXCL12 injections into mice hearts.
(00:17:32) CXCL12’s Overlooked Role
The molecule’s role in the immune system and stem cells.
(00:20:27) Guinea Pigs and Heart Attack Resistance
How guinea pigs naturally develop collaterals.
(00:23:19) Preventing Heart Disease
Using artery growth treatments to target early-stage coronary disease.
(00:25:25) Breakthroughs in Imaging Technology
New technology that enables identification of collateral growth pathways.
(00:27:07) How Collateral Arteries Form
The two mechanisms in which new arteries form.
(00:28:48) The Future of Medical Artery Growth
The possibility of eliminating bypass surgery with targeted artery growth.
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Materials scientist and physicist Guosong Hong is an expert in getting materials to do remarkable things. Recently, he and collaborators used a common food dye found in snack chips to turn living tissue transparent, allowing light to penetrate through skin and muscle. Hong is now working to realize a new age of medical imaging that lets doctors see deep into the body – without surgery. It’s a miracle of physics but it could change medicine, Hong tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.
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(00:00:00) Introduction
Russ Altman introduces Guosong Hong, an expert in physics, material science, and biology from Stanford University.
(00:02:52) Material Science Meets Neuroscience
How Guosong’s research blends nanomaterials and brain science.
(00:04:01) Why Tissue Isn’t Transparent
The challenge of light penetration in biological tissues.
(00:05:55) A New Approach to Tissue Clearing
The physics behind tissue transparency and refractive index manipulation.
(00:08:57) UV Light and Transparency
How manipulating UV absorption can align refractive indexes.
(00:11:17) First Experiments and Results
Initial tests that demonstrate successful tissue clearing.
(00:13:19) Applications in Medicine
The potential of transparent tissues in dermatology and medical imaging.
(00:15:36) Testing on Live Tissue
The results of testing transparency techniques on live mice.
(00:19:30) Transparency in Nature
How some species have naturally transparent tissue.
(00:20:52) Human Eye and Protein Transparency
The unique proteins that keep our lenses clear using similar physics.
(00:23:24) Wireless Light Inside the Body
The development of ultrasound-activated light sources for tissue imaging.
(00:26:56) Precision of Ultrasound Light
How precisely ultrasound can trigger tiny particles to emit light.
(00:29:14) Conclusion
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With the tremendous amount of information available to us today, the ability to discern what’s reliable from what’s not is crucial to combating the spread of misinformation. In 2023, we sat down with Jonathan Osborne, an expert in science education to talk about the tools our students (and really all of us!) need to critically evaluate science news and information. We hope you’ll tune into this episode again to hear about the three valuable skills Osborne says we should be teaching our students so they can debunk scientific misinformation.
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(00:00:00) Introduction
Russ Altman introduces Jonathan Osborne, a professor of education at Stanford University.
(00:01:50) State of Science Education
Current education's failure to prepare students for misinformation.
(00:03:46) Internet-Age Challenges
Why younger generations struggle with evaluating credibility online.
(00:05:07) Tools for Evaluating Claims
Three key questions to assess scientific credibility.
(00:08:10) Teaching Credibility
Using interactive challenges to teach critical thinking.
(00:10:46) Attitudes Toward Science
Flaws in the way science education is currently taught to youth.
(00:14:28) Barriers to Reform
Resistance to curriculum changes and systemic challenges.
(00:19:02) Scientific Argumentation
The importance of teaching reasoning behind scientific discoveries.
(00:24:03) Modes of Scientific Argumentation
Deductive, abductive, and inductive reasoning as key scientific methods.
(00:25:45) Inspiring Curiosity in Science
Framing science as imaginative, evidence-backed ideas to engage students.
(00:28:06) Adapting Science Standards
The need for flexible standards to address evolving education challenges.
(00:29:57) Conclusion
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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.
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(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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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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(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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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.
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(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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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.
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(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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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.
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(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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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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(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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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.
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(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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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.
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(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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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!
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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 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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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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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 James Landay, a professor of computer science at Stanford University.
(00:02:04) Evolving AI Applications
How large language models can replicate personal coaching experiences.
(00:06:44) Role of Health Experts in AI
Integrating insights from medical professionals into AI coaching systems.
(00:10:21) Personalization in AI Coaching
How AI coaches can adapt personalities and avatars to cater to user preferences.
(00:12:51) Group Dynamics in AI Coaching
Pros and cons of adding social features and group support to AI coaching systems.
(00:14:08) Ambient Awareness in Technology
Ambient awareness and how it enhances user engagement without active attention.
(00:17:44) Using AI in Elementary Education
Narrative-driven tutoring systems to inspire kids' learning and creativity.
(00:22:59) Encouraging Student Writing with AI
Using LLMs to motivate students to write through personalized feedback.
(00:23:52) Scaling AI Educational Tools
The ACORN project and creating dynamic, scalable learning experiences.
(00:27:58) Human-Centered AI
The concept of human-centered AI and its focus on designing for society.
(00:30:34) Conclusion
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Climate change authority Noah Diffenbaugh says that the effects of climate change are no longer theoretical but apparent in everyday, tangible ways. Still, he says, it is not too late to better understand the effects of climate change, to mitigate them through reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and other measures, and to adapt how we live in the face of a warmer planet. Society is falling behind in its ability to deal with increasingly extreme climate events but solutions are not out of reach, Diffenbaugh tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.
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(00:00:00) Introduction
Russ Altman introduces guest Noah Diffenbaugh, a professor of Earth System Science at Stanford University.
(00:02:34) Global Impact of Climate Change
The major areas where climate change is having the greatest impact globally.
(00:03:27) Climate Phenomena and Humans
Connecting climate science with localized human impacts
(00:06:16) Understanding Climate Forcing
The concept of "climate forcing" and its significance in Noah’s research.
(00:10:00) Geoengineering and Climate Interventions
The potential and risks of intentional climate interventions.
(00:21:18) Adaptation to Climate Change
How humans are adapting to climate change and why we might be falling behind.
(00:25:19) Increase in Extreme Events
Why extreme climate events are becoming exponentially more frequent and severe.
(00:28:34) AI in Climate Research
How AI is revolutionizing climate research by enabling predictive capabilities.
(00:32:26) Conclusion
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